U.S. patent application number 11/235437 was filed with the patent office on 2006-04-13 for exercise tool for maintaining grip strength.
Invention is credited to Alistair Wells.
Application Number | 20060079380 11/235437 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36146083 |
Filed Date | 2006-04-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060079380 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wells; Alistair |
April 13, 2006 |
Exercise tool for maintaining grip strength
Abstract
An exercise tool intended for climbers to exercise the muscles
in the forearm used during climbing and maintain this grip
strength. The first embodiment is a circular disc with ridges and
grooves on its surface that replicate features found on a rock
face. The disc can be attached via a cord to a weight. The user
exercises muscles by gripping the disc using the various features
and lifting the device and weight. All the major grips used in rock
climbing are found on the disc. The second embodiment separates
each different grip onto individual tools. Each tool is used
independently of the other holds to exercise the relevant
muscles.
Inventors: |
Wells; Alistair; (Atlanta,
GA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Alistair Wells
1344 Chalmette Drive
Atlanta
GA
30306
US
|
Family ID: |
36146083 |
Appl. No.: |
11/235437 |
Filed: |
September 26, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60617366 |
Oct 8, 2004 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
482/49 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/0023 20130101;
A63B 21/4019 20151001; A63B 2069/0008 20130101; A63B 21/06
20130101; A63B 23/14 20130101; A63B 69/0048 20130101; A63B 69/36
20130101; A63B 23/16 20130101; A63B 69/004 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/049 |
International
Class: |
A63B 23/16 20060101
A63B023/16 |
Claims
1. A tool for exercising grip muscles comprising a flat
approximately circular disc composed of semi-rigid material whose
surface is covered with a plurality of gripable ridges and divots
and a means to connect said disc to a heavy object.
2. The tool for exercising grip muscles as in claim 1 where in said
material is a semi-rigid rubber.
3. The tool for exercising grip muscles as recited in claim 1,
wherein said disc in plan view, has a hole penetrating its full
depth.
4. The tool for exercising grip muscles as recited in claim 1,
wherein a cord can be passed through said hole.
5. The tool for exercising grip muscles as recited in claim 1,
wherein both ends of said cord can be attached to a weight.
6. The tool for exercising grip muscles as recited in claim 1,
wherein the said ridges and divots on the surface of the said disc
mimic specific features on a rock face.
7. The ridges and divots as recited in claim 6 form the following
climbing holds on one side of said disc: a. One, two and
three-finger rounded pocket holds b. Shallow and very shallow crimp
c. Multi-finger pinches
8. The ridges and divots as recited in claim 6 form the following
climbing holds on the alternative side of said disc: a. One, two
and three-finger sharp pocket holds b. Deep crimp c. 3-finger
shallow crimp d. Sloper
9. An exercise implement for strengthening grip muscles comprising
a flattened circular object whose parallel opposed major faces are
covered with a plurality of indentations and a means to connect
said object to a weight.
10. The tool for exercising grip muscles as in claim 9 where in
said material is a semi-rigid rubber.
11. The tool for exercising grip muscles as recited in claim 9,
wherein said disc in plan view, has a hole penetrating its full
depth.
12. The tool for exercising grip muscles as recited in claim 9,
wherein a cord can be passed through said hole.
13. The tool for exercising grip muscles as recited in claim 9,
wherein both ends of said cord can be attached to a weight.
14. The tool for exercising grip muscles as recited in claim 9,
wherein the said ridges and divots on the surface of the said disc
mimic specific features on a rock face.
15. The ridges and divots as recited in claim 14 form the following
climbing holds on one side of said disc: a. One, two and
three-finger rounded pocket holds b. Shallow and very shallow crimp
c. Multi-finger pinches
16. The ridges and divots as recited in claim 14 form the following
climbing holds on the alternative side of said disc: a. One, two
and three-finger sharp pocket holds b. Deep crimp c. 3-finger
shallow crimp d. Sloper
17. A method of exercising an individual's grip muscles
comprising:
18. providing a tool for exercising grip muscles,
19. providing a weight and attaching said weight to said disc,
20. griping said disc and raising said disc and said weight
repeatedly, or;
21. lifting said disc and said weight to a point and maintaining
said disc and said weight above the ground for a period of
time.
22. to exercise different grip muscles rotate said disc and grip
differently repeating 20 and 21 above.
23-33. (canceled)
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of PPA Ser.
No.US60/617,366 filed 2004 Oct. 08 by the present inventor.
FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH: NONE
SEQUENCE LISTING: NONE
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] This invention generally relates to grip exercise tools,
specifically to such exercise tools used by climbers to strengthen
their forearms.
[0004] 2. Prior Art
[0005] Climbing is a unique sport in many respects. Maintaining
performance and strength can currently only really be achieved by
consistently climbing, either outside or inside in a gym.
Unfortunately, the forearm muscles used to grip the rock rapidly
lose strength when they are not used regularly. There are two
problems facing climbers trying to maintain their grip strength and
fitness: [0006] 1. The best exercise for climbing is climbing
[0007] 2. Current tools only provide isotonic exercises
[0008] Climbing is the best exercise for climbers, but is rarely
possible to climb regularly and there are always occasions when
reaching the rock or gym is difficult. As a consequence, climbers
often have to accept loss of strength and often lengthy periods of
rebuilding this strength.
[0009] The strength required by the fingers in climbing is known as
isometric strength. Isometric contractions in a muscle produce no
muscle shortening and result in no movement of the muscle.
Essentially, the muscles and tendons hold their appropriate joints
and levers in a locked position. Without maintaining a consistent
isometric training program the muscles in the forearm, which are
used to grip, rapidly loose strength. Normally, this training is
achieved by climbing, but when this is not possible strength losses
are common and can be rapid.
[0010] For many years climbers have had to accept this or have
attempted to exercise the muscles using various devices. Many such
devices exist are described by many patents.
[0011] For example, there are many devices similar to U.S. Pat. No.
6,672,995. They comprise a pair of handles, pivotally secured to
each, that provide resistance when squeezed and hence exercise the
muscles of the hand and forearm. These patens include U.S. Pat. No.
5,308,299, No. 5,833,580, No. 4,623,141 and No. 5,599,256.
[0012] Using a different approach, the apparatus defined by U.S.
Pat. No. 5,125,878 uses the tension between two parallel rods
within a frame to strengthen the muscles of the hand and
forearm.
[0013] A much more recent tool used to exercise the muscles of the
forearm is described by U.S. Pat. No. 5,890,999. This describes a
malleable ball body having a resilient cover and putty filler. The
user repeatedly squeezes and deforms the ball which serves to
exercise the muscles of the forearm. Though this patent describes
and apparatus that is well used and can be used almost anywhere, as
with all the fore mentioned patents, it only promotes isotonic
strength or moving strength. This type of repetitious muscle
contraction results in shortening of the muscle, giving movement.
Isometric strength is vital in climbing and should be developed,
but few devices are available that specifically target isometric
strength and the climbers need to develop and maintain constant
grip strength.
[0014] In contrast, U.S. Pat. No. 4,645,203 does promote the
development of some isometric strength. A weight is raised by using
the muscles of the forearm to twist a handle. A rope attached to
the center of the handle is tied to the weight. The twisting and
rotation of the handle wraps the rope around the handle so raising
the weight. The resistance provided by the weight and the necessary
grip provides the exercise. This apparatus does develop both
isometric and isotonic strength, but the motions used are in no way
similar to the motions used whilst climbing.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0015] The object of this invention is to provide climbers with a
unique new exercise tool. It allows climbers to: [0016] 1. Maintain
forearm strength when actual climbing is not possible. [0017] 2.
Exercise using grips and holds similar to those found in reality.
[0018] 3. Develop forearm training programs that emulate actual
climbing.
[0019] The advantages of this exercise tool are: [0020] It is
compact and can be used anywhere [0021] It specifically builds
isometric strength used in climbing [0022] Many types of grip
exercised using one tool
[0023] It solves the following problems: [0024] Forearm muscles can
be exercised even when away from the cliff or gym [0025] There are
no training tools currently available that provide an isometric
workout for the forearm muscles
[0026] The first embodiment of the current invention is a piece of
semi-rigid rubber formed into disc shape, at the center of which is
a hole that penetrates the full depth of the disc. A cord is passed
through this center hole, once at the midpoint of the cord, the
ends of the cords are brought together. A weight is attached to the
ends of the cord.
[0027] The edges and surfaces of the disc are formed into features
that once gripped, recreate all the major grips used in climbing.
By griping the disc using one of the various "holds" and lifting
the weight (or simply preventing the weight from hitting the
ground), the gripping muscles perform an isometric exercise. To
change the type of grip used the disc is simply rotated so that a
different hold and grip has to be used to lift the weight.
[0028] The second embodiment of the current invention is defined by
a series of individual objects. The surface of each object has one
feature that recreates a particular climbing hold. Each individual
object is triangular in shape. At its apex is a hole through which
a cord or clip can be attached, which in turn can be attached to a
weight. By griping the object using the particular hold and lifting
the weight (or simply preventing the weight from hitting the
ground), the gripping muscles perform an isometric exercise. To
change the type of grip used one of the different object is
attached to the weight so that a different hold and grip has to be
used to lift the weight.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING
[0029] The accompanying drawings form part of the specification.
They illustrate aspects of the present invention and, together with
the description, explain the principles of the invention.
[0030] In the drawings:
[0031] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of side A of the first
embodiment of the current invention.
[0032] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of side B of the first
embodiment of the current invention.
[0033] FIG. 3 is a plan View of side A showing specific holds of
the first embodiment of the current invention.
[0034] FIG. 4 is a plan View of side B showing specific holds of
the first embodiment of current invention.
[0035] FIG. 5 shows a profile through the first embodiment of the
current invention.
[0036] FIG. 6 shows a profile through the first embodiment of the
current invention.
[0037] FIG. 7 is a sketch of the first embodiment of the current
invention in use.
[0038] FIG. 8 shows a plan view of the training device with a
pocket hold.
[0039] FIG. 9 shows a cross-section view of the training device
with a pocket hold.
[0040] FIG. 10 shows a plan view of the training device with a
crimp hold.
[0041] FIG. 11 shows a cross-section view of the training device
with a crimp hold.
[0042] FIG. 12 shows a plan view of the training device with a
sloper hold.
[0043] FIG. 13 shows a cross-section view of the training device
with a sloper hold.
[0044] FIG. 14 shows a plan view of the training device with a
pinch hold.
[0045] FIG. 15 shows a cross-section view of the training device
with a pinch hold.
[0046] FIG. 16 shows a second cross-section view of the training
device with a pinch hold.
[0047] Reference will now be made in detail to the presently
preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are
illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION OF THE INVENTION
[0048] The first preferred embodiment of the current invention
comprises a disc approximately 8 inches in diameter and
approximately 1 inch deep. The disc is formed from a single, solid
piece of rubber or resin combined with sand. The sand provides the
necessary texture to replicate a rock surface and provide a degree
of friction to the user.
[0049] The disc is constructed using a molding process. The mold
consists of an upper and a lower half. The upper mold half is
brought into an aligned relationship with the lower mold half,
following which liquid resin is pored into the aligned mold halves.
A cavity created by the two mold halves is filled by the resin.
This cavity forms the shape of the disc. Once the resin is cooled
the halves are separated and the disc released.
[0050] In plan view (FIGS. 3 & 4), the disc is penetrated
through its full depth by a hole 14 approximately 1/4 of an inch in
diameter. Through this hole is passed a length of cord. The ends of
the cord are brought together and a weight is attached. The mass of
the weight can be varied. Exercise is performed by lifting both
device and the attached weight.
[0051] The surface of each side of the disc (side A and side B) is
shaped into features that reproduce specific rock features. These
features are formed during the molding process. The features can be
gripped using specific climbing holds and grips. Using the device
with each specific hold develops the muscles associated with that
hold.
[0052] Side A (FIG. 3) contains the following holds referenced in
the Figures by specific numerals:
[0053] A series of pocket holds intended for use with one finger 3,
two fingers 2 or three fingers 1. These holds are essentially holes
through the depth of the disc that are sized so that only a given
number of fingers can be used to lift the disc. There are three
single finger pockets 3 which permit the user to lift the device
using an individual finger. Alternatively, the single finger
pockets 3 can be used in combination and the device picked up using
two or three fingers simultaneously. On this side A of the disc the
edges of these holes 3, 2 & 1 and the surface of the disc are
rounded and convex (FIG. 5). These rounded pockets 3, 2 & 1
provide less friction and purchase and consequently, are hard to
grip and require greater finger strength to use.
[0054] Around one edge of side A (FIG. 3) runs a shallow groove 4,
approximately 1/4 of an inch deep and approximately 5 inches long.
The inner edge of this groove 4 tapers gradually to the surface of
the disc (FIG. 6) while the outer edge is sharp and well defined.
This edge exactly mimics a narrow ledge on a rock face. Lifting the
device using this hold with fingers bent at the knuckles and locked
provides the user with an exercise identical to gripping a ledge on
a rock face. Shallow crimp hold 4 is similar in profile to hold 5,
but hold 5 is shallower and narrower. It provides a similar but
more difficult hold to the user.
[0055] On the opposite edge of side A are three rows of small
concave depressions 6. In plan view they are approximately 1/2 inch
wide and approximately 1/4 inch deep. These features provide small
indentations for the finger tips. The user lifts the weight and
device by placing the finger tips in these indentations and the
thumb on the opposite side (B) of the device.
[0056] On the opposite side of the disc (B) (FIG. 4) the holes for
the finger pockets are also present. Single finger 10, two fingers
9 or three fingers 8, however, on this side of the disc their edges
are more defined and sharp (FIG. 5). Consequently, these finger
pockets provide more friction and the device can be lifted with
less effort than the pockets on side A (1, 2 & 3). As with side
A these pockets can be used individually or in combination. Around
the edge of this side (FIG. 4) runs another groove 11,
approximately 5 inches long and 1/2 inch deep. Its profile is
similar to groove 4 (FIG. 6) except it is deeper and therefore,
easier to grip and lift the device. This feature again replicates a
narrow ledge on a rock face and provides the user with exactly the
correct finger position to exercise the muscles used in this hold
(FIG. 7). To exercise two or three fingers in a similar manner, a
shallow, short indentation 12 in side B (FIG. 5) provides another
narrow ledge type feature. In this instance, however, it only
measures 2 inches in length (FIG. 4) so the users is restricted to
using two or three fingers to raise the device and weight.
[0057] Side B has a rounded bulge 13 that is defined by a 1/2 inch
deep groove that in plan form (FIG. 2 and 4) is approximately
circular in plan. The region within the groove (FIG. 6) forms this
rounded bulge 13. Its smooth, rounded surface provides the user
with a difficult sloping hold. To lift the device and weight, this
hold must be gripped carefully using all fingers to provide as much
friction as possible. In the discipline of climbing, such a hold is
known as a sloper.
[0058] Finally, the edge of the entire disc 7 can be used as an
exercise (FIG. 7). Using the finger and thumb of one hand the edge
of the disc can be pinched and the device raised. Any location
along the disc edge can be used in this way. However, the edge 15
of the disc varies in thickness. At this location the width of the
device tapers from one inch to 1/4 inch. This variation in
thickness permits the user to vary the nature of the pinch used to
lift the device.
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION OF ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS
[0059] The second embodiment of the current invention is shown in
FIG. 8-FIG. 16. This embodiment consists of a series of four
individual devices each of which is used to replicate one of the
four major grips used in climbing. Each device is essentially
triangular in shape. Being approximately five inches long and
approximately four inches broad at its widest point. The depth of
the devices vary but are on average approximately one inch
deep.
[0060] Each device is formed from a single, solid piece of rubber
or resin combined with sand. The sand provides the necessary
texture to replicate a rock surface and provide a degree of
friction to the user. Each device is constructed using a molding
process. The mold consists of an upper and a lower half. The upper
mold half is brought into an aligned relationship with the lower
mold half, following which liquid resin is pored into the aligned
mold halves. A cavity created by the two mold halves is filled by
the resin. This cavity forms the shape of the device. Once the
resin is cooled the halves are separated and the device
released.
[0061] Each device is essentially triangular in plan. At one apex
of each device is a hole that penetrates the depth of the device.
Through this hole is passed a length of cord. The ends of the cord
are brought together and a weight is attached. The mass of the
weight can be varied. Exercise is performed by lifting both device
and the attached weight.
[0062] FIG. 8 details the device designed to develop the grip
associated with pocket holds. One, two or three fingers can be used
to lift the weight and device. The fingers are placed within the
central hole 2 and the finger tips used to lift the device. The
inside edges of the hole are shaped differently. In cross section
(FIG. 9), edge 3 has a larger radius than the other edge 4. The
sharper, more defined edge 4 is easier to grip and hence, requires
less effort to raise the weight and device. In contrast, edge 3 is
less defined and requires more grip to raise the device and
weight.
[0063] FIG. 10 details the device designed to develop the grip
associated with crimp holds. On one side of the device, along the
upper edge, runs a ridge 1 (FIG. 11) approximately 1/2 of an inch
deep. The upper edge of this ridge is rounded whilst the inner edge
is flat and forms the surface 2 that is gripped by the finger tips.
The crimp hold is used in climbing to grip a narrow ledge on a rock
face. Lifting the device using this hold with fingers bent at the
knuckles and locked provides the user with an exercise identical to
gripping a ledge on a rock face.
[0064] FIG. 12 details the device designed to develop the grip
associated with sloper holds. In the center of this device is a
rounded feature 1 that is essentially convex. The exercise is
performed by placing an open hand over this feature and it is
gripped. The small amount of friction it provides is used to lift
the weight. This type of hold is very common on rock faces.
[0065] FIG. 14 details the device designed to develop the grip
associated with pinch holds. In this instance the device is gripped
between thumb and any number of fingers and the device and weight
lifted. The depth of upper edge 1 of the device varies from
approximately 3/4 inch to approximately 1/4 inch along its length
(FIG. 16). When gripped at different points along this edge, the
amount the fingers pinch varies. This allows the user to vary the
exercise.
[0066] It is apparent that there has been provided, in accordance
with the invention, an exercise tool that satisfies the aims and
advantages described above. While the invention has been described
in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident
that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be
apparent to those skilled in the art and in light of the foregoing
description. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such
alternatives, modifications and variations as fall within the
spirit of the appended claims. It is clear that this device could
provide benefits to many other athletes. Any sport requiring a
degree of grip strength, golf, martial arts, weigh lifting, and
baseball could integrate this device into an exercise program.
CONCLUSIONS, RAMIFICATIONS, AND SCOPE OF INVENTION
[0067] Thus the reader will see that the tool for exercising grip
muscles of the invention provides an effective, portable and easy
to use tool for exercising and maintaining grip strength. While my
above description contains many specifities, these should not be
construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but rather
as an exemplification of preferred embodiments thereof. Many other
variations are possible. For example, the device could be formed in
various shapes to improve the nature of the grip.
[0068] Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined
not by the embodiments illustrated, but by the appended claims and
their legal equivalents.
* * * * *