U.S. patent application number 11/895074 was filed with the patent office on 2008-03-27 for hand/arm fulcrum and exercise device.
Invention is credited to Kenneth G. Lay.
Application Number | 20080076650 11/895074 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39225745 |
Filed Date | 2008-03-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080076650 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lay; Kenneth G. |
March 27, 2008 |
Hand/Arm fulcrum and exercise device
Abstract
A hand/arm fulcrum acting exercise device made of two
semi-cylindrical components whose lengths and diameter differ, with
the smaller sized semi-cylinder optionally permanently or removably
affixed to the larger component, the smaller diameter half cylinder
acting to position the internal cavity of the palm of a user's
hands. The larger semi-cylinder or base structure acts as a support
base for the hand aligning member and further acts as the support
base for the load-bearing structures of the anatomy of a user's
hand.
Inventors: |
Lay; Kenneth G.; (Edgartown,
MA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BURNS & LEVINSON, LLP
125 SUMMER STREET
BOSTON
MA
02110
US
|
Family ID: |
39225745 |
Appl. No.: |
11/895074 |
Filed: |
August 23, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60841432 |
Aug 31, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
482/141 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 23/16 20130101;
A63B 21/4019 20151001; A63B 21/4035 20151001; A63B 23/12 20130101;
A63B 21/4039 20151001; A63B 26/003 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/141 |
International
Class: |
A63B 23/12 20060101
A63B023/12 |
Claims
What is claimed is: cm 1) A hand/arm fulcrum acting exercise
device, so configured as to address the unique geometry of a user's
hand comprised of a base and attached members comprising: A)
semi-cylindrical base structure with a hollow or opened bottom
cavity for adding density; and B) a second smaller semi-cylindrical
structure permanently affixed or removably attached to said base
structure having a distance between 11/2'' to 2 inches in diameter
and a length of not less than 2 inches to serve as a hand
positioning member.
2) The hand/arm fulcrun exercise device as defined in claim 1,
wherein said base structure further comprises high friction pads or
feet to restrict or prevent the movement of said base unit.
3) The hand/arm fulcrum exercise device as defined in claim 1,
wherein said smaller semi-cylindrical hand positioning member
comprises an adjustable and removable strapping mechanism, having a
tension adjustable means, which is attached via slots or cut-outs
at either side of the hand location.
4) The hands/arm fulcrum exercise device as defined in claim 1,
wherein: A) the base structure with the "opened-bottom" arrangement
is equipped with two sets of straps that pass through slots running
the lengthwise direction of the base structure, such that a
weighted member may be added to said base structure, and then
secured into place via said straps; and B) the base structure
having a closed bottom arrangement.
5) The hand/arm fulcrum acting exercise device as defined in claim
1, wherein: said base structure having the open bottom
configuration is equipped with key ways on either end of said hand
positioning member, acting as passageways for cable, with loops at
both ends, such that the cable and base structure can be attached
to an external resistance mechanism.
6) The hand/arm fulcrum acting exercise device as defined in claim
1, wherein said hand, distinct member is: A) fixedly attached at a
position, eccentric to the centerline of the bottom base structure
component; and B) removably attached to said base structure
component, such that, it may be attached and removed and
repositioned as desired via a series out of slot and tap
configuration. With tabs fixedly attached to the hand positioning
member and slots fixedly attached to said base member.
7) A body fulcrum device comprising: C) semi-cylindrical base
structure with a hollow or opened bottom cavity for adding density;
and D) a second smaller semi-cylindrical structure permanently
affixed or removably attached to said base structure having a
distance between 11/2'' to 2 inches in diameter and a length of not
less than 2 inches to serve as a hand positioning member.
8) The device of claim 7 wherein said base structure further
comprises high friction pads or feet to restrict or prevent the
movement of said base unit.
Description
BACKGROUND AND FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates generally to exercise equipment and
more particularly, to those exercise devices primarily utilized for
strengthening the arms, shoulders and upper body.
[0002] Those experienced in the fields of exercise are adept in the
"floor--type" exercise modalities, which include but are not
limited to yoga, Pilates, calisthenics and dance floor exercises.
All these forms of exercise, share a common denominator. Each of
these modalities (as well as many others) demand that the
participant must engage the palms of the hands on the ground.
[0003] Yoga in particular is perhaps the most prolific at utilizing
this indigenous hand-to-ground interaction. However, interestingly
enough, most yoga practitioners seldom have prominent and developed
shoulders, arms or necks.
[0004] Conversely, one would think that given extensive load
bearing with this hand-to-ground interaction, one would think that
yoga practitioners would actually develop large backs and
shoulders.
[0005] Therefore it is the observation of this inventor that the
connection between the hand and the ground, as currently utilized
by today's yoga practitioners must be flawed.
[0006] For demonstration purposes: An example of a dynamic
hand-to-ground inter-connection can be illustrated by examining the
"set position" of a football player or a sprinter. It is widely
acknowledged that this "set-position" is when the athlete puts the
load of their upper body onto the fingertips of one hand.
[0007] It is the observation of this inventor that when one applies
a load to the ground, via their fingertips, one gains a greater
mechanical advantage, as opposed to having ones' hand and placed
flat against the ground. And more specifically, more force can be
delivered, "dynamically" into the floor or ground via the
fingertips than can be done through the palms of the hands.
Subsequently, it must be understood that as more force is exerted
downward into the floor, the greater the resulting force or
reflective force, which travels upward through the arms, shoulders,
back and neck will result. This will obviously further increase the
intensity and muscular activity to those structures.
[0008] Another observation points to the fact that the anatomy of
hand reveals some very definite structural load-bearing components.
When we look at the front or palm side of the hand, in light of a
discovery of opportunity to improve strengthening of back and neck,
it becomes very clear that there are distinct load bearing
structures, which by virtue of their size and density, are designed
to absorb greater force loads.
[0009] One area is that the base of the wrist and the other area is
at the base of the fingers. Both these areas exemplify bones, which
by virtue of their size and density are designed to absorb great
force loads. When combined with force loads distributed on both of
these structures simultaneously one will subsequently achieve the
opportunity to accomplish the greatest load bearing possible on
ones' hand structure.
[0010] Let it be further understood that the hand to ground
relationships accomplished by said modalities of yoga, Pilates,
dance and calisthenics utilize a flat hand support base. And
therefore undermine the maximum load potential of these structures.
Note; this flat hand to ground relationship only utilizes one of
these support structures. That being, the base of the wrist with
very little load distributed onto the support structure at the base
of the fingers.
[0011] To effectively load both support structures of the hand
simultaneously, one must examine the shape or geometry of the
anatomy of the hand. When we do this, we find that in a relaxed
position, the internal shape or cavity of the hand is an arc or a
semicircle. With further inspection, web find that the geometry of
the hand points, more specifically to two arcs or semicircles where
the smaller one sits on top of one larger, the smaller obviously,
between the thumb and forefinger.
[0012] If we returned for a moment to this "set-position" of the
sprinter, where the load bearing is on the fingertips, we find that
although this relationship demonstrates a stronger load capacity,
we conclude that it would be impossible for one to assume this
position for any extended period of time. Thus, this would not be
suitable or logical for our floor-based exercise modalities.
[0013] However, it should be understood that the reason that the
"set-position" is more suitable for load bearing than the flat hand
position is because the force load, which travels through the
radius and ulna bones passes into the ground centrally within the
base of support of the fingertips. This causes a greater degree of
stability.
[0014] Conversely, when the force load travels through the radius
and ulna and then on to the flat hand-to-ground relationship, the
force falls disproportionately to the base of the hand without
equal distribution onto the support structure at the base of the
fingers. Stability is then undermined.
[0015] The Object of this Invention.
[0016] Having established that the two functional load bearing
structures of the hand are the base of the fingers and the base of
the wrist, the challenge then becomes, "How to engage both of these
surfaces simultaneously?"
[0017] It is the object of this invention to offer the user a
stable, geometrically correct and interactive fulcrum for the hands
and the arms to allow one the ability to facilitate any
hand-to-ground, floor, wall or table exercise modality, in such a
way as to insure that the maximum force load can be generated onto
the support structure of ones' hands simultaneously.
[0018] A further object of this invention is to provide the user
with an anatomically correct handheld weighted dumbbell device.
[0019] It is a further object of this invention to provide the user
with an anatomically correct handheld device that can be attached
to conventional resistance exercise machines, utilizing weights or
bungiey-type resistance modalities.
[0020] Since it has been determined, that the support structures of
the hand are actually the base of the wrist and the base of the
fingers, one could only reason that canes, crutches, walkers and
the like are, by design, actually undermining those structures and
subsequently may even be undermining the strength potential which
could be accomplished if those apparatus were reconfigured.
[0021] So it is a further object of this invention that this
geometrically shaped hand/arm fulcrum be fitted on to crutches,
walkers, canes and the like to give the user the ability to
generate greater force loads onto them and gain greater muscular
activity as a result, and re-strengthen ones arms, shoulders and
backs proportionately.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0022] The objects set forth above, as well as, further and other
objects and advantages of the present invention are achieved by the
embodiments of the invention described herein below.
[0023] The present invention incorporates a base structure, which
is a semi circular or half cylindrical structure. Said structure is
composed of two half cylindrical arches, one having a larger
diameter than the other.
[0024] The larger diameter component is comprised of four or more
feet having rubber or anti-friction/anti-skid surfaces, fixedly
attached to the base structure.
[0025] The smaller arch is connected to the larger arch and may be
permanently fixed to said base each structure, or may be
repositioned at two alternate locations as needed via a system of
snaps and slots to change the angle of force onto said base arch,
cylindrical component.
[0026] A further component is a means of strapping or otherwise
retaining the user's hand firmly against the convexed or outer
surface of the said hand/arm fulcrum device. The strap or other
retainer is arranged such that it may be tightened firmly against
the back of the hand. This gives the user the opportunity to
reposition said fulcrun device at will to a location of choice
without having the need to "grip" said device with the user's
fingers.
[0027] Additional straps are positioned on the larger arch
component of the base structure, via slots or channels to align
said straps. Said straps are for the purpose of holding fixed and
additional weight component. Said component can be inserted on the
bottom surface or concave surface of the base structure and then
held into place via the straps.
[0028] A further embodiment of said the base structure and
combination dual arched hand/arm fulcrum device, involving a blow
molded procedure, would utilize the hollow cavity of the blow
molded structure to have an entry-way, through which, to introduce
density and gain weight to said apparatus.
[0029] A further component of said hand/arm fulcrum device is a
means, via two sets of key ways, so positioned on the outside
aspect of the anchoring slots for the hand strap, to allow for a
double looped cable to be inserted at will and held loosely into
place by said key ways to provide a means of attaching said fulcrum
device to an external resistance mechanism either a weighted or
spring type apparatus.
[0030] Other objects, features and advantages will be apparent from
the following detailed description of preferred embodiments taken
in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0031] Figures on pages 1, page 2 and page 4 are side perspectives
of the Hand/Arm Fulcrum-Acting Exercise Device.
[0032] Figures on page 3, page 5 and page 6 are top perspectives of
said Hand/Arm Fulcrum Exercise Device.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0033] Reference is made to page number one of the drawings, which
pictorially represents the side perspective of the hand/arm
fulcrum-acting exercise device. The base structure (FIG. 1-5) of
said device is preferrably made of high-impact plastic material
capable of withstanding any potentially excessive loads, so
administered by one's full body load capacity passing through one's
hands.
[0034] FIG. 1-1 illustrates the high friction foot surfaces.
[0035] The smaller arch component (FIG. 1-6) is so designed as to
position the internal cavity of the anatomy of one's hand. That
being the soft tissue area, located between the base of the wrist
and the bony structure found at the base of the fingers.
[0036] FIGS. 1-3 and 3-3 illustrate the entry point for a cable,
having loops at both ends such that said cable can be securely
fastened to an external resistance device, either a weighted or
bungee type apparatus, often found in health clubs.
[0037] FIGS. 1-2 and 3-2 illustrate the passageway for passing an
adjustable strap to hold one's hand firmly against the convex
surface of said hand/arm fulcrum-acting exercise device, and more
specifically to the hand positioning member.
[0038] FIGS. 14, 2-3 and FIG. 3-1 are the passageways for two
adjustable straps located at both ends of and perpendicular to the
hand positioning member. Said straps are to secure a supplemental
weighted device, that is so configured as to fit inside the hollow
cavity on the underside of the hand/arm fulcrum-acting exercise
device. FIG. 2-1 further demonstrates the location for said
supplemental weighted structure to be inserted.
[0039] FIG. 2-2 again illustrates the hand positioning member. FIG.
2-4 designates the location of the load structure of the hand found
at the base of ones wrist. The location at FIG. 2-5 designates the
location of the load structure found that the bottom of one's
fingers consisting of those large bony structures.
[0040] FIG. 4-1 demonstrates the strap, with adjusting buckle so
utilized for holding said supplemental weight component as
described above.
[0041] FIG. 5-1 illustrates the adjustable strap, with adjustable
buckle to hold one's hand firmly against said hand positioning
member.
[0042] FIG. 6-1 is representative of the multiple slot arrangement
for a proposed movable hand positioning member. Thus allows the
user to change the angle of direction of said hand positioning
member, at will, as circumstances demand.
[0043] The invention is also usable, applying the above principles,
to crutches, walker products and the like to aid handicapped
people.
[0044] It will now be apparent to those skilled in the art that
other embodiments, improvements, details, and uses can be made
consistent with the letter and spirit of the foregoing disclosure
and within the scope of this patent, which is limited only by the
following claims, construed in accordance with the patent law,
including the doctrine of equivalents.
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