U.S. patent application number 12/333798 was filed with the patent office on 2009-06-18 for hand exerciser.
This patent application is currently assigned to Z-Man Fishing Products, Inc.. Invention is credited to Paul F. Harris, JR., Amy Karpus.
Application Number | 20090156367 12/333798 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40754024 |
Filed Date | 2009-06-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090156367 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Harris, JR.; Paul F. ; et
al. |
June 18, 2009 |
HAND EXERCISER
Abstract
A hand exerciser device, comprised of a body having a thumb
opening, a plurality of finger openings spaced apart from the thumb
opening, and a central enlarged portion interposed between the
thumb opening and the finger openings where the body is fabricated
from a gelatinous elastomeric composition having both sufficient
stretchability for extension of the hand exerciser device by
opposing pressures applied by the thumb and at least one finger and
sufficient resistance for compression of the hand exerciser device
by cooperating pressures applied by the thumb and at least one
finger and also returning to the original shape with release of the
pressures, even after extensive repeated extending and/or
flexing.
Inventors: |
Harris, JR.; Paul F.;
(Ladson, SC) ; Karpus; Amy; (Ladson, SC) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HAMMER & ASSOCIATES, P.C.
3125 SPRINGBANK LANE, SUITE G
CHARLOTTE
NC
28226
US
|
Assignee: |
Z-Man Fishing Products,
Inc.
|
Family ID: |
40754024 |
Appl. No.: |
12/333798 |
Filed: |
December 12, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61013730 |
Dec 14, 2007 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/49 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/055 20130101;
A63B 21/00061 20130101; A63B 21/0555 20130101; A63B 21/0004
20130101; A63B 21/028 20130101; A63B 23/16 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/49 |
International
Class: |
A63B 23/16 20060101
A63B023/16 |
Claims
1. A hand exerciser device, comprising: a body having a thumb
opening, a plurality of finger openings spaced from said thumb
opening, and a central enlarged portion interposed between said
thumb opening and said finger openings, wherein said body being
fabricated from a polymeric material having both sufficient
stretchability for extension of said hand exerciser device by
opposing pressures applied by a thumb and at least one finger and
sufficient compressibility for compression/flexion of said hand
exerciser device by cooperating pressures applied by the thumb and
at least one finger and also returning to the original shape with
release of said pressures, even after extensive repeated extending
and/or flexing.
2. The hand exerciser device of claim 1 wherein said polymeric
material being a thermoplastic elastomer selected from the group
comprising: a chlorinated polyethylene (CPE), an ethylene
polysulfide (ET), an ethylene-propylene copolymer ((EPM); an
organopolysiloxane (SI), a polybutadiene (BP), a polyisoprene, a
polyurethane (PUR), or a styrenic block copolymer.
3. The hand exerciser device of claim 1 wherein said polymeric
material being a gelatinous elastomeric composition being a mixture
of a styrenic block copolymer selected from the group comprising:
SBS (styrene butadiene styrene), SIS (styrene-isoprene-styrene),
SEPS (styrene ethylene/propylene styrene), SEBS (styrene
ethylene/butylene styrene), SEEPS (styrene
ethylene/ethylene-propylene-styrene), or combinations thereof; and
an oil (or plasticizer) being selected from the group comprising: a
mineral oil, a silicone oil, a vegetable oil, or a fish oil; said
oil being in excess, by weight, of said copolymer.
4. The hand exerciser device of claim 1 wherein said polymeric
material being a gelatinous elastomeric composition being a mixture
of one or more styrenic block copolymers selected from the group
comprising: SBS (styrene butadiene styrene), SIS
(styrene-isoprene-styrene), SEPS (styrene ethylene/propylene
styrene), SEBS (styrene ethylene/butylene styrene), SEEPS (styrene
ethylene/ethylene-propylene-styrene), or combinations thereof; and
at least two oils (or plasticizers) being selected from the group
comprising: a mineral oil, a silicone oil, a vegetable oil, or a
fish oil.
5. The hand exerciser device of claim 1 wherein said polymeric
material being a gelatinous elastomeric composition being a mixture
of a styrenic block copolymer selected from the group comprising:
SBS (styrene butadiene styrene), SIS (styrene-isoprene-styrene),
SEPS (styrene ethylene/propylene styrene), SEBS (styrene
ethylene/butylene styrene), SEEPS (styrene
ethylene/ethylene-propylene-styrene), or combinations thereof; and
an oil mixture comprising a first oil and a second oil each being
selected from the group comprising: a mineral oil, a silicone oil,
a vegetable oil, or a fish oil; said first oil having a viscosity
greater than a viscosity of said second oil and said second oil
being used in excess of said first oil.
6. The hand exerciser device of claim 1 further comprising an
antimicrobial agent incorporated into said gelatinous elastomeric
composition to prevent or minimize bacterial growth on or within
said hand exerciser device.
7. The hand exerciser device of claim 1 having a durability to
sustain at least 400,000 extensions and/or compressions.
8. The hand exerciser device of claim 1, wherein said thumb opening
and said finger openings provide sufficient grip on a users thumb
and fingers as to prevent accidental release and dropping of said
hand exerciser device.
9. The hand exerciser device of claim 1, further comprising a core
disposed in said central enlarged portion.
10. The hand exerciser device of claim 1 having a Shore OO
durometer of between 6 and 30.
11. The hand exerciser device of claim 1 wherein said device being
tear and/or break resistant, even when damaged.
12. The hand exerciser device of claim 1, wherein said exerciser
being adapted to be attached to a stationary device to support
additional exercising techniques involving the arms and
shoulders.
13. The hand exerciser device of claim 2, wherein the thermoplastic
elastomer comprises 40 centistoke viscosity medical grade mineral
oil, Kraton 1651 thermoplastic rubber, and Irganox HP2215FF.
14. A hand exerciser device, comprising: a body having a thumb
opening, a plurality of finger openings spaced from said thumb
opening, a central enlarged portion interposed between said thumb
opening and said finger openings, and a core disposed in said
central enlarged portion; wherein said body being fabricated from a
polymeric material having both sufficient stretchability for
extension of said hand exerciser device by opposing pressures
applied by the thumb and at least one finger and sufficient
compressibility for compression/flexion of said hand exerciser
device by cooperating pressures applied by the thumb and at least
one finger and also returning to the original shape with release of
said pressures, even after extensive repeated extending and/or
flexing; said polymeric material being a gelatinous elastomeric
composition being a mixture of at least one styrenic block
copolymer selected from the group comprising: SBS (styrene
butadiene styrene), SIS (styrene-isoprene-styrene), SEPS (styrene
ethylene/propylene styrene), SEBS (styrene ethylene/butylene
styrene), SEEPS (styrene ethylene/ethylene-propylene-styrene); and
at least one oil (or plasticizer) being selected from the group
comprising: a mineral oil, a silicone oil, a vegetable oil, or a
fish oil; said thumb opening and said finger openings providing
sufficient grip on a users thumb and fingers as to prevent
accidental release and dropping of said hand exerciser device; said
hand exerciser device having a Shore OO durometer of between 6 and
30 and a durability to sustain at least 400,000 extensions and/or
compressions.
15. The hand exerciser device of claim 13 further comprising an
antimicrobial agent incorporated into said gelatinous elastomeric
composition to prevent or minimize bacterial growth on or within
said hand exerciser device.
16. The hand exerciser device of claim 13 wherein said device being
tear and/or break resistant, even when damaged.
17. The hand exerciser device of claim 13, wherein the exerciser is
adapted to be attached to a stationary device to support additional
exercising techniques involving the arms and shoulders.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. No. 61/013,730 filed Dec. 14, 2007.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to exercising a person's hand,
and more particularly to a deformable, stretchable, and resilient
hand exercising device.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Motions of the hand that are often used in the therapy, or
rehabilitation, and fitness areas include flexion, or squeezing,
and extension. There are conventional devices for flexion and for
extension, but few if any devices provide for both of these
motions. Various balls and shapes are used for flexion in the
therapy and fitness markets. Extension devices are predominantly
used in the therapy field, and many include rubber bands stretched
around a series of posts.
[0004] There is a dearth of single devices that can effectively
work all the muscles in the hand. Separate exercises using multiple
devices may be necessary to satisfactorily develop complete hand
functionality. In addition, in the case of geriatric and arthritic
patients, traditional squeeze ball devices are frequently dropped
by patients, requiring physical therapists to retrieve the dropped
device.
[0005] Hand exerciser devices are used by individuals who are
looking to strengthen and tone their muscles in addition to the
rehabilitation of patients with a wide variety of physical
ailments. Subsequent to an injury or surgical procedure, a patient
under the care of physicians, physical therapists, and/or trainers
is guided through a series of exercises using a wide variety of
devices, including hand exerciser devices, which offer differing
degrees of resistance for any targeted muscle groups.
[0006] There is a need for a hand exerciser device which allows a
user to practice both flexion and extension during conventional use
resulting in greater efficiency, comfort and a decrease in slippage
during use.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] A hand exerciser device, comprised of a body having a thumb
opening, a plurality of finger openings spaced apart from the thumb
opening, and a central enlarged portion interposed between the
thumb opening and the finger openings where the body is fabricated
from a gelatinous elastomeric composition having both sufficient
stretchability for extension of the hand exerciser device by
opposing pressures applied by the thumb and at least one finger and
sufficient resistance for compression of the hand exerciser device
by cooperating pressures applied by the thumb and at least one
finger and also returning to the original shape with release of the
pressures, even after extensive repeated extending and/or
flexing.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 is a front or back view of the hand exerciser
device.
[0009] FIG. 2 is a side view of the hand exerciser device.
[0010] FIG. 3 is a profile view of the hand exerciser device.
[0011] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the hand exerciser device in
use.
[0012] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the hand exerciser device in
use.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0013] Referring to the drawings, wherein like numerals indicate
like elements, there is shown in FIGS. 1-5, a hand exerciser device
10 according to the present invention has a body 15 which is
substantially planar, one opening for a thumb 20, four openings for
fingers 30, and an enlarged central portion 40. Fewer or additional
openings for fingers 30 may be provided. The thumb opening 20 is
spaced from the finger openings 30, which are proximate to each
other generally in a row in the embodiment shown. Placement of the
openings 20, 30 may be altered based on the needs of an individual.
The planform shape of the hand exerciser device 10 of FIGS. 1-4 is
generally triangular, but may be any shape as selected by one of
ordinary skill in the art, including but not limited to elliptical,
oblong, or circular. The enlarged central portion 40 of the body 15
may be positioned to be generally in the palm of the hand of the
user when the hand exerciser device 10 is in flexion.
[0014] A hand exerciser device 10 may provide strengthening and
rehabilitation to the hand and/or forearm, and may be provided in a
variety of sizes and resistance levels to fit various hand sizes
and user needs. Under the direction of a physician, physical
therapist, and/or trainer, the proper hand exerciser device 10
device parameters can be custom fitted to the patient.
Strengthening may be facilitated with flexion, extension,
abduction, adduction and grip. The hand exerciser device 10 may
also be used to exercise the wrist and arms with twisting action.
The color or shading of the material may be used to indicate the
level of resistance offered by the hand exerciser device 10.
[0015] Body 15 provides a stable foundation for the hand exerciser
device 10. Thumb opening 20 is an opening through the body 15 where
a user or patient may place their thumb when using the hand
exerciser device 10. Finger opening 30 is an opening through the
body 15 where a user or patient may place their finger when using
the hand exerciser device 10. Central enlarged portion 40 is
located between a thumb opening 20 and a plurality of finger
openings 30 which emanates outward from the body 15 of the hand
exerciser device 10.
[0016] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention,
a hand exerciser device 10 is provided that includes a body 15 with
one thumb opening 20 and at least one opening for another digit 30.
The body 15 may be substantially planar on the periphery, of a
varying shape and size, with an enlarged central portion 40 also of
varying shape, size, and texture.
[0017] In accordance with another embodiment of the present
invention, a hand exerciser device 10 is provided which is
comprised of a body 15 having a thumb opening 20, a plurality of
finger openings 30 spaced apart from the thumb opening 20, and a
central enlarged portion 40 interposed between the thumb opening 20
and the finger openings 30. The body 15 of the above embodiment is
fabricated from a polymeric material having both sufficient
stretchability for extension of the hand exerciser device 10 by
opposing pressures applied by the thumb and at least one finger and
sufficient compressibility for flexing of the hand exerciser device
10 by cooperating pressures applied by the thumb and at least one
finger. The hand exerciser device 10 of the above embodiment will
return to its original shape with release of the pressures, even
after extensive repeated extending and/or flexing.
[0018] Polymeric material is a moldable elastic material such as
natural rubber, synthetic rubber, or thermoplastic elastomers.
Representative elastomers may include but are not limited to
chlorinated polyethylene (CPE), ethylene polysulfide (ET),
ethylene-propylene copolymers ((EPM); organopolysiloxane (SI),
polybutadiene (BP), polyisoprene, or polyurethane (PUR).
[0019] The polymeric material may make up a gelatinous elastomeric
composition that is a mixture of a thermoplastic elastomer and an
oil (or plasticizer). In one embodiment of the present invention,
the composition may be a mixture comprised of a styrenic block
copolymer and an oil, where the oil is in excess, by weight, of the
copolymer. In another embodiment, the composition may be a mixture
comprised of a mixture of one or more styrenic block copolymers and
at least two oils. In still another embodiment, the elastomeric
material comprises a styrenic block copolymer and an oil mixture of
a first oil and a second oil where the first oil has a viscosity
that is greater than a viscosity of the second oil and the second
oil is used in excess of the first oil.
[0020] These gelatinous elastomeric compositions are elastic, tear
resistant, and soft even when damaged. They may be able to be
stretched several times their original length. They may have a
Shore 00 hardness ranging from a low of 6 to a high of 30 on the
Shore A scale.
[0021] The styrenic block copolymers, which are thermoplastic
elastomers, have a structure normally consisting of a block of a
rigid styrene on each end with a rubbery phase in the center.
Styrenic block copolymers include, but are not limited to, SBS
(styrene butadiene styrene), SIS (styrene isoprene styrene), SEPS
(styrene ethylene/propylene styrene), SEBS (styrene
ethylene/butylene styrene), and SEEPS (styrene ethylene/ethylene
propylene styrene). These materials are commercially available
from, for example, Kraton Polymers (Houston, Tex.). Exemplary
Kraton (US) products include KRATON 1651 (SEBS). It is possible to
use just one of these polymers or a combination of these
polymers.
[0022] Oil or plasticizer generally refers to mineral oil or
silicone (dimethyl silaxone) oil. The oil is mixed with the
styrenic block copolymer. The heavier oils (i.e., greater molecular
weights or greater viscosity) decrease heat deformation and
processibility and increase surface tack. Such oils are
commercially available from, for example, Crompton Corporation
(Witco Refined Products), Greenwich, Conn. Exemplary oils include:
BLANDOL white mineral oil, specific gravity @ 25.degree.
C./25.degree. C. (ASTM D4052)--0.839/0.855; Kinematic viscosity @
40.degree. C., CST (ASTM D445)--14.2/17.0 (heavy oil), and SEMTOL
white mineral oil, specific gravity @ 25.degree. C./25.degree. C.
(ASTM D4052)--0.804/0.827, Kinematic viscosity @ 40.degree. C., CST
(ASTM D445)--3.9/5.5 (light oil). It may also be possible to use
natural oils such as corn oil, vegetable oil, olive oil, fish oil,
or cod liver oil. Other conventional additives may also be added to
the elastomeric material which include, but are not limited to,
UV-stabilizer, heat-stabilizer, antimicrobial agents, antiviral
agents, antifungus agents, antioxidants, pigments, glitters, dyes,
or combinations thereof.
[0023] It will be known to those of ordinary skill in the art that
by varying the amount of copolymer and oil one can achieve an end
product having different durometer readings. In one specific
embodiment, the thermoplastic elastomer may be white mineral
oil-based, and may include 40 centistoke viscosity medical grade
mineral oil, Kraton 1651 thermoplastic rubber, and anti-oxidant
Irganox HP2215FF (from Ciba Specialty Chemicals) as selected in
combination by one of ordinary skill in the art.
[0024] In another embodiment of this invention the device may also
be fabricated of an elastomeric material impregnated with an
effective amount of an antimicrobial agent to effectively inhibit
the growth of bacteria on the surface of the device. Any
antimicrobial agent that inhibits the growth of Gram-positive and
Gram-negative organisms may be used. Examples of such antimicrobial
agents include:
[0025] 1. Metal salts, or like compounds with antibacterial metal
ions, e.g., copper mercury or silver and optionally with addition
nonmetallic ions of antibacterial properties:
[0026] 2. Typical antibiotics, e.g. neomycin, soframycin,
bacitracin, polymein;
[0027] 3. Antibacterials such as chlorhexidine and its salts;
[0028] 4. Quaternary ammonium compounds, e.g., centrimide, domiphen
bromide, and polymeric quaternaries;
[0029] 5. Iodophors such as povidone iodine, and
polyvinylpyrrolidone-iodine (PVP-I);
[0030] 6. Acridine compounds such as 9-aminoacridine,
3,6-diaminoacridine and 6,9-diamino-2-ethoxyacridine;
[0031] 7. Biguanidine compounds such as
1,6-di(4-chlorophenylbiguanido)hexane, diaminohexylbiguanide,
1,6-di(aminohexylbiquanido)hexane and polyhexamethylenebiguanide;
and
[0032] 8. Halogenated hydroxy diphenyl derivatives such as
triclosan (2,4,4'-trichloro-2'hydroxydiphenyl ether) available
under the tradename Microban.RTM. from Microban Products and
suitable for use in the food industry; and mixtures thereof.
[0033] In the preferred embodiment, the antimicrobial agent of
choice is 2,4,4'-trichloro-2'hydroxydiphenyl ether (triclosan). It
has been found that this antimicrobial agent provides extended
protection lasting the useful life of the product because the
antimicrobial protection is incorporated directly into the
polymeric matrix of the exercise device during the fabrication
process and is more than a mere surface coating. Triclosan can be
chemically bonded into the polymer's molecular structure while not
significantly altering the physical properties of the polymeric
material. As the antimicrobial agent is removed from the surface
during use of the exerciser, additional active agent particles are
released from within the polymer and migrate to the surface thereby
providing a long-lasting antimicrobial surface.
[0034] The antimicrobial agent is preferably present in the
exercise device in an amount of about 0.003% to about 25% by weight
of polymeric substrate material, and more preferably from 0.01% to
15% by weight, and most preferably from about 0.1% to about 5% by
weight of the polymeric material.
[0035] To produce the hand exerciser device 10 with the inclusion
of the antimicrobial agent, the polymeric materials and at least
one antimicrobial agent are mixed together so that the
antimicrobial agent is uniformly and stably dispersed in the
polymeric material. The antimicrobial agent may be introduced into
the polymeric material by several methods including, as a dry
crystalline substance; in a paste wherein the antimicrobial agent
is mixed with a small amount of the acrylic material; or by means
of an emulsion wherein the antimicrobial agent is dissolved or
dispersed in a solvent such as water, methanol, ethanol, ethyl
acetate, tetrahydrofuran and the like. After mixing of the
components, the devices are formed by procedures known in the art.
Examples of such procedures include compression and injection
molding, solvent casting, thermoforming, and machining.
[0036] Other additives may be included in the polymeric material to
enhance durability of the end product, flowability of the polymeric
melt, and esthetics of the end product such as coloring,
plasticizers, decorative agents such as glitter or pearlescent,
evaporative solvents, and the like.
[0037] A variety of durometer materials may be used for the device
as selected by one of ordinary skill in the art. The various
resistance levels of both the center core 50 and the outer layer
may be achieved by varying the amount of mineral oil and powdered
elastomer. A higher resistance core 50, particularly applicable
during flexion, is an optional feature. It may be desirable to
produce the exerciser without the center core 50 of differing
resistance if the hand exerciser device 10 is being marketed in the
therapy business for progressive rehabilitation, whereas a stiffer
core 50 may be desirable for use in the physical fitness industry
for muscle toning and building.
[0038] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention,
the material to be used in the hand exerciser device 10 may be any
polymeric material that has a high degree of stretchability during
extension of the exerciser caused by opposing pressures applied by
the thumb and fingers, while maintaining the desired shape at rest,
and further, maintaining the proper degree of resistance, even
after repeated extending. In accordance with still another
embodiment of the present invention, the material to be used in the
hand exerciser device 10 may be any polymeric material that has a
high degree of compressibility during compression/flexion of the
exerciser caused by cooperating pressures applied by the thumb and
fingers, while maintaining the desired shape at rest, and further,
maintaining the proper degree of resistance, even after repeated
flexing.
[0039] Durability was tested on one embodiment of the instant
invention by mounting a hand exerciser device 10 to a machine which
both stretches and compresses the device by means of an air
cylinder and a timer. The machine used for testing cycles one
compression and one stretch each second, amounting to 3600 cycles
per hour. The durability of the device was verified after 54,000
cycles, 108,000 cycles, 432,000 cycles, and 604,000 cycles.
[0040] In one embodiment of the instant invention, the hand
exerciser device 10 exhibits a durability to sustain at least
200,000 extensions and/or compressions/flexions while still
retaining the ability to return to its original shape. In another
embodiment of the instant invention, the hand exerciser device 10
exhibits a durability to sustain at least 400,000 extensions and/or
compressions/flexions while still retaining the ability to return
to its original shape. In still another embodiment of the instant
invention, the hand exerciser device 10 exhibits a durability to
sustain at least 600,000 extensions and/or compressions/flexions
while still retaining the ability to return to its original
shape.
[0041] In another embodiment of the present invention, the thumb
opening 20 and the finger openings 30 provide sufficient grip on a
users thumb and fingers as to prevent accidental release and
dropping of the hand exerciser device 10.
[0042] In still another embodiment of the present invention, the
hand exerciser device 10 may further include a core 50 disposed in
the central enlarged portion 40. Additionally, a core 50 may
include any novelty or functional inserts such as noise making
devices, lights, counters, electrical charging devices to make the
core 50 glow, and so forth. The core 50 may be included in the
molding process of the hand exerciser device 10 as discussed below,
or may be provided separate from the body 15, leaving the body 15
with a hollow center in the central enlarged portion 40 for
insertion of a core 50. In one embodiment of the present invention,
a variety of cores 50 may be placed in the body 15 by a user
interchangeably, through an opening or slit in the body 15 near the
central enlarged portion 40.
[0043] The device of this invention can be made by many
conventional molding processes, wherein the flexible elastomeric
material may be diced and placed in or extruded into a mold under
heat and pressure and partially cured. The partially cured devices
are then removed from the molds. At that point they have enough
integrity to be handled. However, their durometer is much too soft
to provide the necessary rebound characteristics. The devices are
then subsequently cured to the desired durometer, for example by
cooling in a water bath for 10-20 minutes.
[0044] In one embodiment, the exerciser may be injection molded at
temperatures in excess of 300.degree. F. in an aluminum mold that
is temperature controlled by electric resistance heaters and
cooling fluid from a recirculating system. The inner core 50 may be
molded with a metal rod embedded therein. The metal rod then
supports the core 50 in the center of the main mold during the
injection process. The rod is then removed from the finished
product. In yet another embodiment the core 50 can be removable by
molding a pocket in lieu of the core 50. This provides for the use
of core 50 devices that could not withstand the molding
temperatures, and in addition makes it possible to replace the core
50 with other interchangeable cores 50 that may have different
characteristics.
[0045] Notably, the devices can be formed in a wide variety of
colors and sizes can be produced which range from totally
transparent, to translucent, to opaque, and with varying zones of
translucence and transparency along with opaque areas.
[0046] In one embodiment of the present invention, the hand
exerciser 10 has a triangle shape and size of approximately
41/4-inch by 41/4-inch by 41/4-inch by 1/2-inch thick on the
substantially planar portion. The central enlarged portion 40 may
be approximately 2 inch to 3 inch in diameter. The finger openings
30 and thumb opening 20 may be sized according to an estimated
diameter for users in general or for a particular user, and may be,
for example, approximately from 5/16 to 3/4-inch in diameter.
[0047] FIG. 4 shows one embodiment of the hand exerciser device 10
of the present invention in use. Specifically, the hand muscles are
in flexion, as it may be seen that the hand exerciser device 10 is
compressed at the thumb and finger openings. FIG. 5 shows another
embodiment of the hand exerciser device 10 of the present invention
in use. Specifically, the hand muscles are in extension, as it may
be seen that the hand exerciser device 10 is stretched at the thumb
20 and finger openings 30.
[0048] In accordance with one embodiment of the instant invention,
the hand exerciser device 10 is adapted to be attached to a
stationary device to support additional exercising techniques
involving the arms and shoulders.
[0049] The exerciser of the present invention may isolate
metacarpophalangeal (MCP), distal interphalangeal (DIP), and
proximal interphalangeal (PIP) extension. Reverse motion may be
used to isolate MCP flexion. Functioning of individual digits may
be isolated, or worked collectively through exercise by compression
of the central enlarged portion, as well as through elongation and
twisting. The finger loops may help arthritic patients maintain
their grip on the device. The exerciser may float for use in
conjunction with hydrotherapy exercises, and may be nontoxic,
durable, washable, and kid-safe.
[0050] The present invention may be embodied in other forms without
departing from the spirit and the essential attributes thereof,
and, accordingly, reference should be made to the appended claims,
rather than to the forgoing specification, as indicated in the
scope of the invention.
* * * * *