U.S. patent application number 12/506681 was filed with the patent office on 2010-07-15 for exercise and stretching pole with flexible handle.
Invention is credited to Hugh A. Reilly.
Application Number | 20100179037 12/506681 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46327131 |
Filed Date | 2010-07-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100179037 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Reilly; Hugh A. |
July 15, 2010 |
EXERCISE AND STRETCHING POLE WITH FLEXIBLE HANDLE
Abstract
A device and method for stretching muscles and increasing
flexibility. A rod like device is used with various exercises and
body motions to stretch and increase flexibility. The rod has a
handle of which at least a portion is flexible so as to be capable
of being bent relative to the remainder of the device during use.
This flexibility in the handle helps to relieve the stress on the
hands and wrists of the user.
Inventors: |
Reilly; Hugh A.; (Huntingdon
Valley, PA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FOX ROTHSCHILD LLP
997 Lenox Drive, Bldg. #3
Lawrenceville
NJ
08648
US
|
Family ID: |
46327131 |
Appl. No.: |
12/506681 |
Filed: |
July 21, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11627927 |
Jan 26, 2007 |
7578747 |
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12506681 |
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09968423 |
Oct 1, 2001 |
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11627927 |
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60236658 |
Sep 29, 2000 |
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60271522 |
Feb 26, 2001 |
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60762555 |
Jan 26, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
482/139 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2023/006 20130101;
A63B 15/00 20130101; A63B 26/00 20130101; A63B 21/0004 20130101;
A63B 69/3623 20130101; A63B 23/0233 20130101; A63B 23/0211
20130101; A63B 2208/02 20130101; A63B 2225/09 20130101; A63B
2225/093 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/139 |
International
Class: |
A63B 71/00 20060101
A63B071/00 |
Claims
1. A device useable for exercise and stretching, said device
comprising: a longitudinal rod having a longitudinal axis and
having an upper end and a lower end configured for contacting the
ground so as to resist slippage; a handle positioned at said upper
end of said rod, wherein at least a portion of said handle is
bendable away from said longitudinal axis of said rod and is
grippable by a user.
2. The device of claim 1 wherein said handle comprises a first
section and a second section, said second section being attached to
said first handle section and comprises said portion that is
bendable away from said longitudinal axis of said rod.
3. The device of claim 1 wherein said handle comprises a first
section and a second section pivotally attached to said first
handle section so as to allow polyaxial movement of said second
handle section away from said longitudinal axis of said rod for
bending away from said longitudinal axis.
4. The device of claim 3 wherein said handle comprises at least one
tapered section that increases in thickness in a direction from an
upper end of said handle to a lower end of said handle.
5. The device of claim 1 wherein said rod includes first and second
rod sections that are displaceable relative to one another to
change the length of said device, said first and second rod
sections being releasably lockable relative to one another to fix
said rod at a desired length.
6. The device of clam 3 further comprising a spring attaching said
first and second handle sections together to allow said polyaxial
movement and which urges said second handle section towards a
position in alignment with said longitudinal axis.
7. An exercise and stretching device which can be held in one
location against the ground by a user for performing exercise and
stretching motions, comprising: an elongated rod having an upper
end and a lower end, said rod having a first rod section and a
second rod section moveable relative to said first rod section to
adjust a length of said rod; a handle positioned on said rod at
said upper end, at least a portion of said handle being bendable
relative to the remainder of said device and which is configured to
be gripped by the user; and a foot disposed at a lower end of said
device for contacting the ground when said device is held against
the ground, said foot being configured to resist slipping so as to
be maintained in the one location against the ground during the
exercise or stretching motion when the handle is gripped by the
user and said foot is in contact with the ground.
8. The device of claim 7 wherein said handle comprises a first
section and a second section pivotally attached to said first
handle section so as to allow pivotal movement of said second
handle section relative to said first handle section.
9. The device of clam 8 further comprising a spring attaching said
first and second handle sections together to allow said pivotal
movement and which urges said second handle section towards an
original position of said second handle section relative to said
first handle section.
10. The device of claim 7 further comprising a lock operable to fix
the length of said rod at a desired length;
11. The device of claim 7 wherein said portion of said handle is
attached to the remainder of said device so as to be capable of
moving in any direction 360 degrees around a longitudinal axis
extending through said remainder.
12. The device of claim 7 wherein said portion of said handle is
removable from a remainder of said device so as to be capable of
being detached from said device.
13. The device of clam 8 wherein said spring has a first section
having a diameter sized to engagingly fit within one of said rod
sections, and a second section having a second diameter larger than
said first diameter and which is sufficiently large to prevent said
second spring section from fitting within said rod section so as to
fix the length of said spring that is insertable and to said
rod.
14. the device of claim 13 wherein said spring has a third section
having a third diameter smaller than said second diameter and which
attaches to said second handle section.
15. The device of claim 9 wherein said handle is tapered, at least
over a portion of said handle, increasing in thickness in a
direction away from said upper end of said handle toward a lower
end.
16. The device of claim 7 wherein said foot comprises an
elastomeric member attached to the lower end of said rod for
contacting the ground when said device is held against the
ground.
17. The device of claim 8 wherein both first and second handle
sections are configured to be gripped by the user.
18. A method for improving a golf swing using the exercise device
of claim 7, said method comprising a user of the device doing the
following: (a) placing said lower end of said rod on the ground in
front of the user; (b) gripping said bendable portion of said
handle with both hands; (c) assuming the approximate position for
addressing the ball; (e) moving the user's arms to the back-swing
position while maintaining said grip and keeping said lower end of
said rod on the ground; and (f) bending their user's wrist so as to
bend said bendable portion of said handle relative to a remainder
of said exercise device.
19. The method of claim 17 further comprising: (f) moving the
user's arms to the finish-swing position while keeping said lower
end of said rod member on the ground.
20. The method of claim 19 wherein step (f) is carried out after
step (e).
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S.
application Ser. No. 09/968,423 filed Oct. 1, 2001 which claims the
benefit to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/236,658 filed Sep.
29, 2000 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/271,522 filed Feb.
26, 2001, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein.
The present application also claims the benefit to U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/762,555 filed Jan. 26, 2006 which is hereby
incorporated by reference herein.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to exercise and stretching
equipment and methods of using the same. More particularly, the
invention relates to a pole or rod like device and its use for
stretching.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The benefits of stretching and strengthening muscles,
particularly in sports, are well known. In baseball, for example,
batters routinely swing a bat with added weight while on deck
awaiting their turn at bat. Pitchers stretch and warm up by
throwing many balls prior to facing the batters. Runners and
swimmers likewise warm up with various stretching exercises before
competing, as do football and basketball players.
[0004] Players in golf also benefit from stretching and warming up
before play. In addition to a player's strength, flexibility may
also affect his or her ability to drive a golf ball far. One theory
is that the bigger the shoulder turns during the swing motion, the
farther the player can drive the ball. Another theory holds that
the longest hitters do not necessarily have the biggest shoulder
turns, but rather have the widest gap, called the X-Factor, between
the turning of the hips and shoulders at the top of the swing.
Under this theory, the wider the gap, the farther the player can
hit the ball.
[0005] A more recent theory holds that the X-Factor is not as
important as the X-Factor Stretch - the gap between the hips and
shoulders as the club starts down toward the ball. See P. Cheetham,
P. Martin, R. Mottram, B. St. Laurent, Second Prize: The X-Factor
Stretch, Golf Magazine, March 2001, at 98. At the beginning of the
downswing, the hips start rotating before the shoulders finish
turning back. Furthermore, the hips rotate faster than the
shoulders, increasing the hip-shoulder separation during the early
part of the downswing. Increasing this gap is believed to increase
the club head speed and add power to the swing for hitting the ball
farther.
[0006] There is currently known in the prior art a wide variety of
training devices for improving a player's swing. Such devices
typically improve the swing by teaching the proper swing mechanics.
Such devices, however, do not adequately address a player's
flexibility and range of motion, particularly in view of the above
theories. Thus, significant improvements to a player's swing, and
in particular the ability to drive a golf ball far, are believed
possible with better means for improving a player's flexibility and
range of motion. Improvements in other sports as well are believed
possible with better means for improving a player's flexibility and
range of motion. Moreover, in any sport, stretching and increased
flexibility are believed to improve performance and lessen the
likelihood of injury.
SUMMARY
[0007] The present invention provides a novel device for stretching
muscles and increasing flexibility, and novel methods for using the
device. In one form the invention provides for an exercise and
stretching device which can be held in one location against the
ground by a user for performing exercise and stretching motions.
The device has an elongated rod having an upper end and a lower
end. A handle is positioned on the rod at the upper end and at
least a portion of the handle is bendable relative to the remainder
of the device. The bendable portion of the handle is configured to
be gripped by the user. A foot is positioned at a lower end of the
device for contacting the ground when the device is held against
the ground.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed
description will be better understood when read in conjunction with
the figures attached hereto. For the purpose of illustrating the
invention, there is shown in the drawings several embodiments. It
is understood, however, that this invention is not limited to the
precise arrangement and instrumentalities shown.
[0009] Referring now to the drawings in which numbers indicate
corresponding elements throughout the several views:
[0010] FIG. 1 is a front view of an embodiment of a stretching
device in accordance with the present invention shown in a
nonextended position;
[0011] FIG. 1A is a front view of the device of FIG. 1 shown in an
extended position;
[0012] FIG. 1B is a sectional view taken along line 1B-1B of FIG. 1
and showing a lock mechanism;
[0013] FIG. 1C is a sectional view taken along line 1C-1C of FIG.
1B;
[0014] FIGS. 2, 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D are a series of illustrations
showing the device of FIG. 1 being used for a full swing stretch,
FIG. 2D being an alternative position of what is illustrated in
FIG. 2A;
[0015] FIG. 2D is an illustration showing an embodiment of the
device having a flexible handle being used for a full swing
stretch;
[0016] FIGS. 3, and 3A are a series of illustrations showing the
device of FIG. 1 being used for a neck stretch;
[0017] FIGS. 4, and 4A are a series of illustrations showing the
device of FIG. 1 being used for a back stretch;
[0018] FIGS. 5 and 5A are a series of illustrations showing the
device of FIG. 1 being used for an arm stretch;
[0019] FIGS. 6 and 6A are a series of illustrations showing the
device of FIG. 1 being used for an across chest stretch;
[0020] FIG. 7 is a front view of another embodiment of a stretching
device in accordance with the present invention which is similar to
the device shown in FIG. 1 but which has a flexible handle;
[0021] FIG. 7A is a cross sectional view of the handle portion of
the device of FIG. 7 taken along line 7A-7A;
[0022] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a cap for replacing the
flexible handle shown in FIG. 7; and
[0023] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an alternative cap for
replacing the flexible handle shown in FIG. 7.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0024] Several embodiments of the invention will now be described
in more detail. While the embodiments described are ideal for
stretching exercises to improve a golf player's swing and his or
her ability to drive a golf ball to greater distances, the
invention also may be used in relation to other activities and
sports.
[0025] Referring to FIG. 1, a stretching device 10 of the present
invention includes an extendable elongated rod 12 having an upper
end 14 and a lower end 16. The rod 12 includes a first hollow
cylindrical section 18 having an inner diameter d.sub.i (FIG. 1 B)
and a second cylindrical section 20 disposed axially within the
first section 18 and having an outer diameter d.sub.o smaller than
the inner diameter d.sub.i of the first section 18 to permit
telescopic displacement of the second section 20 within the first
section 18. The first and second sections 18, 20 of the rod 12 are
preferably made of steel for strength, although any suitable
material such as aluminum and plastics may be used.
[0026] The rod 12 is preferably extendable from a closed or
non-extended longitudinal length of 44'' as shown in FIG. 1 to a
fully extended longitudinal length of at least 6' 6'' to be useable
by most people. The outside diameter of the first section 18 is
about 1 inch, the outer diameter of the second section 20 is about
7/8 inch. Smaller or larger rods 12 can be used, as well as
sections of different cross sectional shapes and diameters.
[0027] Fixed at the upper end of the rod 12 is a hand grip 22. The
grip 22 is preferably between about 18'' and 22'' in length and
made of a foam rubber or other material that can be gripped readily
by the user. The grip may have finger indentations or a rib like
design as shown to improve the gripping. The grip can also be
tapered from the top (smaller thickness or diameter) to the bottom
of the grip (larger thickness or diameter) as shown to help the
user maintain the grip of the device 10 while applying downward
pressure on the device 10. Any alternative grip may be used.
[0028] Fixed to the rod 12 at the bottom end 16 of the rod 12 (on
the second section 20), is a foot member 24 for contacting the
ground when the device 10 is in use. The foot member 24 is formed
preferably as a rubber cylindrical knob which resists slipping
against the ground. Other suitable types of foot materials and
configurations that resist slipping can be used, such as
elastomeric, plastic and other such materials which allow the
device to be used on grass and/or on hard surfaces. Elastomeric
materials that will not damage an indoor floor surface may be
desirable for use indoors.
[0029] The first and second sections 18, 20 of the rod 12 can be
selectively locked together to fix the position of the two sections
relative to one another at the desired longitudinal length of rod
12, it being appreciated that the two rod sections 18, 20 can be
locked together at any length between the non-extended length and
the fully extended length of the rod 12, i.e., there being multiple
possible lengths at which the rod 12 can be locked. A lock 26 for
fixing together the two sections 18, 20 can take on any suitable
form. One type of locking mechanism 26 is illustrated in FIGS. 1B
and 1C. This is similar to the type of lock mechanisms used in
common extension poles for paint rollers sold in hardware stores.
With such lock mechanisms, rotation of one of the sections 18, 20
of the rod 12 relative to the other locks the two sections 18, 20
to fix the length of the rod. Rotation of the sections in the
opposite direction loosens or unlocks the sections 18, 20 so that
the length can be adjusted again (the term "releasably lockable" as
may be used herein meaning that the lock can be locked and
unlocked). The lock 26 includes a cylindrical collet 28 attached to
a top end 30 of the second section 20 of the rod 12. The collet 28
has threads 32 to threadingly engage and rotate about a tapered
threaded screw like member 34 fixed to the top end 30 of the second
section 20. Ribs 36 on the collet 28 engage the inside wall of the
first section 18 to help prevent the collet 28 from rotating with
the rotation of the second section 20, and a stop member 38
prevents the collet 28 from detaching from the second section 20.
It is seen that rotation of the second section 20 and the threaded
member 34 therewith relative to the collet 28, depending on the
direction of the rotation, can pull the collet 28 downward over the
tapered threaded member 34 thereby spreading the collet 28 to make
a friction lock with the inside wall 40 of the first section 18, or
push the collet 28 upward to loosen the friction lock. A slotted
opening 42 in the collet 28 allows the diameter of the collet 28 to
be increased or decreased with rotation of the collet 28 relative
to the tapered threaded member 34.
[0030] With reference to FIGS. 1 and 1A, located on the outer
surface of the second section 20 of the rod 12 are indicia 44 for
aiding the user in extending the device 10 to the desired length.
The indicia 44 can be calibrated to indicate the length of the rod
12 in various extended positions (such as units of inches or
centimeters), or act simply as a reference point to aid the user in
extending the rod to the desired length (relative length). The
outer surface of the lower section 20 may also be made capable of
retaining markings, such as ink, to allow the user to make his or
her own markings thereon such as reference markings. Located on the
outer surface of the first section 18 of the rod 12 are
instructions for use. Here, the instructions include pictures 46
illustrating particular uses of the rod 12. Written instructions
may also be included.
[0031] The present device 10 as illustrated and described herein is
believed to be in compliance with USGA Rule 14-3 and thus can be
stored in a golf bag for carrying onto a golf course.
[0032] Having described a preferred embodiment of the stretching
device 10, methods of improving a golfer player's swing using such
a device will know be described. These methods, however, are
believed useful for other sports as well, and for all around
physical conditioning.
Full Swing Stretch
[0033] With reference to FIGS. 2, 2A, 2B, and 2C, a full swing
stretch is now described for a right-handed player 50. With
particular reference to FIG. 2, the golfer 50 assumes the position
to address the ball, typically standing up straight with feet
shoulder width apart and knees slightly flexed. The arms are
extended fully straight out in front, back straight, the distance
between the inside of the feet set apart approximately the width of
the shoulders. With the device 10 in hand and preferably already
extended to the desired length, the player 50 places the lower end
16 of the device 10 on the ground 52 in front of him or her.
Preferably, at least for the initial use of the device 10, the
lower end 16 is placed on the ground 52 in the approximate area 54
where a golf ball would be teed up. The device 10 is gripped with
both hands (right-hand 56 and left-hand 58) along the grip 22 in a
manner similar to that of gripping a golf club (as if the golf club
were being held vertically with the head of the club at the top,
i.e., right-hand 56 on top of left-hand 58 with thumbs on the top
of the hands). The device 10 is gripped at a height preferably 1''
to 2'' above the player's head 60.
[0034] With reference to FIG. 2A, the back swing is then begun in a
manner similar to the swinging of a golf club. While maintaining
the grip of the device 10 and the position of the lower end 16 on
the ground 52, the golfer 50 rotates the upper body to the right,
moving the hands to the full back swing position. The left arm 64
should remain fully extended through this motion, the right knee 66
kept inside the right foot 70, and the head 60 kept centered. This
position can be held if desired, e.g., for about thirty (30)
seconds to fully stretch the muscles.
[0035] To increase coil and turn, the player 50, while holding the
back swing position, draws the lower end 16 of the pole close to
his/her right foot 70 progressively. This position can also be
held, e.g., thirty (30) seconds.
[0036] As another option, to maximize stretching, the player, while
maintaining the back swing position, can drop to a sitting position
slowly. See FIG. 2B. The player 50 should feel additional back
stretching. This position can be held, e.g., thirty (30)
seconds.
[0037] To complete the full swing stretch, the player can swing
from the full back swing position as shown in FIG. 2A to the
finished down swing position as shown in FIG. 2C. The player 50
begins the down swing and continues to the finished position in a
manner similar to the swinging of a golf club driver. The body is
turned to the left, moving the right knee 66 toward the left knee
68, winding up in a completed swing position--the belt buckle 74
facing the target, right foot 70 up on toes, back straight,
standing tall, right arm 62 kept straight, and with head 60 facing
the target (where the user would want to drive the golf ball). The
finished position can be held for a full stretch, e.g., thirty (30)
seconds.
[0038] The device 10 can be moved back and forth between the full
back swing and finished positions as many times as desired to
stretch the muscles. The above movements can be modified as
desired. For example, one could concentrate on the back swing,
moving back and forth between the center position of FIG. 2 and the
full back swing of FIG. 2A. Likewise, the position on the ground of
the lower end 16 of the device 10 can be moved as described above
to concentrate on certain muscles. A left-handed player would
reverse the movements discussed above.
[0039] The device 10 can be used to improve golf swings for various
clubs. For example, the swing related to a five iron, which is a
shorter club than a driver, requires a different stance than that
of a driver. Accordingly, the golfer, assuming the proper stance
for the 5 iron, can set the device 10 on the ground in a position
where the ball would be teed up, and grip the device 10 at a
position 1 to 2 inches above the head. Because the head position
for a 5 iron swing is lower than that of a driver swing, the device
10 can be extended to a smaller length than would be desirable for
the driver swing.
[0040] A major benefit of the full swing stretch is the ability to
increase the club head speed and thus the driving distance of the
golf ball by improving the golfer's flexibility and swing arc. For
example, the golfer can urge his or herself into the upper most top
back swing position possible in an effort to stretch the muscles
and increase the top of the back swing.
[0041] The full swing stretch as described above may be modified
for use relating to other sports. For example, to improve a
baseball swing, it may be beneficial to use the pole 10 in a
similar manner as described above but with the lower end 16
positioned on the ground closer to the feet of the user.
Neck Stretch
[0042] With reference to FIGS. 3 and 3A, a method of using the
device 10 for stretching the neck and upper arm muscles is now
described. With the device 10 fully extended, the player or user 50
stands up straight with feet 70, 72 shoulder width apart. The
device 10 is placed on the side of the left foot 72 in line with
the shoulder 76. The right arm 62 is placed on the hip 80 and the
pole device 10 gripped at shoulder height with the left arm 64. The
left arm 64 is then straightened and the head 60 tilted to the
right (see FIG. 3A). This position may be held to maximize the
stretch, e.g., thirty (30) seconds. The above method can be
reversed to stretch the other side. This stretch is also believed
to help increase club head speed, and thus driving distance, by
stretching and increasing the flexibility of key muscles.
Back Stretch
[0043] With reference to FIGS. 4 and 4A, a method of stretching
back muscles, which is also believed to help increase club head
speed, is described. The device 10 is preferably lowered to chest
height and the hands 56, 58 placed on top. The player 50 stands up
straight with feet 70, 72 wider than shoulders and knees 66, 68
slightly flexed. The device 10 is held at arm's length away with
the end 16 on the ground. Arms are held away (see FIG. 4).
[0044] The player then bends from the waist 78 and places his/her
head 60 between its arms. Next, while maintaining the grip on the
device 10, the player moves slowly to a sitting position (see FIG.
4A). This final position can be held, e.g., for thirty (30) seconds
to maximize the stretch.
Arm Stretch
[0045] With reference to FIGS. 5 and 5A, a method of stretching arm
and shoulder muscles, also believed to help increase club head
speed, is described. With the device 10 fully extended a suitable
length, the player 50 stands up straight with feet 70, 72 shoulder
width apart and knees 66, 68 slightly flexed (see FIG. 5).
[0046] The device 10 is placed in the left-hand 58 about two (2)
inches in front of the left foot 72, the right-hand 56 placed on
the hip 80. The player 50 then rotates the left arm 64 behind him
or her as far as possible as seen in FIG. 5A. Shoulders should be
kept square, chest forced out, and shoulders pulled back. This
final position can be held, e.g., thirty (30) seconds to maximize
the stretch. This can be repeated with the opposite arm.
Across Chest Stretch
[0047] A method of stretching various muscles in the shoulders and
between the shoulders and back is now described with reference to
FIGS. 6 and 6A. With the pole device 10 fully extended, the player
50 assumes a position standing straight up with feet 70, 72
shoulder width apart and knees 66, 68 flexed. The pole device 10 is
placed in the left-hand 58 two (2) inches in front of the left foot
72, and the right-hand 56 placed on the hip 80 (see FIG. 6).
[0048] Next the left arm 64 is extended straight and swung across
the body as shown in FIG. 6A. The right-hand 56 is then placed palm
down on the pole 10 waste high. With hips 80 kept square, the user
50 pulls back on the device 10 with the right-hand 56 and flexes
the knees 66, 68 slightly. This final position can be held, e.g.,
thirty (30) seconds to maximize the stretch. This method can be
reversed for the other side.
Flexible Handle Embodiment
[0049] With reference to FIGS. 7 and 7A, another preferred
embodiment of the present invention is now described. For this
embodiment, a device 10a has a flexible hand grip or handle 22a
fixed at the upper end of the rod 12 as shown. The rod 12 is
preferably extendable and can be formed of first and second hollow
cylindrical sections 18 and 20 in the same manner as that described
above with reference to the device 10 of FIG. 1, with like
reference numbers indicating similar elements, and thus only the
top portion of the device 10a is shown in FIG. 7. At least a
portion of the handle 22a can be bent or flexed during use to
follow the natural movements of the hand and/or wrist during the
particular exercises, thereby relieving stress on the user's hand
and wrist. The rod 12 has a longitudinal axis 82 which, in the
present embodiment where the rod sections 18, 20 are formed as a
straight longitudinal rod 12 as shown in FIG. 1, runs through the
center axis of the rod 12.
[0050] The handle 22a of this embodiment is flexible in that at
least a portion of the handle 22a is bendable away from the
longitudinal axis 82 of the rod 12 as illustrated in FIG. 7. The
handle 22a is preferably formed as two sections, a first or lower
section 84 and a second or upper section 86 which, in this
embodiment, is the portion of the handle 22a that is bendable (the
dotted lines show a bent position of the upper handle section 86).
Each of the two handle sections 84 and 86 are configured to be
gripped by a user.
[0051] With further reference to FIG. 7A, it is seen that the lower
handle section 84 has a cylindrical lower foam grip 85 fixed to the
first rod section 18 such that an upper end 88 of the first rod
section 18 ends short of an upper end 90 of the lower foam grip 85
by a preferred distance of about 1/2 inch although this distance
can be shorter or longer as necessary or desired including a
preferred distance of up to about one inch. The upper section of
the rod section 18 supports the foam section 85 much as it supports
the entire handle 22 in the device 10 of FIG. 1. The lower foam
grip 85 is configured to be grippable by a user for carrying out
exercises using the lower handle section 84.
[0052] The upper handle section 86 has a upper foam grip section 87
fixed to a cylindrical handle support member 92 which is preferably
formed of the same hollow cylindrical material as the rod section
18, although shorter in length. As seen in FIG. 7A, a lower end 94
of the handle support member 92 ends short of the lower end 96 of
the upper foam grip section 87 a preferred distance of about 1/2
inch although this distance can be shorter or longer as necessary
or desired including a preferred distance of up to about one inch.
The upper foam grip 87 is configured to be grippable by a user for
carrying out exercises using the upper handle section 86.
[0053] In the illustrated embodiment, the flexible handle feature
is provided by a spring 98 that flexibly attaches together the
first and second handle sections 84 and 86, allowing the upper
handle section 86 to be bendable relative to the lower section 84
away from the longitudinal axis 82 so as to be capable of moving in
any direction 360 degrees around the longitudinal axis 82; the
spring 96 thereby acting as a polyaxial joint. The spring also
urges the upper handle section 86 back to its original axially
aligned position. In the preferred embodiment, the spring 98 is
formed by a coiled spring, with a preferred distance of about three
spring coils separating the upper end 90 from the lower end 96 of
the respective foam grip members 85 and 87.
[0054] In a preferred embodiment, the upper handle section 86 is
removably attached to the lower handle section 84 so that the upper
handle section 86 can be removed from a remainder of the device 10a
if and when desired such as to shorten the length of the device 10a
to fit within a golf bag (45 inches in length) or where the
flexible portion of the handle is not needed for carrying out
particular exercises (e.g., the lower handle section 84 will be
used). One preferred means of providing a removably attachable
upper handle section 86 is now described with reference to FIGS. 7
and 7A.
[0055] The coiled longitudinal spring 98 of the illustrated
embodiment has a first or lower section 100, a second or central
section 102, and a third or upper section 104; the lower section
100 includes a tapered end 106 to help guide the spring 98 into the
rod section 18 as further described below. In the illustrated
embodiment, the first spring section 100 is about 2 3/4 inches in
length (including the tapered section 106); the second central
section 102 is about 2 inches in length, and the third section 104
is about 2 inches in length; other suitable lengths and
configurations being acceptable.
[0056] The rod section 18 and the handle support member 92, both
preferably formed of similar hollow cylindrical material, have
respective hollow interiors 108a and 108b defined by respective
interior walls 110a and 110b with an inner diameter di (see FIG.
1B), and respective exterior walls 112a and 112b.
[0057] The outer diameter of the first and third spring sections
100 and 104 is sized to fit within the interiors 108a and 108b of
the rod section 18 and handle support member 92, preferably a snug
fit requiring that the two sections 100 and 104 be twisted into the
respective interiors 108a and 108b with the spring coils acting as
threads. The spring section 104 is permanently attached to the
handle support member 92 within the interior 108b. A deformation of
the handle support member 92, such as a crimp in the walls 112b can
permanently attach the handle support member 92 to spring section
104. The lower spring section 100 can be removably attached to the
upper rod section 18 by inserting the lower spring section 100 into
the hollow interior 108a such that the interior wall 110 engages
the spring 98 and, being sized to fit tightly therein, cannot move
further into the hollow interior of the rod section 18. The spring
98 is then rotated in a direction such that the lower spring
section 100, frictionally held by the interior walls of the rod 18,
gets smaller in diameter, allowing the spring section 100 to be
pushed further into the rod 18. Continued rotation of the spring 98
allows the spring section 100 to be fully inserted within the
interior of the rod 18. It is seen that the middle section 102 of
the spring 98 has a diameter sufficiently larger than the diameter
of the lower spring section 100 such that the larger diameter acts
as a stop to prevent further ingress of the spring 98 into the
hollow section of the rod 18. It is seen that when the handle is
bent as seen in FIG. 7, the middle spring section 102, which is not
fixed to the upper or lower handle sections 84, 86, is the portion
of the spring 98 that bends; this includes a portion of the middle
spring section 102 that is exposed between the upper and lower
handle sections 84 and 86, as well as the portions of the middle
spring section 102 between the upper end 90 of the handle section
84 and the upper end 88 of the rod 18, and the section between the
lower end 96 of the handle section 86 and the lower end 94 of the
handle support 92. The upper handle section 86 can be removed from
the lower handle section 84 by rotating the upper handle 86 in the
same direction as when attaching the upper handle section 86 while
at the same time pulling the upper handle section 86 out from the
lower handle section 84. It is seen that the rotation lessens the
diameter of the spring to allow removal thereof.
[0058] A preferred method of making the device 10a as illustrated
in FIG. 7 is now described. A rod 12 having first and second
cylindrical hollow rod sections 18 and 20 as described above is
provided. A top section of the rod 18 is cut off to form the handle
support member 92. Any additional length is also removed as needed
to form the desired extended length of the device 10a.
[0059] Next the lower foam grip section 85 is slid over the upper
end 88 onto the rod section 18 to a position well below the end 88
of the rod section 18. The spring section 102 is then twisted
(rotated) into the interior 108a of the rod section 18 until the
larger diameter center spring section 104 contacts the rod end 88
to prevent any further ingress. The third spring section 106 is
then twisted into the interior 108b of the handle support member 92
(by turning the handle support member 92 into the spring 98) until
the center spring section 104 again stops any further insertion
movement. The outer wall 112b of handle support member 92 is then
crimped to fixidly attach the spring 98 thereto.
[0060] Next, an adhesive, such as Liquid Nails.RTM., is applied to
the outer wall 112b of the support member 92, and then the upper
foam section 87 is slid downward over the handle support member 92
until the lower end 96 of the upper foam section 87 is at the
desired position. The foam grip section 87 is twisted one full turn
to ensure that the adhesive is spread sufficiently around the
support member 92. Likewise, adhesive is applied to the rod 18
outer wall 112a and then the lower foam grip section 85 is slid
back up until the upper end 90 of the foam grip 85 is at the
desired position, the foam grip section 85 being twisted one full
turn to spread the adhesive.
[0061] The flexible portion of the handle, here upper handle
section 86, is detachable so that the stretching poll 10a can be
used with or without it, depending on the exercise. Detaching the
handle section 86 also makes the overall length of the device 10a
short enough to fit into a golf travel bag. Caps can be inserted
into the top opening of the lower handle section 84 after the upper
handle section 86 is removed to maintain the aesthetic look of the
device 10a as well as to prevent moisture and other undesirable
matter from getting into the interior space of the rod section
18.
[0062] With reference to FIGS. 7 and 7A, a preferred handle shape
is now described. Here, the handle 22a has first and second
sections 84 and 86 which are similar in shape. The upper foam
section 87 has an upper bulbous section 122 and a lower bulbous
section 124. As seen, the lower bulbous section 124 has a tapered
section on the upper part of the bulb 124 that increases in
diameter moving downwards. This helps the user to maintain its grip
on the handle 22a and prevent slippage. Similarly, the lower foam
handle section 85 has an upper bulbous section 126 and a lower
bulbous section 128. The lower bulbous section 128 as a tapered
section on the upper part of the bulbous section that increases in
diameter moving downwards to help prevent slippage when the user
uses the lower handle section 84 for exercises. The top 130 of the
upper handle section 86 is substantially flat and can have a
medallion (see, e.g., FIG. 8) installed thereon as desired. Another
preferable handle shape is that shown in FIG. 1, but with the
handle 22 cut into two sections, the lower section forming part of
the lower handle section 84, the upper section forming part of the
upper handle section 86.
[0063] With reference to FIG. 8, a cap 114 has a spring 98 similar
to the spring used with the upper handle section 86 for insertion
into the hollow internal area 108a of the rod 18. A cylindrical
handle support (not shown), similar to the handle support 92
discussed above with reference to the upper handle section 86, can
be provided for use in connecting the spring 98 to the foam grip
section 118. Here the spring 98 works identically to that discussed
above, i.e., it is removably attached to the top of the rod 18 by
rotating the spring 98 so as to shorten the diameter of the spring.
Once the spring 98 is fully inserted, rotation of the 114 is
stopped so that the spring returns to its normal diameter, thereby
frictionally attaching the cap 114 to the rod 18. A personalized
medallion 116 can be provided on the top of the cap 114 to show the
name of the golf club, initials of the user, or whatever is
desired. Another cap embodiment is shown in FIG. 9. This cap 120 is
made of all foam and has a thinner neck area 132 that can be easily
pushed into the opening at the top of the rod 18 when the upper
handle section 86 has been removed. The cap 120 can also include a
medallion 116 as shown.
[0064] The flexibility of the handle 22a allows the user's hand to
bend in a natural way during use of the device, thereby relieving
stress and pressure on the hand and wrist as shown in FIG. 2D,
which illustrates the flexible handle embodiment being used to
carry out the full swing stretch. This is similar to the exercise
described above with reference to FIGS. 2-2C except that as the rod
10 (10a) is moved to the backswing position, the user can bend his
or her wrists as shown in FIG. 2D (instead of FIG. 2A) before
completing the exercise as shown in FIGS. 2B and 2C. Thus, the
flexible handle allows for the wrists to hinge naturally while
still achieving the fully turned position and maintaining a light
grip pressure. It is important that a golfer's hands at the top of
his or her backswing be as relaxed as possible. This constitutes an
improvement for the full swing stretch as compared with a device
having a non-flexible handle.
[0065] While particular embodiments of the invention are described
herein, it is not intended to limit the invention to such
disclosure and changes and modifications may be incorporated and
embodied within the scope of the appended claims.
[0066] Other embodiments, while not shown, are contemplated. For
example, the two sections 18, 20 may have a spring between the two
to allow the device to be compressible. As another example,
regarding the device 10a of FIG. 7, the handle 22a may be formed of
just a single handle section that is connected to the upper section
of the rod 18 via the spring.
* * * * *