U.S. patent application number 14/724310 was filed with the patent office on 2015-09-17 for method and portable apparatus, with adjustable resistance, for exercising the upper extremities.
The applicant listed for this patent is Arrowhead Medical Recources, LLC. Invention is credited to Malcolm Smith, Cody Turnbow.
Application Number | 20150258368 14/724310 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54067854 |
Filed Date | 2015-09-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150258368 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Turnbow; Cody ; et
al. |
September 17, 2015 |
Method and Portable Apparatus, With Adjustable Resistance, for
Exercising The Upper Extremities
Abstract
A method and apparatus for exercising the upper portions of the
human body. The apparatus is a "zigzag" configured rod that has
rotatable grips on three parallel sections of thereof. The
apparatus preferably can alternatively be configured or
re-configured in a U-shape. A user, with or without the assistance
of another person, grasps two of the grips and rotates the device
around its central section to perform a wide variety of exercises.
The grips' resistances to rotation are adjustable. A method is
provided for using the apparatus to perform exercises beneficial
for the user's arms and upper body.
Inventors: |
Turnbow; Cody; (Capitan,
NM) ; Smith; Malcolm; (Deer River, MN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Arrowhead Medical Recources, LLC |
Cohasset |
MN |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
54067854 |
Appl. No.: |
14/724310 |
Filed: |
May 28, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14577377 |
Dec 19, 2014 |
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14724310 |
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61919639 |
Dec 20, 2013 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
482/117 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/00181 20130101;
A63B 21/075 20130101; A63B 23/03533 20130101; A63B 23/1281
20130101; A63B 21/0004 20130101; A63B 2208/0228 20130101; A63B
23/14 20130101; A63B 23/12 20130101; A63B 21/0608 20130101; A63B
2208/0204 20130101; A63B 2022/0611 20130101; A63B 21/4035 20151001;
A63B 21/015 20130101; A63B 2022/0041 20130101; A63B 23/1245
20130101; A63B 2210/50 20130101; A63B 23/0476 20130101; A63B
22/0005 20151001; A63B 2225/02 20130101; A63B 22/0605 20130101;
A63B 21/072 20130101; A63B 23/03541 20130101; A63B 2208/0214
20130101; A63B 2208/0252 20130101; A63B 21/00069 20130101; A63B
2225/09 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A63B 23/035 20060101
A63B023/035; A63B 21/015 20060101 A63B021/015; A63B 23/12 20060101
A63B023/12; A63B 21/00 20060101 A63B021/00 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for exercising a person's upper body comprising: a
base portion comprising: an inner base portion; a middle hand grip
rotatably disposed on the inner base portion; an outer base
portion; a left hand grip rotatably disposed on the outer base
portion; and an intermediate base portion connecting the outer base
portion to the inner base portion and defining an angle with the
inner base portion; and an extension portion connectable to the
base portion, the extension portion comprising: an outer extension
portion; a right hand grip rotatably disposed on the outer
extension portion, there being a resistance to rotation of the
right hand grip relative to the outer extension portion; means for
adjusting the resistance to rotation of the right hand grip; and an
intermediate extension portion defining an angle with the outer
extension portion.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the means for adjusting the
resistance to rotation of the right hand grip comprises: a threaded
portion of the outer extension portion; at least one bearing
rotatable upon the outer extension portion, wherein the right hand
grip is secured to the at least one bearing for rotation therewith;
a thumb screw on the outer extension portion and having rotatable
screwed engagement with the threaded portion; and a shaft collar
non-rotatably disposed upon the outer extension portion; wherein a
rotation of the thumb screw upon the threaded portion moves the
thumb screw axially along the threaded portion to increase or
decrease a compression force thereby to increase or decrease a
friction transmitted between at least one rotatable bearing and the
shaft collar.
3. The apparatus of claim 2 further comprising: a resistance to
rotation of the left hand grip relative to the outer base portion;
and means for adjusting the resistance to rotation of the left hand
grip comprising: a threaded portion of the outer base portion; at
least one bearing rotatable upon the outer base portion, wherein
the left hand grip is secured to the at least one bearing for
rotation therewith; a thumb screw on the outer base portion and
having rotatable screwed engagement with the threaded portion of
the outer base portion; and a shaft collar non-rotatably disposed
upon the outer base portion; wherein a rotation of the thumb screw
upon the threaded portion of the outer base portion moves the thumb
screw axially along the threaded portion of the outer base portion
to increase or decrease a compression force thereby to increase or
decrease a friction transmitted between at least one rotatable
bearing on the outer base portion and the shaft collar on the outer
base portion.
4. The apparatus of claim 2 further comprising a resistance washer
situated around the outer extension portion, and axially
intermediate the shaft collar and at least one bearing, to transmit
friction between the at least one bearing and the shaft collar.
5. The apparatus of claim 2 further comprising means for gauging
the resistance to rotation comprising: a dial member on the outer
extension portion, axially adjacent the thumb screw; a window
aperture defined through the window aperture; and indicator labels
arranged on the thumb screw; wherein a rotation of the thumb screw
upon the threaded portion may bring any one of the indicator labels
into a registration with the window aperture, and wherein the
registration of a particular indicator label with the window
aperture corresponds to a magnitude of the resistance to
rotation.
6. The apparatus according to claim 2 further comprising a spin
lock non-rotatably situated on the outer extension portion axially
between at least one bearing and the thumb screw, wherein the spin
lock prevents a rotary motion of at least one bearing from inducing
unwanted rotation of the thumb screw.
7. The apparatus according to claim 2 further comprising means for
releasably connecting the base portion to the extension
portion.
8. The apparatus according to claim 7 wherein the base portion and
the extension portion are mutually releasably connectable in either
a generally zig-zag-shaped pedal configuration or a generally
u-shaped crank configuration, and wherein: when the base portion
and the extension portion are in the pedal configuration, an axis
of the inner base portion, and an axis of the outer base portion,
and an axis of the outer extension portion are parallel and not
coaxially aligned; and when the base portion and the extension
portion are in the crank configuration, the axis of the outer base
portion and the axis of the outer extension portion are parallel
and are coaxially aligned.
9. An apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the angle defined by
the inner base portion and the intermediate base portion comprises
an angle of between about 75 degrees and about 85 degrees.
10. An apparatus according to claim 9 wherein the angle defined by
the inner base portion and the intermediate base portion comprises
an angle of approximately 80 degrees.
11. An apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the angle defined by
the outer extension portion and the intermediate extension portion
comprises an angle of between about 75 degrees and about 85
degrees.
12. An apparatus according to claim 11 wherein the angle defined by
the outer extension portion and the intermediate extension portion
comprises an angle of approximately 80 degrees.
13. An apparatus for exercising a person's upper body comprising: a
base portion comprising: an inner base portion; a middle hand grip
rotatably disposed on the inner base portion; an outer base
portion; a left hand grip rotatably disposed on the outer base
portion, there being a resistance to rotation of the left hand grip
relative to the outer base portion; an intermediate base portion
connecting the outer base portion to the inner base portion and
defining an angle with the inner base portion; and means for
adjusting the resistance to rotation of the left hand grip
comprising: a threaded portion of the outer base portion; at least
one bearing rotatable upon the outer base portion, wherein the left
hand grip is secured to the at least one bearing for rotation
therewith; a thumb screw on the outer base portion and having
rotatable screwed engagement with the threaded portion of the outer
base portion; and a shaft collar non-rotatably disposed upon the
outer base portion; wherein a rotation of the thumb screw upon the
threaded portion of the outer base portion moves the thumb screw
axially along the threaded portion of the outer base portion to
increase or decrease a compression force thereby to increase or
decrease a friction transmitted between at least one rotatable
bearing on the outer base portion and the shaft collar on the outer
base portion; and an extension portion connectable to the base
portion, the extension portion comprising: an outer extension
portion; a right hand grip rotatably disposed on the outer
extension portion, there being a resistance to rotation of the
right hand grip relative to the outer extension portion; means for
adjusting the resistance to rotation of the right hand grip; and an
intermediate extension portion defining an angle with the outer
extension portion.
14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the means for adjusting the
resistance to rotation of the right hand grip comprises: a threaded
portion of the outer extension portion; at least one bearing
rotatable upon the outer extension portion, wherein the right hand
grip is secured to the at least one bearing upon the outer
extension portion for rotation therewith; a thumb screw on the
outer extension portion and having rotatable screwed engagement
with the threaded portion of the outer extension portion; and a
shaft collar non-rotatably disposed upon the outer extension
portion; wherein a rotation of the thumb screw upon the threaded
portion of the outer extension portion moves the thumb screw
axially along the threaded portion to increase or decrease a
compression force thereby to increase or decrease a friction
transmitted between at least one bearing rotatable on the outer
extension portion bearing and the shaft collar.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to, and is a
continuation-in-part of, co-pending U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 14/577,377 filed 19 Dec. 2014, entitled "Method and Portable
Apparatus for Exercising the Upper Extremities," and the entire
specification thereof is incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The invention relates generally to methods of exercise and
exercising apparatuses, particularly apparatuses and methods for
exercising a person's upper body, and specifically to a therapeutic
apparatus and method for exercising the arms and upper body which
can be selectively adjusted to offer the user adjustable resistance
exercise.
[0004] 2. Background Art
[0005] It is known to provide devices for exercising a person's
upper body. Examples of known devices in this field of endeavor
include those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,588,102; U.S. Pat. No.
6,306,064; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2003/0092536;
U.S. Pat. No. 6,217,494; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,531,729. The known
devices, however, generally suffer from drawbacks due to
complexity, lack of versatility, and lack of portability.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0006] There is disclosed an upper-body exercise apparatus and
methods for using the apparatus. The apparatus is simple to make
and use, and is advantageously portable and versatile. The
apparatus may be fabricated, for example, from rigid metal,
plastic, or composite tubing. The apparatus has two principal
components that are mutually engagable in either of two
configurations, depending upon the type of exercise sought to be
performed. A base portion is temporarily and releasably connectable
to an extension portion. The base portion and the extension portion
may be connected in a very general zig-zag configuration to be
manipulated manually in a manner somewhat similar to the pedaling
of a bicycle. The base portion and the extension portion can then
be disconnected and then reconnected in a generally U-shaped
configuration to be manipulated manually in a manner somewhat
suggestive of two-handed rowing or cranking motion. The apparatus
configuration thus can be selectively switched back and forth
between the pedal configuration and the crank configuration. The
apparatus includes two or three grips rotatably mounted upon
selected portions of the base and extension portions.
[0007] The invention includes an adjustable grip resistance
subassembly, whereby a hand grip's resistance to rotation relative
to its respective supporting member can be regulated and adjusted
by a user. Further, there is disclosed a subassembly for gauging a
hand grip's resistance to rotation. Gauging a hand grip's
resistance to rotation permits a user to see and monitor the
magnitude of the grip's rotary resistance, and to repeatedly re-set
the apparatus to a selected desired resistance to rotation.
[0008] The invention includes a methods of using the apparatus by
grasping it in a variety of manners and revolving it about itself
in one or more positions and orientation in space relative to the
user's body. The method includes revolving the apparatus around
itself while maintaining it in a single orientation, as well as
revolving it around itself while also moving its position relative
to the user. The method includes use of the apparatus by two
users.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] The attached drawings, which form part of the disclosure,
are as follows:
[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective exploded view of a preferred
apparatus of the present invention;
[0011] FIG. 2 is front exploded view of a preferred apparatus of
the present invention;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a front view of a preferred embodiment of the
apparatus assembled for use in a zig-zag shaped "pedal
configuration" configuration;
[0013] FIG. 4 is a front view of a preferred embodiment of the
apparatus assembled for use in an alternative, U-shaped, "crank
configuration" configuration;
[0014] FIG. 5 is a front view of a user in a position to operate a
pedal-configured apparatus to practice a "horizontal mid-center"
method of the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 6 is a front view of a user in a position to operate a
pedal-configured apparatus to practice a "horizontal upper-center"
method of the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 7 is a is a front view of a user in a position to
operate a pedal-configured apparatus to practice a "horizontal
lower-center" method of the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 8 is a front view of a user in a position to operate a
pedal-configured apparatus to practice a "vertical mid-left" method
of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 9 is a front view of a user in a position to operate a
pedal-configured apparatus to practice a "vertical mid-right"
method of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 10 is a front view of a user in a position to operate a
pedal-configured apparatus to practice a "vertical mid-center"
method of the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 11 is a front view of a user in a position to operate a
crank-configured apparatus to practice an alternative method of the
present invention;
[0021] FIG. 12 is a front view of a portion of a user in a position
to operate a crank-configured apparatus to practice an alternative
method of the present invention, in which a second person, such as
a therapist, manually grasps and holds a center portion of the
apparatus during the practice of the invention;
[0022] FIG. 13 is a front view of a portion of a user in a position
to operate a pedal-configured apparatus to practice an alternative
method of the present invention, in which a weighted cuff or sling
is disposed or hung upon a center portion of the apparatus during
the practice of the invention;
[0023] FIG. 14 is a front view of a portion of a user in a position
to operate a pedal-configured apparatus to practice an alternative
method of the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 15 is an axial cross sectional enlarged view of a
portion of a preferred embodiment of an apparatus according to the
present invention, showing a partially exploded view of a
subassembly for adjusting the resistance to rotation of a hand grip
on the apparatus;
[0025] FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view of the subassembly
shown in FIG. 15;
[0026] FIG. 17A is an enlarged axial or side view of a spin lock
component according to a preferred embodiment of the apparatus as
depicted in FIG. 16;
[0027] FIG. 17B is a front view of the spin lock component shown in
FIG. 17A; and
[0028] FIG. 18 is an enlarged axial or side view of the distal face
of a thumb screw component according to a preferred embodiment of
the apparatus as depicted in FIG. 16, showing indicator labels with
indicia thereon.
DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0029] There is disclosed hereby a method and apparatus for
exercising the upper portions of the human body. Succinctly
described, the apparatus of the invention includes a "zigzag"
configured rod that has rotatable grips on three parallel sections
of thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus can
alternatively be configured or re-configured in a U-shape. The
user, with or without the assistance of another person (who would
grasp the central grip), grasps two "end" grips and rotates the
device around its central section to perform a wide variety of
exercises. The exercises are beneficial for the arms and upper
body.
[0030] The apparatus according to the invention is portable, and is
contemplated for use in lieu of conventional known upper extremity
"bike" type devices. The apparatus is light weight and easily
transported. The apparatus offers beneficial versatility of use to
permit a wide variety of range of motion (ROM) exercises for
strengthening and endurance, promoting variety of methods of use.
Previous known devices in the general field of endeavor involve
bicycle-pedal-like cranks that are rotatably mounted in a
cumbersome frame, which is then secured (often temporarily) to a
table top or other supporting surface. An advantage of the present
system is its portability and versatility compared to frame-mounted
devices.
[0031] With most upper extremity bikes the patient-use holds onto
the pedals and then rotates the pedals either forward or reverse to
move his or her arms in fixed-location circles. The presently
disclosed apparatus is an improved alternative because, among other
benefits, it better works a patient's strength and endurance; users
of known upper extremity bikes can simply hold on and "go through
the motions." Also, it need not be mounted upon a table or other
surface.
[0032] Attention is invited to FIG. 1, showing the upper extremity
exerciser apparatus 10. The principal components of the apparatus
may be fabricated from any suitable lightweight, durable, material,
such as fabricated tubes or rods of plastic, polymer composite,
aluminum alloy, or the like. As seen in FIG. 1, the apparatus 10
preferably includes a base portion 12 and an extension portion 14.
Each portion 12, 14, may be fabricated from lightweight tubes (or
alternatively, solid rods) in the general configurations shown; the
tubes may have, for example, a diameter of from about 1.2 cm to
about 3.0 cm, preferably about 1.3 cm (0.5 inch). When assembled
for use, the apparatus 10 has an overall length (i.e., from
side-to-side as seen in FIGS. 3 and 4) of from about 38 cm (15
inches) to about 56 cm (22 inches), although this is by way of
preferred example rather than by way of limitation.
[0033] In its simplest version, the apparatus 10 is configured
solely in the zig-zag pedal configuration seen in FIG. 3. In such
an embodiment, the base portion 12 and the extension portion 14 are
integrated into one unit, i.e., they are fabricated separately but
are then permanently secured together or, alternatively, are
fabricated unitarily such as from a single bent/molded/formed rod
or tube. Optionally but preferably, the base portion 12 and the
extension portion 14 are releasably connected together to permit
their arrangement or re-arrangement into the U-shaped crank
configuration depicted in FIG. 4.
[0034] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the base portion 12 has an outer
base portion 18 and an inner base portion 20 joined by an angled
intermediate base portion 22. The three base portions 18, 20, 22
preferably are integrated, as fabricated from a molded or bent rod
or tube, but alternatively could be assembled (e.g., by welding
adhesives, or the like) from component parts. The extension portion
14 similarly has a relatively abbreviated inner extension portion
24 joined to an outer extension portion 26 by an angled
intermediate extension portion 28. The extension portion 14 also
preferably is integral, such as a single segment of rigid pipe or
tube bent or molded into the shape indicated.
[0035] There is a generally cylindrically tubular left hand grip 30
rotatably mounted upon the outer base portion 18, and a
cylindrically tubular middle hand grip 31 rotatably mounted upon
the base inner portion 20. A similar right hand grip 32 is mounted
for rotation upon the outer extension portion 26. Any means known
in the art for providing coaxial rotation, while preferably
limiting axial shifting, may be used. Separate ball bearing or
bushing assemblies may be provided (e.g., or one or more bearings
68, 69, as disclosed hereinafter having reference to FIGS. 15 and
16), or there may simply be provided between each grip 30, 31, 32
and its respective base or extension portion (18, 20, 26) a
long-lasting lubrication and/or a slippery sleeve element (e.g. a
TEFLON.RTM. sleeve or the like). Regardless of the selected means
for providing the connection between each hand grip 30, 31, 32 and
its respective base or extension portion, each hand grip surrounds
circumferentially its respective supporting member (base or
extension portion), and is free to rotate coaxially around it with
minimal axial/longitudinal shifting of the grip relative to its
supporting portion.
[0036] The grips 30, 31, 32 are adapted to be grasped by a user's
hand, and thus preferably have an axial length slightly greater
than the lateral width of a grasping human hand (e.g. about 11 cm
(about 4.5 inches)). The axial length of each base and extension
portion 18, 20, 26 that mounts a grip 30, 31, 32 accordingly is at
least as long as its corresponding hand grip. The grips 30, 31, 32
are provided with exterior gripping surfaces composed of any
suitable composition known in the art for providing a comfortable
and reliable (non-slip) contact with a user's grasping hand. Grips
30, 31, 32 may each have an outside diameter of, say, between about
2.0 cm (about 0.75 inch) and about 4.0 cm (about 1.5 inches).
Tubular grips typically have inside diameters just larger than the
outside diameter of the corresponding base or extension portion,
but to allow the provision of rotary connection means radially
between the grip and base/extension portion as needed.
[0037] Attention is invited to FIGS. 2-4, especially FIG. 2. The
base portion 12 is configured such that the intersecting axes of
the base intermediate portion 22 and base inner portion 20 define
an included angle .alpha. (alpha). Likewise, although not expressly
labeled in FIG. 2, the extension portion 14 is shaped so that the
intersecting axes of the extension intermediate portion 28 and
extension outer portion 26 also define an angle. Very preferably,
but not necessarily, the intersecting axes of the extension
intermediate portion 28 and the extension outer portion 26 define
an angle equal to angle .alpha., that is, substantially equal to
the angle defined between the base intermediate portion 22 and base
inner portion 20. The base portion 12 is so shaped that the axis of
the base outer portion 18 is substantially parallel to the axis of
the base inner portion 20 (although these portions are axially
offset from one another by the conjoined base intermediate portion
22). Similarly, the extension portion 14 is so shaped that the axis
of the extension outer portion 26 is substantially parallel to the
axis of the short stub (if any) of the optional but preferable
extension inner portion 24. Accordingly, an angle .beta. defined
between the base outer portion 18 and the base intermediate portion
22 can be characterized as supplementary to the angle .alpha.
(i.e., (.beta.=180.degree.-.alpha.), and the angle defined between
the extension inner portion 24 and the extension intermediate
portion 28 likewise can also be characterized as supplementary to
angle .alpha.. In a preferred embodiment of the apparatus, angle
.alpha. preferably is between 75.degree. and 85.degree., and most
preferably is about 80.degree.. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
simple embodiments of the apparatus may feature an angle .alpha. of
approximately 90.degree.. Thus, the portions of the apparatus 10
optionally may define only right angles between the intermediate
portions 22, 28 and their respective outer and inner portions 18,
20 and 24, 26.
[0038] FIGS. 1 and 2 are exploded views of apparatus 10 to show
that the base portion 12 is releasably engagable with the extension
portion 14. While temporarily engaged and interconnected for use,
the base portion 12 and the extension portion 14 are immobile in
relation to each other, and function as a single unit. The
extension inner portion 24, if present, is temporarily connectable,
for example by a telescopic insertion, with the base inner portion
20. In an alternative embodiment, there is no extension inner
portion embodied, the extension portion 14 comprising merely an
outer extension portion 26 and an intermediate extension portion
28; in such an embodiment, the base inner portion 20 is releasably
connectable directly to the intermediate extension portion 28. The
connection between the base portion 12 and extension portion 14 is
by any suitable temporary, releasable connection mode known in the
art for attaching/detaching the free ends of tubes or rods axially
or angularly. For example, there may be provided a threaded screw
engagement between the base portion 12 and the extension portion
14. For instance, a screw may penetrate the extension portion 14,
e.g., the inner extension portion 24 is absent and a screw or bolt
means penetrates approximately diametrically the inner end of the
intermediate extension portion 28 laterally, for
releasable/loosable screwed engagement axially into the inner end
of the inner base inner portion 20. Other suitable screwed
connections will suffice.
[0039] Another example means for releasably connecting the base
portion to the extension portion may be by a well-known
spring-loaded detent or catch assembly; one or two spring-biased
connection buttons 40 may be disposed on the extension inner
portion 24 for engagement into a pair of connection holes 41
defined at appropriate places in the free end of the base inner
portion 20. Only one connection hole 41 is seen in the drawing
figures; a second hole preferably is defined in the base inner
portion diametrically opposite from the hole seen in the drawing,
to permit the extension portion 14 to be connected with the base
portion 12 in either of two relative positions, as to be explained
further herein. The extension inner portion 24 is insertable into
the open end of the base inner portion 20, which induces the
refraction of the connection button(s) against the bias of their
spring(s); when the button(s) 40 are in registration with the
connection holes 41, the buttons are urged into the connection
holes by the action of spring bias to provide a releasable junction
of the extension portion 14 with the base portion 12. Manual
depression of the buttons against the spring bias allows the
extension portion to be disconnected from the base portion 12. The
aspect of the invention is the preferable ability, by whatever
means, including those described above or equivalents known in the
art, for a user to detach or loosen the extension portion 14
relative to the base portion 12 so to permit a user selectively to
arrange and rearrange the apparatus in either a pedal configuration
or a crank configuration, as shall now be described.
[0040] Combined reference to FIGS. 1-4 shows that the apparatus 10
can be selectively arranged in either of two working
configurations. By detaching and reattaching the extension portion
14 from and to the base inner portion 20, the relative positions of
the base portion 12 and extension portion 14 can be adjusted. FIG.
3 depicts the apparatus 10 in the zig-zag "pedal configuration,"
while FIG. 4 shows the apparatus configured in the U-shaped "crank
configuration."
[0041] In the pedal configuration of FIG. 3, the respective axes of
the base outer portion 18, the base inner portion 20, and the
extension outer portion 26 are mutually parallel, but no two of
these have their axes aligned; only the base inner portion 20 and
the extension inner portion 24 (if employed) are in coaxial
registration with their axes aligned. In contrast, when the
apparatus 10 is in the crank configuration seen in FIG. 4, the axis
of the base inner portion 20 is parallel to the extension outer
portion 26, and the axis of the base outer portion 18 is aligned
with the axis of the extension outer portion 26, while the base
inner portion 20 and the extension inner portion 24 also are
coaxially connected.
[0042] Referring to FIGS. 2-4, it is seen that the apparatus 10
thus can be switched back and forth between the pedal configuration
and the crank configuration. If the apparatus 10 initially is in
the pedal configuration of FIG. 3, the extension portion 14 simply
can be disconnected from the base portion 12, rotated 180 degrees,
and re-connected to the base portion to arrange the apparatus in
the crank position of FIG. 4. In a preferred embodiment, therefore,
the means for releasably connecting the free end of the extension
inner portion 24 to the free end of the base inner portion 20
permits the extension portion 14 to be connected to the base
portion 12 in either of the respective two use configurations of
FIGS. 3 and 4, and then be disconnected and then reconnected in the
other use position.
[0043] A significant advantage of the apparatus is its versatility
of use. The apparatus 10 is used in either the pedal configuration
or the crank configuration. If desired, a patient-user can readily
switch back and forth between these configurations during the
course of a single exercise or therapy session. Furthermore, the
apparatus is adapted for use either by a single user alone, or by a
patient in cooperative use with a physical therapist or assistant.
Because the apparatus 10 need not and is not encumbered by any
frame or support components, it can be placed in nearly any
position, relative to the user(s) bodies, for use. And the
apparatus 10 can be situated in practically any orientation in
three-dimensional space for use. The methodological versatility
provided is thus nearly limitless.
[0044] Attention is invited to FIGS. 5-7, showing a user utilizing
the upper extremity exerciser apparatus 10 to execute a variety of
upper extremity exercises. FIGS. 5-7 illustrate the apparatus 10
assembled and used in the "pedal configuration." The user is
depicted in a standing position, but it is noted that he
alternatively could be seated, kneeling, crouching, or even lying
on his back, etc. The user holds the apparatus 10 by grasping the
grips 30 and 32. With his arms in front and palms facing generally
down, the user pedals the apparatus by revolving the respectively
offset axes of the base outer portion 18 and of the extension outer
portion 26 around the central co-axis of the inner portions 20, 24.
The revolutions can be in either direction (forward and backward,
i.e., clockwise or counterclockwise about the axes of the inner
portions 20, 24), and the direction of revolution can be in one
direction only, or can be repeatedly reversed.
[0045] Additionally, it is to be understood that while the drawing
figures show the user practicing methods while his palms/wrists are
facing downward, the user's grasp upon either or both grips 30
and/or 32 can be with the palm(s)/wrist(s) facing upward; with the
knuckles of either or both hand thus directed upward, the character
of the user's grasp is altered subtly, modestly but significantly
altering the character of her muscular activity and broadening the
workout. The type of grasp (upper- or lower-facing) can be changed
or alternated during a workout session, and for either or both
hands. Such a method of use works on the range of motion for the
user's joints in the wrists, elbows, shoulders, and shoulder
girdle, and strengthens associated muscle groups. During this
"horizontal mid-center" method of use illustrated in FIG. 5, the
co-axis of the inner portions 20, 24 is held generally horizontal
(e.g., parallel to the floor), and may be maintained in a single
position in space for a selected interval of time. In FIG. 5, the
apparatus 10 is held at about the height of the user's
bust/chest.
[0046] Significantly, the user can also perform similar "pedaling"
exercises closely related to that described immediately above, but
with the apparatus 10 moved to a different location in space. For
example, with the co-axis of the inner portions 20, 24 maintained
generally horizontal, the user may practice the "horizontal
upper-center" method of use shown in FIG. 6. The user of this
method also pedals (in either rotary direction) the apparatus by
revolving the axes of the base outer portion 18 and the extension
outer portion 26 around the co-axis of the inner portions 20, 24;
in this version of the method of use, the co-axis of the inner
portions 20, 24 is held at, for example, about the height of the
user's face, although it could be held even higher. For example,
the versatility of the invention permits the user to tip his head
forward, and to situate the apparatus above and slightly behind his
head to "pedal" it at that location, to work yet a different
collection of joints and muscles. This practice improves the range
of motion for the user's joints in the wrists, elbows, shoulders,
and shoulder girdle, and strengthens associated muscle groups.
However, owing to the fact that the apparatus 10 is held at a
height relatively greater than that seen in FIG. 5, the joints,
muscles, and muscle groups/pairs are subjected, collectively as
well as individually, to a "horizontal upper-center" workout
different in type and degree to the workout received by using the
apparatus 10 in the horizontal mid-center method of FIG. 5.
[0047] In a similar mode, the co-axis of the inner portions 20, 24
can be held horizontal and lowered to practice a "horizontal
lower-center" method of use shown in FIG. 7. The user of this
method also pedals (in either rotary direction (clockwise and/or
counterclockwise)) the apparatus by revolving the axes of the base
outer portion 18 and extension outer portion 26 around the central
co-axis of the inner portions 20, 24. The co-axis of the inner
portions 20, 24 is held at, for example, about the height of the
user's waist, although it could be held even lower. Again, this
practice improves the range of motion for the user's joints in the
wrists, elbows, shoulders, and shoulder girdle, and strengthens
associated muscle groups. However, owing to the fact that the
apparatus 10 is held at a height relatively greater than that seen
in FIG. 5, the joints, muscles, and muscle groups/pairs are
subjected, collectively as well as individually, to a "horizontal
lower-center" workout different in type as well as degree to the
workout received by using the apparatus 10 in either of the
methodologies of FIG. 5 or 6.
[0048] The method of the invention includes moving the apparatus 10
amongst and between the various spatial positions seen in FIGS.
5-7. Thus the user, while continuously pedaling the apparatus and
substantially maintaining the horizontality of the co-axis of the
inner portions 20, 24, may move the apparatus 10 in front of her
torso in an up-and-down manner. While the revolving of the outer
portions 18, 26 is continued, the user can translate the apparatus
alternately between the horizontal upper-center position (FIG. 6)
and the horizontal lower-center position (FIG. 7), or between any
number of intermediate height positions.
[0049] The method according to the invention includes operating the
apparatus 10, in the pedal configuration, while the co-axis of the
inner portions 20, 24 is oriented substantially vertically.
Referring to FIG. 8, the user is depicted in a standing position;
it is again noted that he alternatively could be seated, kneeling,
crouching, etc. FIG. 8 shows a "vertical mid-left" method of use,
with the central co-axis maintained toward the left side of the
user's torso. The user holds the apparatus 10 by grasping the grips
30 and 32. With his arms in front of his torso and with his lower
arms (i.e., radius and ulna bones) approximately parallel to the
floor/ground, the user pedals the apparatus--again by revolving the
respectively offset axes of the base outer portion 18 and of the
extension outer portion 26 around the central co-axis defined by
the inner portions 20, 24. As seen in FIG. 8, the co-axis of the
connected inner portions 20, 24 is oriented substantially
vertically (i.e., if the user is standing or seated), while the
vertically oriented, but laterally offset, axes of the outer
portions 18, 26 revolve around the central co-axis. And again, the
revolutions can be in either direction (forward and backward, i.e.,
clockwise or counterclockwise about the axes of the inner portions
20, 24). The direction of revolution can be in one direction only,
or can be repeatedly reversed. Such a method of use works on the
range of motion for the user's joints in the wrists, elbows,
shoulders, and shoulder girdle, and strengthens associated muscle
groups. During the "vertical mid-left" method of use illustrated in
FIG. 8, the co-axis of the inner portions 20, 24 is held generally
vertical (e.g., perpendicular to the floor) and may be maintained
in a single position in space for a selected or predetermined and
measured interval of time. In FIG. 8, the apparatus 10 is held at
about the height of the user's chest, toward the left side of the
user's torso.
[0050] Significantly, the user can also perform similar "pedaling"
exercises closely related to that described immediately above, but
with the apparatus 10 moved to a different location in space. For
example, with the co-axis of the inner portions 20, 24 maintained
generally vertical, the user may practice the "vertical mid-right"
method of use shown in FIG. 9, with the co-axis of the inner
portions held toward the right side of the user's torso. The
methodology is generally the same as that of the vertical mid-left
method of FIG. 8, except that the apparatus 10 is held toward the
right side of the user's torso.
[0051] FIG. 10 shows the user practicing a similar "vertical
mid-center" method of use. The methodology is generally the same as
that of the vertical mid-left method of FIG. 8 and the vertical
mid-right method of FIG. 9, except that the apparatus 10 is held at
about the center of the user's torso.
[0052] It is understood that the user can practice the methods of
FIGS. 8-10 with either hand, right or left, being the "upper" hand
and the other the "lower" hand. (The user's right hand is the upper
hand in FIGS. 8-10, but the method includes the inverse, whereby
the user's left hand is upper.) One hand is above the other, and
the method includes having the left hand grip the upper end of the
apparatus 10. Moreover, it is to be understood that the user can
reverse hand positions (left for right) during an exercise session,
alternating left hand and right hand as the upper hand.
[0053] It again is to be recognized that the user may practice
these vertically oriented methods with his palms/wrists facing
either forward (away from the user's torso) or backward (toward the
user's torso). The user's grasp upon either or both grips 30 and/or
32 can be with the palm(s)/wrist(s) facing outward or inward. In
FIG. 8, for example, the right hand is in a palm-out position,
while the left hand is in a palm-in position. In FIGS. 9 and 10,
both hands are in the palm-in position. During the practice of the
methods, either hand can be in either type of position to grasp the
respective grips 30, 32 of the apparatus. The position of the
user's hands upon the grips of the apparatus affects the character
of the user's grasp and the motions of her arms, altering the
character of her muscular activity and broadening the workout. The
type of grasp (out-facing or in-facing) can be changed or
alternated during a workout session, and for either or both
hands.
[0054] The method of the invention includes moving the apparatus 10
amongst and between the various spatial positions seen in FIGS.
8-10. The user, while continuously pedaling the apparatus and
substantially maintaining the verticality of the co-axis of the
inner portions 20, 24, may move the apparatus 10 in front of her
torso in a side-to-side manner. While the revolving of the outer
portions 18, 26 is continued, the user can translate the apparatus
alternately between the vertical mid-left position (FIG. 8) and the
vertical mid-right position (FIG. 10), or between any number of
intermediate lateral side-to-side positions.
[0055] The vertically oriented usages of the apparatus seen in
FIGS. 8-10 works on the both internal and external rotation of both
the user's shoulders, each in two different planes.
[0056] The method of the invention also includes using the
apparatus 10 while it is assembled in the U-shaped "crank
configuration" seen in FIG. 4. The apparatus 10 in the crank
configuration generally is used in a front-and-center spatial
position as suggested by FIG. 11. The user can utilize the
apparatus 10 in the crank configuration in either a solo mode or
with the assistance of a therapist or assistant. The user may be
sitting or standing.
[0057] Whether the user is alone or accompanied by a second person
such as a therapist, the method involves the user executing a
cranking or rowing type of motion. In this rowing motion, the
coaxially aligned outer portions 18, 26 of the apparatus 10 revolve
around the central co-axis defined by the conjoined inner portions
20, 24. This arrangement is seen in FIG. 11.
[0058] When the user is accompanied and assisted by a second
person, the rowing action involves steadily holding the conjoined
inner portions 20, 24 at a substantially fixed position in 3-D
space while the user moves the outer portions 18, 26 about the
immobile axis of revolution defined by the inner portions.
Attention is invited to FIG. 12 in this regard. In the method, the
second person (e.g., therapist) firmly grasps the middle hand grip
31 on the base inner portion 20 of the apparatus, and holds the
apparatus as steadily as possible so as to maintain the axis of
rotation 45 at a generally fixed position in space. (The axis of
rotation 45 ordinarily is oriented horizontally as seen in the
figure, but alternatively may be oriented vertically.) The user
grasps the grips 30, 32 in his left and right hands, and cranks or
"rows" the apparatus 10 by moving the co-axis of the outer portions
18 and 26 around the axis of revolution 45 as indicated by the
directional arrow in FIG. 12. Of course, the direction of
revolution can be either forward or backward, and the user can
alternately reverse the direction of revolution during a
therapeutic session. The therapist occasionally during a therapy
session can relocate in 3-D space (or in relation to the user) the
position or orientation of the apparatus's axis of revolution 45.
This method well-works the user's shoulder joint and shoulder
girdle.
[0059] FIG. 13 shows a mode for practicing the invention by a solo
user manipulating the apparatus 10 in the pedal configuration. In
this version of the method, one or more interchangeable ballast
weights 50 of selected weight are attached to or suspended from the
middle hand grip 31 of the base inner portion 20. The suspension
can be by any appropriate means, such as by placing a conventional
cuff weight around and on the middle hand grip 31, or alternatively
by disposing a fabric sling assembly around the base inner portion
20 so to hang down with one or ballast weights 50 in or on the
sling.
[0060] A preferred version of the solo-operator mode of FIG. 13
features an axis of revolution 46 defined by the axes of the
conjoined inner portions 20, 24 of the apparatus 10 in the pedal
configuration. To practice the solo method of FIG. 13, the user
holds her arms out in front of her (preferably but not strictly
necessarily straight out (i.e. horizontally)), and pivots her arms
up and down to revolve the outer portions 18, 26 of the apparatus
so to cause the inner portions 20, 24 (with the ballast weight 50
thereupon) to rotate around the axis 46, as suggested by the
directional arrow of FIG. 13. The weight 50 helps mildly to
stabilize the apparatus in motion. Moreover and importantly, the
weight force is against gravity, thus amplifying the exercise of
the user's upper extremities as she holds the apparatus in position
in front of her body (preferably with arms substantially parallel
to the floor). The user must exercise many muscles of the arms and
shoulder to maintain the position and motion of the apparatus 10
about the axis 46; the exercise is particularly effective if the
user holds her arms in a straight horizontal position.
[0061] It is noted that the apparatus 10 can be used to practice a
method in which the apparatus is configured in the pedal
configuration (FIG. 3), but practiced by two persons, such as a
patient and therapist. In this version of the method, there is no
placement of a weight 50 on the mid hand grip 31; rather, the
middle hand grip 31 of the apparatus (in the pedal position) is
grasped by the therapist (in the manner indicated by FIG. 12). The
user-patient can thus "pedal" the apparatus in the manner suggested
by FIG. 13, but with the second person's grasp lending stability to
the position and operation.
[0062] The angled relations between the intermediate portions 22
and 28 of the apparatus 10 and the respective inner portions 20, 24
and outer portions 18, 26 facilitate the practice of the methods of
the invention illustrated by FIGS. 11-13. When the apparatus 10 is
in either the U-shaped crank configuration or the zigzag pedal
configuration, the configuration having the angle .alpha. promotes
the practice of the invention by two persons. The angle .alpha., as
described and explained hereinabove, removes laterally the right
and left outer hand grips 30 and 32 a modest distance away from the
mid hand grip 31. This provides a clearance for the presence of the
therapist's lower arm and hand--a clearance not provided when there
is a right angle of ninety degrees defined by the intersections of
the inner and outer portions of the base portion 12 and extension
portion 14 with their respective intermediate portions 22 and 28.
This is an advantage over many known "bike" type exercisers.
[0063] Attention is advanced to FIG. 14, depicting a specialized
method of use in which the apparatus remains in the pedal
configuration. The apparatus 10 is held in the user's hands at a
tilted or angled position, with the co-axis of the inner portions
20, 24 skewed relative to both the vertical and the horizontal. The
user, while grasping the two outer grips 30, 32, counter-pivots his
wrists relative to each other in a pivoting wobbling-like manner to
cause the conjoined inner portions 20, 24 of the apparatus to
simultaneously pitch and yaw. The user's knuckles bob to and fro,
as suggested by the directional arrows in FIG. 14. The activity
results in the opposite ends of the base inner portion 20 to
revolve in two generally circular paths, as also indicated by
directional arrows in FIG. 14. The user can execute this sort of
eccentric rotary motion in ether a backward (clockwise) or forward
(counterclockwise) direction, but the exercise can be executed by
most individuals only while the hands/fists are in a palms-down
position as seen in the figure. Propelling the apparatus 10 in this
manner, primarily with wrist action, especially while periodically
reversing and re-reversing the direction of rotation, improves
wrist flexion and extension, as well as radial and ulnar flexion
and extension. Further, propelling the apparatus in this mode also
works on pronation and supination of the forearms at the radioulnar
joint. Lower arm muscle groups are unconventionally exercised.
[0064] In various and certain exercises and therapies, it may be
desirable to adjust the resistance to rotation presented by the
apparatus 10 to the user(s). An alternative embodiment of the
present apparatus 10 thus optionally but preferably may feature
adjustability of the resistance to rotation of a hand grip (e.g.,
30 and/or 32) around an associated base portion 18 or extension
portion 26. Thus a left hand grip 30 is rotatably disposed on the
outer base portion 18, there being a resistance to rotation of the
left hand grip relative to the outer base portion; similarly, there
preferably is a resistance to rotation of the right hand grip 32
relative to the outer extension portion 26.
[0065] In the following description of an adjustable grip
resistance embodiment of the apparatus 10, a version having a right
hand grip 32 with an adjustable resistance to rotation around an
outer extension portion 26 of the apparatus is described. But it is
to be understood, with example reference to FIG. 1, that
alternative embodiments of the apparatus may also have a left hand
grip 30 with adjustable resistance to rotation around its
corresponding outer base portion 18. It is contemplated that most
alternative embodiments of the apparatus 10 having adjustable grip
resistance will have a left hand grip 30 with adjustable rotation
resistance around the outer base portion 18, and a right hand grip
32 with adjustable rotation resistance around its associated outer
extension portion 26. Ordinarily, the middle hand grip 31 remains
freely (non-adjustably) rotatable around the base inner portion 20;
nevertheless it is within the scope of the invention to provide
one, two, or all three grips 30, 31, 32 with adjustable resistance
to rotation about their respective supporting base or extension
members 18, 20, and/or 26.
[0066] Thus, there is disclosed means whereby the force or torque
required to rotate a particular grip, for example left hand grip 32
upon its supporting member, e.g. extension portion 26, can be
selectively adjusted and temporarily set prior to use of the
apparatus, thereby to customize the grip's resistance to rotation.
The resistance may be customized to a particular user/patient, or
to a particular type of exercise, a selected limb (arm, leg), or
the like, all according to the user's or therapist's choice or
judgment. In the embodiment disclosed hereafter, the adjustment is
not strictly step-wise or incremental; rather, the resistance to
rotation is infinitely adjustable between two outer limits,
allowing the resistance to be fine-tuned to the user's choice.
[0067] FIGS. 15 and 16 provide views of an adjustable grip
resistance assembly for an embodiment of the apparatus 10 having an
adjustable grip resistance assembly. The elements of the assembly
include, and are disposed upon, a supporting member 60 which,
depending upon the selected variation on the apparatus 10, is one
of the supporting base or extension members 18 or 20 or 26. As used
herein, including the claims, the term "supporting member" refers
to the outer base portion 18 or the outer extension portion 26 (or,
in an unusual alternative embodiment, the base inner portion 20).
The illustrations of FIGS. 15 and 16 suppose that the supporting
member is an outer extension portion 26 as seen in FIG. 1. The
supporting member 60 in this alternative embodiment preferably is a
solid aluminum rod. In this disclosure, the "distal" end of the
supporting member 60 refers to the free end of the member to the
right side of FIGS. 15 and 16, and "distal" or "distally" refers to
a direction facing or toward the distal end. The "proximate end" of
the supporting member is to the left, and would in one embodiment
be connected to the base inner portion 20 by means of the
intermediate extension portion 28. "Proximal" or "proximately"
herein refers to the direction opposite "distal" as described
above. The longitudinal central axis of supporting member 60
defines a central axis 61. Nearly all the components of the
adjustable grip resistance assembly are arranged coaxially about
this central axis 61, and the bearings 68, 69 and thumb screw 76
are disposed for rotation about the axis 61.
[0068] Arranged on the supporting member 60 are a shaft collar 62,
a resistance washer 66, a first bearing 68 and a second bearing 69.
The shaft collar 62 may be about 0.5 inch in axial thickness,
preferably is fabricated from machined aluminum, and has a threaded
set screw hole 65 defined radially therein. The resistance washer
66 (e.g., approximately 0.1 inch in axial thickness) preferably is
composed of a tough, durable, resilient polyelastomer. The bearings
68, 69 preferably are composed of polyethylene, and have a smooth
low-friction contact with the supporting member. The first bearing
68 may have an axial extent of about 1.5 inches, and the second
bearing 69 may have an axial extent of approximately 2.0 inches.
(All dimensions herein are offered by way of illustrative example,
not necessary description.) Unless affected by a bearing's contact
with the shaft collar 62 (or, more preferably, the friction washer
66 on or adjacent the shaft collar), the bearings 68, 69 freely
rotate around the supporting member or, stated differently, the
supporting member can rotate freely within the bearings, the inside
diameters of the bearings only slightly exceeding the outside
diameter of the support member. The hand grip 86 is concentrically
disposed exteriorly on the bearings 68, 69 (FIG. 15). The grip 86
may be covered with a resilient padding (not shown in FIGS. 15 and
16) for user comfort.
[0069] Proceeding further along the member 60, toward the proximate
end, are a spin lock 70 with roll pin 71, a wave spring washer 74,
a thumb screw 76, and a dial member 80. The spin lock 70 may be
composed of durable polyethylene, even the same material as
comprising the bearings, and have an axial dimension of about 0.3
inch. The pin 71 may be a conventional steel roll pin. The wave
spring washer 74 preferably is stainless spring steel and has an
axial extent of about 0.08 to about 0.1 inch; it is not truly
disk-shaped, but rather is mildly warped in one or two dimensions
(relative to its central axis) so to serve as a "wave shaped"
compression spring between the thumb screw 76 and the spin lock 70.
Compression of the spring washer 74 biases the spin lock 70 toward
the second bearing 69 while the washer 74 presses against the thumb
screw 76. Small convex bumps may be defined on the distal face of
the spring washer 74 for contact against the thumb screw. The
action of the spring washer maintains a minimal but constant axial
compression amongst the various components of the assembly, so that
maximum compressive pressure (and thus resistance to rotation) is
not achieved until the maximum reading (e.g., indicia "9") is
obtained at the window 89 in the dial member 80, as explained
further hereafter.
[0070] The thumb screw 76 may be fashioned, for example, from
machined aluminum, and is about 0.4 inch in axial thickness. The
dial member 80, approximately 0.23 inch thick, may be fabricated
from a rigid durable metal alloy or plastic. As seen in FIGS. 15
and 16, the dial member 80 is axially adjacent to the thumb screw
76, with a slight (up to, e.g., about 0.375 inch) gap between them
(depending upon the adjusted position of the thumb screw). It is
observed that the foregoing components (except the roll pin 71, but
including the shaft collar 62, resistance washer 66 and the
bearings 68, 69) preferably are generally annular in their radial
cross sections, and each defines axially there-through a respective
central aperture through which the member 60 can be smoothly
inserted.
[0071] The tubular hand grip 86 (which may correspond to the right
hand grip 32 of FIG. 1), between about 4 and about 5 inches long,
is securely affixed to and around the bearings 68, 69, as with
small screws, suitable adhesive, or the like. The grip 86 may be
composed of nylon or other suitable material. When the apparatus is
completely assembled, the bearings 68, 69 are contained
concentrically within the interior of the tubular grip 86 (FIG.
16).
[0072] A length (e.g., approximately 0.5 inch) of the distal end of
the supporting member 60 is threaded (for example with an 1/2''-13
thread along threaded portion 63) for screwed engagement with the
complementarily threaded interior of the central aperture of the
thumb screw 76. When fully assembled, the components of the
adjustable grip resistance assembly are maintained in axial
position (with only a minor amount of longitudinal "play") upon the
supporting member 60. The proper axial positions are maintained by
means (at the proximate end) of a conventional set screw (not
shown) disposed through a set screw hole 65 in the shaft collar 62,
for screwed engagement against the supporting member 60 to
temporarily set the axial location of the shaft collar 62, also to
prevent the collar from rotating upon the supporting member. Axial
positions of the components also are maintained by means (at the
distal end) of a terminal screw 88 (or suitable equivalent) that is
disposed through a central attachment hole in the dial member 80
and screwed into a central, axial, hole 81 in the distal end of the
supporting member 60, as suggested in FIG. 15.
[0073] The foregoing elements can be installed initially on the
supporting member 60, and are arranged in the order shown. It is
observed that, for the sake of clarity of illustration, FIG. 15
shows various of the components of the variable resistance
subassembly in a partially exploded (axially) depiction; in use,
adjacent ones of the axially arranged elements are either in mutual
contact or nearly so. However, FIG. 15 has an imaginary break
through the grip member 86 and supporting member 60, and between
the two bearings 68, 69, to signal that the grip 86 optionally may
have an axial length different (e.g., slightly longer) from the
combined axial lengths of the two bearings. Moreover, the inner
faces of the bearings 68, 69, which are in confronting relation,
may or may not be in contact with each other; because the grip 86
is fixedly secured to both bearings, the bearings 68, 69 rotate
together as a functional unit with the grip 86 regardless whether
the bearings are in mutual contact. Thus, the unit defined by the
grip 86 and the bearings may have any suitable selected axial
length.
[0074] The shaft collar 62 can be situated upon the supporting
member 60, with its distal face toward the proximal face of the
resistance washer 66, and is releasably secured in location by
means of a conventional set screw. The resistance washer 66 also is
slipped into position along the supporting member 60, with its
distal face in contact with the proximate face of the first bearing
68. The resistance washer 66 preferably is securely anchored to the
shaft collar 62, as with a high-strength bonding agent such as
LOCTITE.RTM. 420 adhesive, or other suitable adhesive such as an
epoxy. Such installation is facilitated by sliding the shaft collar
and the resistance washer over, around, and along the supporting
member 60, with the supporting member disposed through central
apertures through the collar 62 and washer 66. The diameters of the
central apertures in the shaft collar 62 and in the resistance
washer 66 preferably are slightly greater than the outside diameter
of the member 60. The shaft collar 62 when fully installed does not
rotate on the supporting member 60, there being a set screw (not
shown, but according to knowledge in the art) tightened down
against the surface of the supporting member by being screwably
turned through the threaded, radially oriented, set screw hole 65.
Due to frictional forces, the resistance washer 66 is not prone to
rotation about the supporting member 60; most preferably, because
the resistance washer is permanently adhered to the shaft collar
62, and the shaft collar is set against rotary motion, the
resistance washer cannot rotate about the axis of the supporting
member 60.
[0075] The first and second bearings 68 and 69 may then be
installed in that order upon the supporting member 60. The first
and second bearings 68, 69 with grip 86 thereon may then be slid
upon the supporting member 60 by sliding the member through the
central apertures in the bearings, which apertures have diameters
only slightly greater than the outside diameter of the supporting
member. In the fully assembled apparatus, the distal face of the
second bearing 69 may contact the spin lock 70. Properly situated,
the bearings 68, 69 are freely and smoothly rotatable on the
supporting member 60 and around its axis.
[0076] The spin lock 70 is non-rotatably situated on the supporting
member, and may be installed by sliding it along the supporting
member. The spin lock 70 has a central aperture whose diameter is
slightly greater than the outside diameter of the supporting
member. Placement of the spin lock 70 involves sliding its keyway
92 over the roll pin 71. Roll pin 71 is securely situated at an
axial location on the support member 60 (e.g., is inserted tightly
into a radial hole in the support member) so as to extend a short
distance (e.g., 0.01 inch) radially outward from the surface of the
support member. The longitudinal keyway 92 along the central
aperture 94 through the spin lock 70 slidably engages with the roll
pin 71 in a manner to be described further, so as to prevent the
spin lock from being rotatable upon the support member 60 about its
longitudinal axis. The roll pin 71 is located axially along the
supporting member such that when the apparatus is fully assembled
for use, there is a predetermined distance between the distal face
of the spin lock 70 and the proximate face of the dial member
80.
[0077] The wave spring washer 74, whose central aperture has a
diameter just greater than the outside diameter of the supporting
member 60, may then be slipped onto and along the supporting member
and into contact with the proximate side of the thumb screw 76. The
installed wave spring washer 76 may, but need not, rotate somewhat
upon the supporting member 60. Properly assembled for use, the wave
spring washer 74 is in contact with both the distal face of the
spin lock 70 and the proximate face of the thumb screw 76, while
there is a rotary sliding contact, or more often a small gap,
between the distal face of the thumb screw and the proximate face
of the dial member 80 (which is secured in position by the terminal
screw 88). The axial size of the gap between the dial member 80 and
the thumb screw 76 depends upon the axial position of the thumb
screw, as it is screwably movable axially along the support member
threaded portion 63.
[0078] The thumb screw 76 is screwed into position by threading it
onto the member threaded portion 63; the thumb screw 76 has, along
its axial length and circumferentially around its central aperture,
screw threads complementary to the threads 63 along the distal end
of the supporting member 60. Thus the member 60 has an outside
diameter nearly equal to the diameter of the central aperture
through the thumb screw 76. Properly installed in the finished
assembly, the thumb screw 76 does not rotate relative to the
supporting member, except in accordance with its movement when
being screwed closer to, or farther away, from the dial member 80
and along the threads 63. The dial member is installed next to the
thumb screw 76. The dial member 80 is secured onto the distal end
of the supporting member 60 (FIG. 16) by means of turning the
terminal screw 88 into the member screw hole 81. Properly installed
in the finished assembly, the dial member does not rotate relative
to the supporting member 60.
[0079] The spin lock 70 and roll pin 71 serve to prevent the rotary
motion of the second bearing 69 (with grip 86 thereon) from
inducing unwanted rotation of the thumb screw 76 (via the
intermediate wave spring washer 74). During the practice of the
invention, the grip 86 is grasped in a user's hand, while the
supporting member 60 rotates with respect to the grip; the grip is
fixed to the bearings 68, 69, and the interior surfaces of bearings
are smooth so to slide freely against the exterior of the support
member. Accordingly, as the user moves the overall apparatus 10 in
any of the ways described previously hereinabove, the supporting
member 60 and the bearings 68, 69 rotate coaxially in relation to
each other. However, in the absence of a spin lock 70, rotary
movement of the second bearing 69 tends to impart undesirable
rotary motion in the thumb screw 76 (as thumb screw is
screwably/unscrewably movable along the threads 63). Inadvertent
axial shifting of the thumb screw 76 is to be avoided, as
deliberate rotation of the thumb screw is the mode for regulating
and setting the grip's resistance to rotation (to be described
further).
[0080] Special reference is invited to FIGS. 17A and 17B, as well
as FIG. 16. The roll pin 71 is secured on/into the supporting
member 60 so to have a short length thereof, for example between
about 0.0125 inch and about 0.009 inch, protruding radially from
the exterior surface of the supporting member. The roll pin 71 is
disposed at a predetermined location along the length of the
supporting member 60, an appropriate distance from the distal end
of the supporting member, so to be engagable with the spin lock 70
is at its proper place along the axis of the supporting member. The
spin lock 70 has an inner wall defining its axial central aperture
94. As best seen in FIGS. 17A and 17B, a keyway 92 is defined
longitudinally in the inner wall of the spin lock 70, in
communication with the central aperture 94. The keyway 92
preferably opens to the distal side of the spin lock and has a
blind proximal end, as indicated in FIGS. 17A-B; alternatively the
keyway 92 may run the full axial length of the spin lock 70, so to
open to both the proximal and the distal sides of the spin
lock.
[0081] When the spin lock 70 is properly installed upon the
supporting member 60, the roll pin 71 extends into and engages with
the keyway 92. The engagement of the roll pin 71 with the recess of
the keyway 92 prevents the spin lock 70 from being able to rotate
relative to the supporting member. However, because the keyway 92
has a longitudinal extent, the pin 71 can slide axially along the
keyway, thus permitting the spin lock 70 to shift a short distance,
to or fro, axially along the support member 60. Yet the arcuate
extent of the keyway 92 corresponds generally to, or slightly
exceeds, the diameter of the roll pin; this close engagement
effectively prevents the spin lock 70 from rotating on the
supporting member 60 and around their co-axis 61. In the operation
of the apparatus, therefore, the second bearing 69 may freely and
deliberately rotate in relation to the supporting member, and may
have incidental rubbing contact with the nearby spin lock 70; but
such contact does not impart any rotary motion to the spin lock 70.
The thumb screw 76 thereby is protected from inadvertent
undesirable rotary motion due to the rotation of the second bearing
69. Rotation of the second bearing during operation of the
apparatus thus does not actuate the thumb screw 76.
[0082] The adjustable grip resistance assembly provides a
selectively adjustable resistance to the rotation of the hand grip
86 with respect to the supporting member 60. This is accomplished
by controllably adjusting a friction force transmitted between the
shaft collar 62 and the first bearing 68; in the preferred
embodiment, the friction force is directly between the resistance
washer 66 and the bearing. The thumb screw 76, by virtue of being
screwed onto the member threads 63 near the distal end of the
supporting member 60, can be moved longitudinally along the member
60 to the extent of the threads 63. For example, clockwise (as seen
in FIG. 15) rotation of the thumb screw 76 shifts, with fine
graduation, the thumb screw toward the proximate end of the member
60, i.e., toward the shaft collar 62; counterclockwise rotation
moves the thumb screw distally along the threads 63, that is,
"backs it off" axially toward the dial member 80.
[0083] Regulation of the rotational resistance of the grip 86 is
accomplished by the user's deliberate turning of the thumb screw
76. In the completed assembly, the shaft collar 62 is in intimate
contact with or connected to the resistance washer 66, which abuts
the first bearing 68 which abuts the second bearing 69, which in
turn is in direct contact with the spin lock 90. As previously
mentioned, in the completed assembly, the spring washer 74 is in
contact with both the second bearing 69 and the thumb screw 76, and
ordinarily is slightly compressed between them. Due to this serial
chain of contiguous contacts among the elements of the assembly,
screwed movement of the thumb screw 76 axially toward the collar 62
compresses the resistance washer 66 (between the collar 62 and the
first bearing 68), thereby increasing the friction between the
resistance washer 66 and the first bearing 68. Contrariwise,
screwed movement of the thumb screw 76 axially away from the collar
62 reduces the resistance compression of the washer 66, thereby
decreasing the friction between the washer and the first bearing
68. Because the resistance washer 66 undergoes little or no
rotation, frictional drag between it and the first bearing 68
increases resistance to the bearing's rotation on the supporting
member 60, and thus also the ability of the grip 86 to rotate
relative to the supporting member. Similarly, the lesser the
frictional drag between the bearing 68 and the washer 66, the more
freely the supporting member 60 can rotate in relation to both the
bearings and the surrounding grip 86. Thus, controllably rotating
the thumb screw 76 toward the shaft collar 62 gradually increases
the grip's rotation resistance, and counter-rotating the thumb
screw 76 away from the collar and toward the dial member 80
gradually decreases, potentially to zero, the grip's rotation
resistance. By selectively turning the thumb screw 76, the user or
the user's therapist can regulate the ability of the supporting
member 60 and the grip 86 to rotate coaxially in relation to one
another.
[0084] In a preferred embodiment, there is means provided for
gauging the hand grip's resistance to rotation. Gauging the
resistance to rotation permits the user to see and monitor the
magnitude of the grip's rotary resistance, and to repeatedly re-set
the apparatus to a selected desired resistance. The gauging means
nevertheless allows the resistance to be controllably varied and
temporarily established between selected settings. As explained
previously, the magnitude of rotational resistance of the bearings
68, 69 and grip 86 in coaxial relation to the supporting member 60
is a function of the thumb screw's axial location along the axis
61, which is in turn determined by the user's controlled
manipulation of the thumb screw 76. Thus, the rotational position
of the thumb screw 76, relative to the axis 61, correlates directly
to the rotary friction between the resistance washer 66 and the
proximate bearing 68. A gauging means accordingly may include
elements for visually monitoring and determining the rotary
position of the thumb screw 76. Such a gauging or measuring means
may include an operational relationship between the thumb screw 76
and the dial member 80.
[0085] In this regard, attention is invited to FIGS. 16 and 18,
illustrating that the thumb screw 76 has a plurality (for preferred
example, nine) indicator labels 84 arranged (e.g., radially
arrayed) on its distal face. FIG. 18 offers a view of the distal
face of the thumb screw, and shows nine indicator labels 84 with
indicia thereon. The labels 84 preferably are disposed
equidistantly in a spoke-like circular arrangement, concentric to
the axis 61, similar to the numbers on the face of a clock. Each
indicator label 84 displays an appropriate insignia or mark, such
as a number or letter; the numbers (e.g., 1, 2, 3, etc.) or letters
(e.g., A, B, C, etc.) are sequentially arranged (e.g.,
counterclockwise) on the face of the thumb screw 76. The total
number of indicator labels 84 is at least three, and preferably
about nine; their angular arrangement depends on their number; for
example, nine labels 84 are separated by forty-degree angular
intervals.
[0086] The dial member 80 defines there through a window aperture
89. The window aperture 89 is offset from the central axis 61 (and
thus from the center of the circular dial member 80) a distance
approximately equal to the distances the labels 84 are located from
the same axis 61. While the dial member 80 is secured by the
terminal screw 88 in place upon the member 60, and does not rotate,
the thumb screw 76 is rotatable about the central axis 61.
Controlled rotation of the thumb screw 76 may bring any one of the
indicator labels 84, e.g. one-by-one sequentially, into
registration (axial alignment) with the window aperture 89, whereby
a registration of any particular one of the indicator labels with
the window aperture corresponds to a magnitude of the resistance to
rotation. By rotating (or counter-rotating) the thumb screw 76
through 360 degrees, the user consequently can bring any selected
one of the labels 84 into registration (axial alignment) with the
window aperture 89. Such a registration corresponds to, and thus
indicates, a particular magnitude of frictional resistance to
rotation presented to the user by the apparatus 10.
[0087] It may be desirable to calibrate after initial assembly, and
perhaps occasionally as needed thereafter, the cooperative gauging
function of the thumb screw 76 and window aperture 89. Calibration
may be accomplished with the apparatus assembled. A possible
calibration routine is here summarized. The thumb screw 76 is
rotated to back it off till it obtains the distal end of the shaft
threads 63, where it contacts the dial member 80 which is secured
in pace by the terminal screw 88. So located a maximum distance
distally from the shaft collar 62, the thumb screw does not
compress the resistance washer, and the assembly is in the "minimal
resistance" position. The terminal screw 88 is then loosened
slightly, and the dial member 80 is rotated about the axis 61 until
the "zero" one of the labels 84 (e.g., the indicia numeral "0") is
registered with, and visible through, the window aperture 89. With
the thumb screw 76 in this zero- or minimal-resistance home
position, and with the zero indicator label aligned with the window
aperture 89, the terminal screw 89 is tightened down to the end of
the member 60 and secured. When the thumb screw 76 is fully
"unscrewed" along the threads 63, a zero indicator label 84
accordingly shows through the window aperture to indicate that the
assembly is in the minimal resistance position.
[0088] With the various components of the adjustable grip
resistance assembly so arranged serially along the supporting
member 60, and slipped toward the dial member 80 so each component
contacts its adjacent component(s), the shaft collar 62 is released
by loosening its set screw. The coaxial components of the
adjustable grip resistance assembly are moved distally into mutual
contact, and a 30,000.sup.th-inch (approximately) feeler blade (not
shown) is placed between the resistance washer 66 and the first
bearing 68. The shaft collar 62 is pressed against the feeler
blade, and then secured in position upon the supporting member 60
by tightening its set screw. The feeler blade is then removed to
complete the calibration of the assembly's gauging function. The
longitudinal slack in the assembly (with the shaft collar so
secured) provided by the temporary presence of the feeler blade
permits the thumb screw 76 to be rotated to move toward the shaft
collar 62, thereby to increase the assembly's resistance to
rotation. In a preferred embodiment, the thumb screw 76 and
complementary shaft threads 63 are configured such that a
360-degree tightening rotation of the thumb screw increases the
resistance to rotation from minimum to maximum, while conversely a
360-degree counter-rotation decreases the resistance from maximum
to minimum. The wave disc spring washer 74 distributes or relieves
some pressure that would otherwise be imposed upon the bearing 69,
so that the assembly's rotary resistance does not obtain its
maximum prior to the maximum indicator label being visible at the
dial 80.
[0089] During a complete rotation of the thumb screw 76, it moves
between its minimal-resistance home position and its
maximum-resistance position. And during such a rotation, the
different indicator labels 84 appear and disappear sequentially
from view through the window aperture 89. Thus each particular
indicator label indicia (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9)
corresponds to a rotary (and thus also axial) position of the thumb
screw 76, which is determinative of the magnitude of the assembly's
relative resistance to rotation. The user thus can monitor the
resistance to rotation offered by the apparatus. By observing which
indicator label 84 is visible (completely or partially) through the
window aperture 89 in the dial member 80, a user can evaluate the
level (relative magnitude) of resistance. This permits the
resistance to be selected and temporarily set by the user according
to therapeutic or training dictates, and permits a user to
consistently but repeatedly re-set the resistance to a desired
level between usages.
[0090] Thus there is provided an apparatus 10 for exercising a
person's upper body comprising: (1) a base portion 12 comprising:
an inner base portion 20; a middle hand grip 31 rotatably disposed
on the inner base portion 20; an outer base portion 18; a left hand
grip 30 rotatably disposed on the outer base portion; and an
intermediate base portion 22 connecting the outer base portion to
the inner base portion and defining an angle .alpha. with the inner
base portion; and (2) an extension portion 14 connectable to the
base portion 12, the extension portion comprising: an outer
extension portion 26; a right hand grip 32 rotatably disposed on
the outer extension portion, there being a resistance to rotation
of the right hand grip relative to the outer extension portion;
means for adjusting the resistance to rotation of the right hand
grip (FIGS. 15 and 16); and an intermediate extension portion 28
defining an angle .beta. with the outer extension portion. In the
apparatus 10, the means for adjusting the resistance to rotation of
the right hand grip 86 comprises: a threaded portion 63 of the
outer extension portion, i.e., the supporting member 60 in FIGS. 15
and 16; at least one bearing 68 rotatable upon the outer extension
portion 60, wherein the right hand grip 86 is secured to at least
one bearing 68 for rotation therewith; a thumb screw 76 on the
outer extension portion and having rotatable screwed engagement
with the threaded portion 63; and a shaft collar 62 non-rotatably
disposed upon the outer extension portion 60, wherein a rotation of
the thumb screw 76 upon the threaded portion moves the thumb screw
axially along the threaded portion to increase or decrease a
compression force thereby to increase or decrease a friction
transmitted between at least one rotatable bearing 68 and the shaft
collar 62.
[0091] The apparatus 10 preferably further comprises: (1) a
resistance to rotation of the left hand grip 30 relative to the
outer base portion 18; and (2) means for adjusting the resistance
to rotation of the left hand grip (FIGS. 15 and 16) comprising: a
threaded portion 63 of the outer base portion 18, i.e., the
supporting member 60 in FIGS. 15 and 16; at least one bearing 68
rotatable upon the outer base portion 60, wherein the left hand
grip 86 (FIGS. 15 and 16) is secured to the at least one bearing 68
for rotation therewith; a thumb screw 76 on the outer base portion
60 and having rotatable screwed engagement with the threaded
portion 63 of the outer base portion; and a shaft collar 62
non-rotatably disposed upon the outer base portion 60; wherein a
rotation of the thumb screw upon the threaded portion 63 of the
outer base portion 60 moves the thumb screw axially along the
threaded portion of the outer base portion to increase or decrease
a compression force thereby to increase or decrease a friction
transmitted between at least one rotatable bearing on the outer
base portion and the shaft collar on the outer base portion. A
preferred embodiment of the apparatus 10 further comprises a
resistance washer 66 situated around the outer extension portion 26
and/or the outer base portion 18, and axially intermediate the
shaft collar 62 and at least one bearing 68, to transmit friction
between the at least one bearing and the shaft collar.
[0092] A preferred embodiment of the apparatus 10 also comprises
means for gauging the resistance to rotation of either or both of
the right hand grip 32 and left hand grip 30 in relation to their
respective supporting members 26 and 18. Such means for gauging may
comprise a dial member 80 on the supporting member 60 FIGS. 15 and
16), axially adjacent the thumb screw 76, a window aperture 89
defined through the window aperture, and a plurality of indicator
labels 84 arranged on the thumb screw, such that a rotation of the
thumb screw 76 upon the threaded portion 63 of a support member may
bring any one of the indicator labels into a registration with the
window aperture 89; the registration of a particular indicator
label with the window aperture corresponds to a magnitude of the
respective hand grip's resistance to rotation.
[0093] There may be provided a spin lock 92 non-rotatably (as by a
pin 71) situated on the supporting member 60 (FIGS. 15 and 16,
corresponding to either the base outer portion or the outer
extension portion) axially between the at least one bearing 69 and
the thumb screw 76, wherein the spin lock prevents a rotary motion
of at least one bearing from inducing unwanted rotation of the
thumb screw.
[0094] From the foregoing, methods according to the invention are
apparent to persons skilled in the art. In sum, there is provided
one possible preferred method for exercising a person's upper body
and/or extremities comprising the steps of: (a) providing an
apparatus 10 comprising: a base portion 12 comprising: an inner
base portion 20; a middle hand grip 31 rotatably disposed on the
inner base portion 20; an outer base portion 18; a left hand grip
30 rotatably disposed on the outer base portion; and an
intermediate base portion 22 connecting the outer base portion to
the inner base portion and defining an angle with the inner base
portion; (b) an extension portion 14 releasably connectable to the
base portion 12, the extension portion comprising: an inner
extension portion 24; an outer extension portion 26; a right hand
grip 32 rotatably disposed on the outer extension portion; and an
intermediate extension portion 28 connecting the outer extension
portion to the inner extension portion and defining an angle with
the inner extension portion; and, in a preferred embodiment, (c)
releasably connecting the base portion to the extension
portion.
[0095] The method preferably further comprising selectively
mutually releasably connecting the base portion 12 and the
extension portion 14 in either a generally zig-zag-shaped pedal
configuration (FIG. 3) or a generally u-shaped crank configuration
(FIG. 4), wherein: (a) the step of releasably connecting the base
portion and the extension portion in the pedal configuration (FIG.
3) comprises coaxially aligning and connecting the inner base
portion 20 and the inner extension portion 24 to define a central
co-axis, and such that an axis of the outer base portion 18 and an
axis of the outer extension portion 26 are parallel and offset so
not to be coaxially aligned; and (b) releasably connecting the base
portion 12 and the extension portion 14 in the crank configuration
(FIG. 4) comprises coaxially aligning and connecting the inner base
portion 20 and the inner extension portion 24 to define a central
co-axis, and such that the axis of the outer base portion and the
axis of the outer extension portion are parallel and are coaxially
aligned.
[0096] The method preferably includes the steps of releasably
connecting the base portion 12 and the extension portion 14 in the
pedal configuration; grasping the left hand grip 30; grasping the
right hand grip 32; and revolving the respectively offset axes of
the base outer portion 18 and of the extension outer portion 26
around the central co-axis of the inner portions 20, 24. The method
includes holding generally horizontal the central co-axis defined
by the inner portions 20, 24. The method also contemplates the
moving of the central co-axis through different positions in 3-D
space. The method may also include maintaining the central co-axis
at substantially a single position in 3-D space for a selected
interval of time.
[0097] A ballast weight 50 may be attached or suspended at the base
inner portion.
[0098] The method may include the step of holding the central
co-axis (defined by the joined inner portions) at about the height
of the user's chest, or at about the height of the user's face, or
at about the height of the user's chest.
[0099] Rather than holding the central co-axis horizontal, the
method may include the step of holding generally vertical the
central co-axis. With the co-axis so held, the method may include
moving the central co-axis through different positions in 3-D
space. Or, the central co-axis may be maintained at substantially a
single position in 3-D space for a selected interval of time. The
method accordingly may also include the steps of holding the
central co-axis toward the left side of the user's torso, or
holding the central co-axis at about the center of the user's
torso, or holding the central co-axis toward the right side of the
user's torso.
[0100] An alternative mode of the method may include the steps of:
(a) holding the central co-axis at an angled position in 3-D space
with the co-axis of the inner portions 20, 24 skewed relative to
both the vertical and the horizontal (FIG. 14); and while grasping
the two outer grips 30, 32; (b) counter-pivoting the user's wrists
relative to each other in a pivoting manner to cause the connected
inner portions to simultaneously pitch and yaw, and the opposite
ends of the base inner portion 20 to revolve in two generally
circular paths.
[0101] When the apparatus 10 has two disconnectable portions, the
base portion 12 and the extension portion 14, method may also
include the steps of: (a) releasably connecting the base portion
and the extension portion in the crank configuration (FIG. 12); (b)
a first user grasping the left hand grip 30; (c) the first user
grasping the right hand grip 32; and (c) revolving the aligned axes
of the base outer portion 18 and of the extension outer portion 26
around an axis of rotation 45 defined by the central co-axis of the
inner portions 20, 24. In such use, the method optionally may
include the step of a second user grasping the middle hand grip
31.
[0102] Accordingly, there has been provided a versatile and very
portable apparatus, and related methods, for promoting exercise,
including physically therapeutic exercise, of a user's upper body
or upper extremities. By using the disclosed apparatus 10 to
practice the disclosed exercise methods, at least all the following
types of upper body motions can be exercised and improved: Elbow
flexion; wrist extension; wrist flexion, radial and ulnar flexion;
lower arm pronation and supination; shoulder joint flexion and
extension; shoulder joint external and internal rotation; shoulder
joint horizontal abduction and horizontal adduction; shoulder
girdle abduction and adduction; and shoulder girdle upward and
downward rotation.
Although the invention has been described in detail with particular
reference to these preferred embodiments, other embodiments can
achieve the same results. And while the present invention has been
particularly illustrated and described with reference to exemplary
embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those of ordinary
skill in the art that various changes in form and details may be
made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the
present invention as defined by the appended claims. Therefore, it
is to be understood that the above-described exemplary embodiments
have been provided only in a descriptive sense and will not be
construed as placing any limitation on the scope of the invention.
Variations and modifications of the present invention will be
obvious to those skilled in the art and it is intended to cover in
the appended claims all such modifications and equivalents.
* * * * *