US20030069109A1 - Pocket-portable hand-strengthening ringlet - Google Patents

An inexpensive and durable elastomeric pocket-portable hand-exerciser device for medical-therapeutic or to build-up an athlete's hand-strength. Appearing substantially in the form of an O-ring in axial-view aspect, however preferably offered to buyers in distinct generic-variant configurations;—as a triad-set or quad-set, or individually, each iteration having physically different cross-sections, as follows: A.) presenting vertical elliptical cross-sections in one transverse aspect, and pronated elliptical cross-sections in a 90-degree axially-rotated alternate transverse aspect;—thus being ultimately easy to radially deform by squeezing in the first plane, yet more difficult to radially deform in the alternate radial direction . . . B.) presenting regular circular cross-sections in one transverse aspect, and vertical elliptical cross-sections in a 90-degree axially-rotated alternate transverse aspect; —thus being ultimately difficult to radially deform by squeezing in the first plane, yet less difficult to radially deform in the alternate radial direction . . . C.) presenting regular circular cross-sections in one transverse aspect, and pronated elliptical cross-sections in a 90-degree axially-rotated alternate transverse aspect;—thus being ultimately difficult to radially deform by squeezing in the first plane, yet ultimately easy to radially deform in the alternate radial direction . . . D.) presenting a regular circular cross-sections in one transverse aspect, and like regular circular cross-sections in a 90-degree axially-rotated alternate transverse aspect;—thus being ultimately difficult to go radially deform by squeezing in both radial directions. Hence, these cross-sectionally diverse combinations thus being uniquely configured as to provide the user with variable degrees of hand-squeezing dexterity, calculated to build-up one's hand-strength both as to ultimate squeezing power, and as to ability in sustaining a maximum number of repetitions.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

• 1. Field of Invention

• This invention relates to pocket-portable palm-sized hand-exercising or hand-strengthening grip-building devices, and more specifically it relates to such devices made of a rubber like elastomer as to be compressively deformable with a resilient memory.

• 2. Relevant Prior Art

• Background research discovery provides some prior patent-art regarded as germane to this disclosure;—chronologically for example U.S. Pat. No. 3,265,389(filed: July 1963) shows a palm-sized primarily physically therapeutic (said to be mentally tranquilizing also) hand-exerciser device made of solid molded rubber construction, and is described as a planar oblong shape with an integrally molded rubber bar bisecting it lengthwise. Although is it designed to be squeezeably deformed, none of configuration is circular or of elliptical cross-section.

• In U.S. Pat. No. 3,612,521(filed: October 1971) is shown a a one-piece molded rubber device having five digit-holes (fingers & thumb), which is designed to be stretched rather than compressed; thereby functioning rather isometrically (that is, in tension).

• In U.S. Pat. No. 3,966,204(filed: January 1972 from Switzerland) is shown a molded rubber (preferably) ring shaped device, thus having a particular H-shaped transverse cross-sectioning, and which is demonstrated to be employed in a variety of different ways. Only FIG. 5 is relevant, in that it alone teaches use singly, by one hand in squeezing compression; however the scale of the device in relation to the hand reveals the ring to be about 8-inches in relaxed circular diameter. Hence, the device necessarily has to be precompressed by aid of one's opposite hand, in order to narrow its span in one direction sufficiently to be grasped between the thumb and fingers; during which, the flanges of the H-shape would press very uncomfortably into one's hand. Thus is deemed unsuitable for continued manipulation in the hand, and is not small enough to be pocket-portable.

• In U.S. Pat. No. 4,153,248(filed: December 1977) is shown a one-piece hand-strengthening device molded of solid resilient rubber, and characterized as a double spherical shape joined axially by a narrowed neck portion (hence, siamesed balls). The device is to bulky to be considered pocket-portable, but is said to be designed for general hand squeeze manipulation (para.-2/lines 25-27).

• In U.S. Pat. No. 4,690,401(filed: September 1985 from Japan) is shown a large diameter exercising go ring of about 1 ft-2 ft overall diameter, which is solid rubber molded around a continuous spring-steel core. Various ways of utilizing the device while exercising are shown, but FIGS. 18 & 19 teach how the large-diameter ring can be squeezed in one's hand (again, requiring precompression by both hands before it can be so held).

• In U.S. Pat. No. 4,828,249(filed: October 1986) is shown a pocket-portable one-piece planar molded rubber hand-exerciser, featuring a through-hole at each apex of the symmetrical pentagonal shape, for each of the five digits of the hand. It is thus claimed that the device can be employed in both squeezing, and conversely, in stretching exercises. However, the overall configuration is not circular, nor does it employ elliptical cross-sectioning.

• In U.S. Pat. No. 4,984,784(filed: March 1990) is shown a five-piece apparatus for hand-exercising, comprising three iron balls plus two intermediate magnetic-ring devices serving to pull the three balls intimately into one assemblage; to be therefore manipulated in one's hand for therapeutic purposes, whereby the magnets rather act as tension-springs in resisting the dislodging of the balls from their propensity to remain seated upon the rings. However, the rings are rigid, thus not in of themselves resiliently compressive.

• In U.S. Pat. No. 5,292,297(filed: May 1993 from Taiwan) is shown an four-legged exercising-board having a central place from which extends a pair of elastic-cords each distally secured to separate hand-rings. These two rings are however rigid, and are thus referenced here as typical of the hand-rings commonly employed on exercising or gymnastic apparatus as handles only.

• In U.S. Pat. No. 5,556,358(filed: August 1994) is shown a pocket-portable substantially palm-sized deformable hand-exerciser apparatus, which has a malleable non-resilient particulate core surrounded by a resilient rubber (latex) covering, and is manipulated by varying manipulations of the fingers and opposed thumb;—however, the structure is not ring like in character.

• In U.S. Pat. No. 5,820,522(filed: April 1997) is shown an orthopedic hand-exerciser apparatus characterized as a solid molded rubber oblong egg-shape with three tab-like finger dividers extending from one side, and wherein FIGS. 10A/B, 11, 13A/B/C, all teach its use in combination with a rubber-band. However, the rubber-band is of rectilinear cross-section, and in any case is not used anone.

• In U.S. Pat. No. 5,890,999(filed: March 1997) is shown a hand-portable having a polymorphicly flexile envelope of generally egg-shaped configuration, which is filled with a reshapable putty material so as to be wielded in a malleable manner within one's hand. However, while substantially circular in cross-section, it is not ring-shaped, nor is it made of an elastomer.

• Therefore, in full consideration of the preceding patent review, there is determined a need for an improved form of device to which these patents have been largely addressed. The instant inventor hereof believes their newly improved hand-exerciser device, commercially referred to as the “PowerRing™”, currently being developed for production under auspices of the Bender-Mfg./Mkt.Co., exhibits certain advantages as shall be revealed in the subsequent portion of this instant disclosure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

• A.) In view of the foregoing discussion about the earlier invention art, it is therefore important to make it pellucid to others interested in the art that the object of this invention is to provide an improved pocket-portable hand-exerciser of one-piece solid rubber (or equivalent elastomer material) construction, which is necessarily palm-sized (about 2½-inches to 3½-inches in overall diameter, as to fit a broad percentile-range of human hand palms), of unbroken O-shaped configuration tantamount to a flexile ring.

• B.) Another object of this invention disclosure is to set forth a flexile hand-exerciser article according to preceding item-A, wherein is also provided that the PowerRing™ be optionally offered in distinctly different generic-variants typified as follows:

• A.) presenting vertical elliptical cross-sections in one transverse aspect, and pronated elliptical cross-sections in a 90-degree axially-rotated alternate transverse aspect; -thus being ultimately easy to radially deform by squeezing in the first plane, yet more difficult to radially deform in the alternate radial direction . . .

• B.) presenting regular circular cross-sections in one transverse aspect, and vertical elliptical cross-sections in a 90-degree axially-rotated alternate transverse aspect;—thus being ultimately difficult to radially deform by squeezing in the first plane, yet less difficult to radially deform in the alternate radial direction . . .

• C.) presenting regular circular cross-sections in one transverse aspect, and pronated elliptical cross-sections in a 90-degree axially-rotated alternate transverse aspect;—thus being ultimately difficult to radially deform by squeezing in the first plane, yet ultimately easy to radially deform in the alternate radial direction . . .

• D.) presenting a regular circular cross-sections in one transverse aspect, and like regular circular cross-sections in a 90-degree axially-rotated alternate transverse aspect;—thus being ultimately difficult to radially deform by squeezing in both radial directions.

• C.) Another object of this invention disclosure is to set forth a flexile hand-exerciser article according to preceding items-A&B, wherein is further provided that a triad-set or quad-set of the combined above outlined individual PowerRing™ iterations can be offered to buyers; hence, their cross-sectionally diverse selections thus being uniquely configured as to provide the user with selectively varying degrees of hand-squeezing dexterity, calculated to build-up one's hand-strength both as to ultimate squeezing power, and as to ability in sustaining a maximum number of repetitions.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT DRAWINGS

• The foregoing and still other objects of this invention will become fully apparent, along with various advantages and features of novelty residing in the present embodiments, from study of the following description of the variant generic species embodiments and study of the ensuing description of these embodiments. Wherein indicia of reference are shown to match related matter stated in the text, as well as the Claims section annexed hereto; and accordingly, a better understanding of the invention and the variant uses is intended, by reference to the drawings, which are considered as primarily exemplary and not to be therefore construed as restrictive in nature; wherein:

• FIG. 1, is a pictorial view showing the preferred manner of holding and manipulating the hand-exerciser in a user's left hand, hence the ringlet appears here in a somewhat physically distorted condition;

• FIG. 2, is a general reference pictorial perspective-view, showing both the longitudinal axis of reference and the axially bisecting planes of cross-sectional reference for my basically O-shaped circular hand-exerciser ringlet;

• FIG. 3, shows two cross-section elevation-views thereof, the uppermost pronated example thereof being taken along bisecting

  plane

  11′:11″, the vertical ellipsoidal example thereof being taken along the

  opposing plane

  12′:12″ indicated in general reference FIG. 2;

• FIG. 4, shows two cross-section elevation-views thereof, the uppermost circular example thereof being taken along bisecting

  planes

  11′:11″, the vertical ellipsoidal example thereof being taken along the

  opposing plane

  12′:12″ indicated in general reference FIG. 2;

• FIG. 5, shows two cross-section elevation-views thereof, the uppermost circular example thereof being taken along bisecting

  planes

  11′:11″, the pronated ellipsoidal example thereof being taken along the

  opposing plane

  12′:12″ indicated in general reference FIG. 2;

• FIG. 6, shows two cross-section elevation-views thereof, the uppermost circular example thereof being taken along bisecting

  planes

  11′:11″, the vertical ellipsoidal example thereof being taken along the

  opposing plane

  12′:12″ indicated in general reference FIG. 2;

• FIG. 7, shows two cross-section elevation-views thereof, the uppermost smaller circular example thereof being taken along bisecting

  planes

  11′:11″, the larger circular example thereof being taken along the

  opposing plane

  12′:12″ indicated in general reference FIG. 2.

ITEMIZED NOMENCLATURE REFERENCES

• 10—general overall circular ringlet

• 11′/11″—first radially transverse aspect ref.-arrow planes (portions: left/right)

• 12′/12″—second radially transverse aspect ref.-arrow planes (portions: left/right)

• 13—general longitudinal-axis

• 14/14′/14″—circular cross-section (small/nominal/large)

• 15′/15″—vertical cross-section (60-degree ellipse/30-degree ellipse)

• 16′/16″—pronated cross-section (60-degree ellipse/30-degree ellipse)

• 17—general surface transition region

• 18—general radial-compression ref.-arrows

• 19—user's hand

• 20′/20″—demarcation points of color-coding elastomer

• 21′/21″—demarcation points of black-coding elastomer

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

• Initial reference is given by way of FIG. 1, wherein is being demonstrated how my elastomeric PowerRing™ hand-

  exerciser

  10 is normally employed within the palm region of the human hand 19; the six radially inward pointed compression action reference-

  arrows

  18 exemplifying the preferred manner by which the device is to be utilized. The compact device is obviously easily carried in one's shirt or pants pocket, for use anywhere one may go, whenever convenient; and therapeutically, is not only good for building-up one's hand-muscles, but provides an outlet for nervous-energy as well. Moreover, it has been found that salesmen like to use the PowerRing™ because it gives them that powerful confidence-building “firm hand-shake” they desire to convey to their customers.

• There remain subtle, however vital other differences which are to become herein more evident and understood as important improvements. For example, FIG. 2 shows a pure circular ringlet of constant overall radius and constant circular cross-section when sliced through any of the four planes of general reference represented by the radially transverse ref.-

  arrows

  11′ and 11″ for the first aspect, and radially transverse ref.-

  arrows

  12′ and 12″ for the second aspect staged at 90-degrees relative to the first aspect. Thus, while the PowerRing™ example of FIG. 2 is O-shaped with a constant radial cross-section like a conventional hydraulic O-ring seal device, the subsequently revealed solid-elastomeric hand-exercisers set forth in FIGS. 3 through FIG. 7 are reconfigured as generic-variants featuring cross-sections of various shapes in order to provide users a variable degree of deformation resistance best suited to their hand's fingers radially exerted squeezing effort. For example, if one were to obtain a set of these different PowerRings™, one could then select the particular combination of isometric-exercising dynamics which suits ones preference.

• Accordingly, the cross-sectional version of FIG. 3 teaches the particular combination of a pronated (that is, somewhat flat relative to the direction of radial-

  compression

  18 indicated in FIG. 1) eliptical shape generally referred to as

  oval portion

  16′, which is identically matched by it's 180-degree radially opposite cross-section thereto. Hence, a radially applied compression-load exerted along this plane will offer substantially less resistance than an equivalent effort exerted along the 90-degree opposite direction defined by the verticalized oval or eliptical '

  shape orientation

  15′ of the uppermost exhibited aspect of the same PowerRing™ device. Note also here, how a smooth transition 17 of surfaces is preferably typically formed, making the device not only tactically comfortable, but visually attractive as well. And so it is with all of the different generic-variant examples that follow (FIGS. 4,5,6,7), in which it is preferred each employ a different color-coding(red, green, yellow, blue, etc.) pigment in the rubber-compound, thereby enabling users to more readily identify a particular cross-sectional combination from a set of several differently configured PowerRings™. Furthermore, so as to enable the user to readily identify the portions of the selected PowerRing™ offering lessor or greater radial resistance, the coloring can be molded in four

  radial segment demarcations

  20′ and 20″

  verses

  21′ and 21″ exemplified in FIG. 2. Whereby for example, opposing yellow sectors could indicate the greater resistance to deformation provided by the two more

  massive cross-section portions

  16″ in FIG. 6, as compared to say a contiguously integrally-molded black-rubber compound portion in the opposing smaller mass of resistance seen in the uppermost

  radial cross-section

  14′ thereto.

• Thus, it is readily understood how the preferred and generic-variant embodiments of this invention contemplate performing functions in a novel way not heretofore available nor realized. It is implicit that the utility of the foregoing adaptations of this invention are not necessarily dependent upon any prevailing invention patent; and, while the present invention has been well described hereinbefore by way of certain illustrated embodiments, it is to be expected that various changes, alterations, rearrangements, and obvious modifications may be resorted to by those skilled in the art to which it relates, without substantially departing from the implied spirit and scope of the instant invention. Therefore, the invention has been disclosed herein by way of example, and not as imposed limitation, while the appended Claims set out the scope of the invention sought, and are to be construed as broadly as the terminology therein employed permits, reckoning that the invention verily comprehends every use of which it is susceptible. Accordingly, the embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or proprietary privilege is claimed, are defined as follows.