HAND EXERCISER AND METHOD FOR USE

Abstract

A hand exerciser to strengthen and promote flexibility for both extension and flexion for the fingers, thumb and hand has a body defined by a resiliently deformable first outer ring and a resiliently deformable second inner ring that is concentric with the first outer ring. Flexion exercises utilize the first outer ring while extension exercises utilize the second inner ring.

Claims

1. A hand exerciser (9) comprising: a body (10) having a first ring (20) and a second ring (40), and the first ring (20) and the second ring (40); the first ring (20) is generally annular in configuration and defines a first medial space (22), a first major diameter (25), a first minor diameter (28), and an outer circumferentially extending surface (29) and an inner circumferentially extending surface (30), and the outer circumferentially extending surface (29) has plural spacedly arrayed finger flexion saddles (31), and at a generally diametrically opposed position, the outer circumferentially extending surface (29) has a thumb flexion saddle (30); and the second ring (40) is generally oblong in configuration and defines a second medial space (42), a second major diameter (45), a second minor diameter (48), an outer circumferentially extending surface (49) and an inner circumferentially extending surface (50), and wherein the inner circumferentially extending surface (50) has plural spacedly arrayed finger extension saddles (51), and at a generally diametrically opposed position, the inner circumferentially extending surface (50) has a thumb extension saddle (52); and the first ring (20) and the second ring (40) are generally concentric, and are interconnected to one another along the respective major diameters 25, 45.

2. The hand exerciser (9) as claimed in claim 1 and wherein the body (10) is formed of a resiliently deformable material, and the resiliently deformable material has a degree of retentive memory so that the body (10) tends to return to an original configuration (60) after being distorted from the original configuration (60).

3. The hand exerciser (9) as claimed in claim 2 and wherein the resiliently deformable material is a polymer.

4. The hand exerciser (9) as claimed in claim 2 and wherein the resiliently deformable material is rubber.

5. The hand exerciser (9) as claimed in claim 2 and wherein the resiliently deformable material is elastomeric.

6. The hand exerciser (9) as claimed in claim 1 and wherein the first ring (20) has an elongated annular configuration (21); and the second ring (40) has an elongated annular configuration.

7. The hand exerciser (9) as claimed in claim 1 and wherein the first ring (20) has a first end (23), a diametrically opposed second end (24) and the first major diameter (25) is defined therebetween; and a first side (26) and a diametrically opposed second side (27) and the first minor diameter (28) is defined therebetween.

8. The hand exerciser (9) as claimed in claim 1 and wherein the second ring (40) has a first end (43), a diametrically opposed second end (44) and the second major diameter (45) is defined therebetween; and a first side (46) and a diametrically opposed second side (47) and the second minor diameter (48) is defined therebetween.

9. The hand exerciser (9) as claimed in claim 1 and wherein the second ring (40) is carried within the first medial space (22) defined by the first ring (20), and first ring (20) and the second ring (40) are interconnected to one at diametrically opposed first end portions (23, 43) and second end portions (24, 44) so that the first major diameter (25) of the first ring (20) and the second major diameter (45) of the second ring (40) are coaxially aligned; and the second minor diameter (48) of the second ring (40) is smaller than the first minor diameter (28) of the first ring (20).

10. A hand exerciser (9) comprising: a body (10) formed of a resiliently deformable material, the resiliently deformable material having at least a degree of retentive memory so that the body (10) tends to return to an original configuration (60) after being distorted from the original configuration (60), the body (10) defined by a first ring (20) and a second ring (40); the first ring (20) has an elongated annular configuration (21) defining a first medial space (22), and the first ring (20) has a first end (23) and diametrically opposed second end (24) defining a first major diameter (25) therebetween, a first side (26) and a diametrically opposed second side (27) defining a first minor diameter (28) therebetween, and an outer circumferentially extending surface (29) and an inner circumferentially extending surface (30), and wherein the outer circumferentially extending surface (29), and on the second side (27), has plural spacedly arrayed finger flexion saddles (31), and the outer circumferentially extending surface (29), and on the first side (26) has a thumb flexion saddle (30); and the second ring (40) is generally concentric within the first ring (20) and the second ring (40) has an elongated annular configuration (41) defining a second medial space (42), and the second ring (40) has a first end (43) and diametrically opposed second end (44) defining a second major diameter (45) therebetween, a first side (46) and a diametrically opposed second side (47) defining a second minor diameter (48) therebetween, and an outer circumferentially extending surface (49) and an inner circumferentially extending surface (50), and wherein the inner circumferentially extending surface (50), and on the second side (47), has plural spacedly arrayed finger extension saddles (51), and the inner circumferentially extending surface (50), and on the first side (46), has a thumb extension saddle (52); and wherein the second ring (40) is carried within the first medial space (22) defined by the first ring (20) and first ring (20) and the second ring (40) are interconnected to one another at the first end portions (23, 43) and at the diametrically opposed second end portions (24, 44) so that the first major diameter (25) of the first ring (20) and the second major diameter (45) of the second ring (40) are coaxially aligned; and the second minor diameter (48) of the second ring (40) is smaller than the first minor diameter (28) of the first ring (20).

11. A method for using a hand exerciser (9) comprising the steps: providing a hand exerciser (9) that has a body (10) formed of a resiliently deformable material that has a degree of retentive memory so that the body (10) tends to return to an original configuration (60) after being distorted from the original configuration (60), the body (10) defined by a first ring (20) and a second ring (40), the first ring (20) having an elongated annular configuration (21) defining a first medial space (22), and the first ring (20) has a first end (23) and a diametrically opposed second end (24) defining a first major diameter (25) therebetween, a first side (26) and a diametrically opposed second side (27) defining a first minor diameter (28) therebetween, and an outer circumferentially extending surface (29) and an inner circumferentially extending surface (30), and wherein the outer circumferentially extending surface (29), and on the second side (27), has plural spacedly arrayed finger flexion saddles (31), and the outer circumferentially extending surface (29), and on the first side (26), has a thumb flexion saddle (30), and the second ring (40) is generally concentric within the first ring (20) and the second ring (40) has an elongated annular configuration (41) defining a second medial space (42), and the second ring (40) has a first end (43) and a diametrically opposed second end (44) defining a second major diameter (45) therebetween, a first side (46) and a diametrically opposed second side (47) defining a second minor diameter (48) therebetween, and an outer circumferentially extending surface (49) and an inner circumferentially extending surface (50), and wherein the inner circumferentially extending surface (50), and on the second side (47), has plural spacedly arrayed finger extension saddles (51), and the inner circumferentially extending surface (50), and on the first side (46) has a thumb extension saddle (52), and wherein the second ring (40) is carried within the first medial space (22) defined by the first ring (20), and first ring (20) and the second ring (40) are interconnected to one at the first end portions (23, 43) and at the diametrically opposed second end portions (24, 44) so that the first major diameter (25) of the first ring (20) and the second major diameter (45) of the second ring (40) are coaxially aligned, and the second minor diameter (48) of the second ring (40) is smaller than the first minor diameter (28) of the first ring (20); grasping the body (10) about the outer circumferentially extending surface (29) of the first ring (20) and placing a finger of a user's hand within each of the plural spacedly arrayed finger flexion saddles (31) of the first ring (20), and placing the user's thumb within the thumb flexion saddle (32) defined in the first ring (20) generally diametrically opposite the plural finger flexion saddles (31); and repeatedly flexing and relaxing the fingers and thumb of the user to squeeze the first ring (20) and the body (10) and responsively distort the original configuration (60) of the first ring (20) and the body (10) generally along the first minor diameter (28), and then relaxing the fingers and the thumb to allow the first ring (20) and the body (1)0 to return to its original configuration (60), and then repeating the flexing and distorting.

12. The method of using a hand exerciser (9) of claim 11 and wherein the user's fingers and thumb are placed within the second medial space (42) defined by the second ring (40), and the user's fingers are positioned within the plural spacedly arrayed finger extension saddles (51) of the inner circumferentially extending surface (50) of the second ring (40); and the user's thumb is placed within the thumb extension saddle (52) of the inner circumferentially extending surface (50) of the second ring (40) generally diametrically opposite the plural spacedly arrayed finger extension saddles (51) and along the second minor diameter (48) of the second ring (40); and repeatedly extending and relaxing the fingers and thumb to responsively distort the original configuration (60) of the second ring (40) generally along the second minor diameter (48) and then allowing the second ring (40) to return to its original configuration (60) and then repeating the extension and distorting.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of my hand exerciser showing the position and the orientation of the various components relative to one another.

[0024] FIG. 2 is an orthographic side view of the hand exerciser.

[0025] FIG. 3 is an orthographic finger saddle side view of the hand exerciser.

[0026] FIG. 4 is an orthographic thumb saddle side view of the hand exerciser.

[0027] FIG. 5 is an orthographic first end view of the hand exerciser.

[0028] FIG. 6 is an orthographic second end view of the hand exerciser.

[0029] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the hand exerciser, similar to FIG. 1 showing, in dashed outline, a user's fingers and thumb grasping the finger saddles and a thumb saddle of the first ring for flexion exercises, the hand exerciser in the original configuration.

[0030] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the hand exerciser showing, in dashed outline, a user's fingers and thumbs engaged with the finger saddles and thumb saddle of the second ring for extension exercises, the hand exerciser in a distorted configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0031] This disclosure of the invention is submitted in furtherance of the Constitutional purposes of the U.S. Patent Laws “to promote the progress of science and useful arts” (Article 1, Section 8).

[0032] As shown in FIG. 1, my hand exerciser (9) generally comprises a body (10) that is formed of a resiliently deformable material, that has at least some degree of retentive memory so that the body (10) tends to return to an original configuration (60) after being distorted from the original configuration (60) such as by a user exerting flexion forces (FIG. 7) on the body (10) and or extension forces (FIG. 8) on the body (10). In one contemplated embodiment, the body (10) is formed of an elastomeric polymer, but other materials including, but not limited to, rubber, plastic, polymers may likewise be used, and are contemplated herein.

[0033] The body (10) is defined by a first ring (20) and a second ring (40). The second ring (40) is generally concentric with the first ring (20).

[0034] The first ring (20) has an elongated annular configuration (21) defining a first medial space (22). The first ring (20) further has a first end (23) and diametrically opposed second end (24) and defines a first major diameter (25) therebetween. The first ring (20) further has a first side (26) and a diametrically opposed second side (27) and a defines a first minor diameter (28) therebetween. The first ring (20) still further has an outer circumferentially extending surface (29) and an inner circumferentially extending surface (30).

[0035] Plural spacedly arrayed finger flexion saddles (31) are spacedly arrayed on the outer circumferentially extending surface (29), and on the second side (27). The plural spacedly arrayed finger flexion saddles (31) are contemplated to be integral with the outer circumferentially extending surface (29), but it is also contemplated the plural spacedly arrayed finger flexion saddles (31) may also be separately formed, and thereafter attached to the outer circumferentially extending surface (29). It is still further contemplated the plural spacedly arrayed finger saddles (31) may be defined in the outer circumferentially extending surface (29).

[0036] A thumb flexion saddle (30) is on the outer circumferentially extending surface (29), and on the first side (26) generally diametrically opposite the plural spacedly arrayed finger flexion saddles (31). Similarly, the thumb flexion saddle (30) is contemplated to be integral with the outer circumferentially extending surface (29), but it is also contemplated the thumb flexion saddle (32) may also be separately formed, and thereafter attached to the outer circumferentially extending surface (29), and, or defined in the outer circumferentially extending surface (29).

[0037] The second ring (40) has an elongated annular configuration (41) and defines a second medial space (42). The second ring (40) further has a first end (43) and diametrically opposed second end (44) and defines a second major diameter (45) therebetween. The second ring (40) still further has a first side (46) and a diametrically opposed second side (47) and defines a second minor diameter (48) therebetween. The second ring (40) even still further has an outer circumferentially extending surface (49) and an inner circumferentially extending surface (50).

[0038] As shown in the Figures, the inner circumferentially extending surface (50) of the second ring (40), and on the second side (47) thereof, has plural spacedly arrayed finger extension saddles (51). Further, the inner circumferentially extending surface (50), and on the first side (46) thereof, has a thumb extension saddle (52). Similar to the flexion saddles (31, 32) the extension saddles (51, 52) are contemplated to be integral with the inner circumferentially extending surface (50), but it is also contemplated the extension saddles (51, 52) may also be separately formed, and thereafter attached to the inner circumferentially extending surface (50), and, or even defined within the inner circumferentially extending surface (50).

[0039] The second ring (40) is carried within the first medial space (22) defined by the first ring (20) and first ring (20) and the second ring (40) are interconnected to one another at the respective first end portions (23, 43) and at the diametrically opposed respective second end portions (24, 44) so that the first major diameter (25) of the first ring (20) and the second major diameter (45) of the second ring (40) are coaxially aligned. As shown in the drawings, the second minor diameter (48) of the second ring (40) is smaller than the first minor diameter (28) of the first ring (20).

[0040] As shown in FIG. 7, flexion forces exerted upon the first ring (20), by the user, cause the first side (26) and the second side (27) of the first ring (20) to move inwardly toward one another generally along the first minor diameter (28). The retentive memory of the material forming the first ring (20) generally causes the first ring (20) to return to its original configuration (60) when the flexion forces exerted thereon are released.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 8, extension forces exerted upon the second ring (40), by the user, cause the first side (46) and the second side (47) of the second ring (40) to move distally away from one another generally along the second minor diameter (48). The retentive memory of the material forming the second ring (40) generally causes the second ring (40) to return to its original configuration (60) when the extension forces exerted thereon are released.

Operation

[0042] Having described the structure of my hand exerciser (9), its operation is briefly described.

[0043] A principal object of my invention is a method for using a hand exerciser (9) comprising the steps: providing a hand exerciser (9) that has a body (10) formed of a resiliently deformable material that has a degree of retentive memory so that the body (10) tends to return to an original configuration (60) after being distorted from the original configuration (60), the body (10) defined by a first ring (20) and a second ring (40), the first ring (20) having an elongated annular configuration (21) defining a first medial space (22), and the first ring (20) has a first end (23) and a diametrically opposed second end (24) defining a first major diameter (25) therebetween, a first side (26) and a diametrically opposed second side (27) defining a first minor diameter (28) therebetween, and an outer circumferentially extending surface (29) and an inner circumferentially extending surface (30), and wherein the outer circumferentially extending surface (29), and on the second side (27), has plural spacedly arrayed finger flexion saddles (31), and the outer circumferentially extending surface (29), and on the first side (26), has a thumb flexion saddle (30), and the second ring (40) is generally concentric with the first ring (20) and the second ring (40) has an elongated annular configuration (41) defining a second medial space (42), and the second ring (40) has a first end (43) and a diametrically opposed second end (44) defining a second major diameter (45) therebetween, a first side (46) and a diametrically opposed second side (47) defining a second minor diameter (48) therebetween, and an outer circumferentially extending surface (49) and an inner circumferentially extending surface (50), and wherein the inner circumferentially extending surface (50), and on the second side (47), has plural spacedly arrayed finger extension saddles (51), and the inner circumferentially extending surface (50), and on the first side (46) has a thumb extension saddle (52), and wherein the second ring (40) is carried within the first medial space (22) defined by the first ring (20), and first ring (20) and the second ring (40) are interconnected to one at the first end portions (23, 43) and at the diametrically opposed second end portions (24, 44) so that the first major diameter (25) of the first ring (20) and the second major diameter (45) of the second ring (40) are coaxially aligned, and the second minor diameter (48) of the second ring (40) is smaller than the first minor diameter (28) of the first ring (20); grasping the body (10) about the outer circumferentially extending surface (29) of the first ring (20) and placing a finger of a user's hand within each of the plural spacedly arrayed finger flexion saddles (31) of the first ring (20), and placing the user's thumb within the thumb flexion saddle (32) defined in the first ring (20) generally diametrically opposite the plural finger flexion saddles (31); and repeatedly flexing and relaxing the fingers and thumb of the user to squeeze the first ring (20) and the body (10) and responsively distort the original configuration (60) of the first ring (20) and the body (10) generally along the first minor diameter (28), and then relaxing the fingers and the thumb to allow the first ring (20) and the body (10) to return to its original configuration (60), and then repeating the flexing and distorting.

[0044] A further object of the present invention is a hand exerciser (9) comprising: a body (10) having a first ring (20) and a second ring (40), and the first ring (20) and the second ring (40); the first ring (20) is generally annular in configuration and defines a first medial space (22), a first major diameter (25), a first minor diameter (28), and an outer circumferentially extending surface (29) and an inner circumferentially extending surface (30), and the outer circumferentially extending surface (29) has plural spacedly arrayed finger flexion saddles (31), and at a generally diametrically opposed position, the outer circumferentially extending surface (29) has a thumb flexion saddle (30); and the second ring (40) is generally oblong in configuration and defines a second medial space (42), a second major diameter (45), a second minor diameter (48), an outer circumferentially extending surface (49) and an inner circumferentially extending surface (50), and wherein the inner circumferentially extending surface (50) has plural spacedly arrayed finger extension saddles (51), and at a generally diametrically opposed position, the inner circumferentially extending surface (50) has a thumb extension saddle (52); and the first ring (20) and the second ring (40) are generally concentric, and are interconnected to one another along the respective major diameters 25, 45.

[0045] A further object of the present invention is a hand exerciser (9) wherein body (10) is formed of a resiliently deformable material, and the resiliently deformable material has a degree of retentive memory so that the body (10) tends to return to an original configuration (60) after being distorted from the original configuration (60).

[0046] A further object of the present invention is a hand exerciser (9) wherein the resiliently deformable material is a polymer.

[0047] A further object of the present invention is a hand exerciser (9) wherein the resiliently deformable material is rubber.

[0048] A further object of the present invention is a hand exerciser (9) wherein the resiliently deformable material is elastomeric.

[0049] A further object of the present invention is a hand exerciser (9) wherein the first ring (20) has an elongated annular configuration (21); and the second ring (40) has an elongated annular configuration.

[0050] A further object of the present invention is a hand exerciser (9) wherein the first ring (20) has a first end (23), a diametrically opposed second end (24) and the first major diameter (25) is defined therebetween; and a first side (26) and a diametrically opposed second side (27) and the first minor diameter (28) is defined therebetween.

[0051] A further object of the present invention is a hand exerciser (9) wherein the second ring (40) has a first end (43), a diametrically opposed second end (44) and the second major diameter (45) is defined therebetween; and a first side (46) and a diametrically opposed second side (47) and the second minor diameter (48) is defined therebetween.

[0052] A further object of the present invention is a hand exerciser (9) wherein the second ring (40) is carried within the first medial space (22) defined by the first ring (20), and first ring (20) and the second ring (40) are interconnected to one at diametrically opposed first end portions (23, 43) and second end portions (24, 44) so that the first major diameter (25) of the first ring (20) and the second major diameter (45) of the second ring (40) are coaxially aligned; and the second minor diameter (48) of the second ring (40) is smaller than the first minor diameter (28) of the first ring (20).

[0053] A further object of the present invention is a hand exerciser (9) comprising: a body (10) formed of a resiliently deformable material, the resiliently deformable material having at least a degree of retentive memory so that the body (10) tends to return to an original configuration (60) after being distorted from the original configuration (60), the body (10) defined by a first ring (20) and a second ring (40); the first ring (20) has an elongated annular configuration (21) defining a first medial space (22), and the first ring (20) has a first end (23) and diametrically opposed second end (24) defining a first major diameter (25) therebetween, a first side (26) and a diametrically opposed second side (27) defining a first minor diameter (28) therebetween, and an outer circumferentially extending surface (29) and an inner circumferentially extending surface (30), and wherein the outer circumferentially extending surface (29), and on the second side (27), has plural spacedly arrayed finger flexion saddles (31), and the outer circumferentially extending surface (29), and on the first side (26) has a thumb flexion saddle (30); and the second ring (40) is generally concentric within the first ring (20) and the second ring (40) has an elongated annular configuration (41) defining a second medial space (42), and the second ring (40) has a first end (43) and diametrically opposed second end (44) defining a second major diameter (45) therebetween, a first side (46) and a diametrically opposed second side (47) defining a second minor diameter (48) therebetween, and an outer circumferentially extending surface (49) and an inner circumferentially extending surface (50), and wherein the inner circumferentially extending surface (50), and on the second side (47), has plural spacedly arrayed finger extension saddles (51), and the inner circumferentially extending surface (50), and on the first side (46), has a thumb extension saddle (52); and wherein the second ring (40) is carried within the first medial space (22) defined by the first ring (20) and first ring (20) and the second ring (40) are interconnected to one another at the first end portions (23, 43) and at the diametrically opposed second end portions (24, 44) so that the first major diameter (25) of the first ring (20) and the second major diameter (45) of the second ring (40) are coaxially aligned; and the second minor diameter (48) of the second ring (40) is smaller than the first minor diameter (28) of the first ring (20).

[0054] An even still further object of the present invention is a method for using a hand exerciser (9) wherein the user's fingers and thumb are placed within the second medial space (42) defined by the second ring (40), and the user's fingers are positioned within the plural spacedly arrayed finger extension saddles (51) of the inner circumferentially extending surface (50) of the second ring (40); and the user's thumb is placed within the thumb extension saddle (52) of the inner circumferentially extending surface (50) of the second ring (40) generally diametrically opposite the plural spacedly arrayed finger extension saddles (51) and along the second minor diameter (48) of the second ring (40); and repeatedly extending and relaxing the fingers and thumb to responsively distort the original configuration (60) of the second ring (40) generally along the second minor diameter (48) and then allowing the second ring (40) to return to its original configuration (60) and then repeating the extension and distorting.