Exercise device

Abstract

A method for treating pronator syndrome involves selecting an arm and positioning it with the forearm perpendicular to the upper arm. The hand of the arm is engaged with a grip located inside a bisected working circle, which has an outer perimeter consisting of four quadrants. The fourth quadrant is elliptical and asymmetrical to the others. The grip is designed for hand engagement and includes two d-shaped slots. A resistance band is attached to the body, with one end in the groove, creating tension when used. To exercise the arm, the body is rotated in one direction to increase tension on the band. Releasing tension is achieved by rotating the body in the opposite direction.

Claims

1. A wrist and elbow exercise device for treatment of physical conditions including pronator syndrome and general weakness after upper extremity surgery, the wrist and elbow exercise device comprising: a. a resistance band having a first end and a second end; b. a body configured as a bisected working circle, the body further comprising: i. an outer perimeter, the outer perimeter having a groove positioned therein, the outer perimeter further comprising a first quadrant, a second quadrant, a third quadrant, and a fourth quadrant, wherein the fourth quadrant is non-symmetrical to the first quadrant, the second quadrant and the third quadrant, wherein the fourth quadrant is elliptical in shape; ii. a grip configured for engagement with a user's hand interiorly positioned; and, iii. a pair of d-shaped slots wherein each of the d-shaped slots is adjacent the grip; c. wherein the first end of the resistance band is affixed to the body so as to position a portion of the resistance band in the groove during use and the second end of the resistance band is configured to be engaged by the user so as to create tension in the resistance band during use.

2. The wrist and elbow exercise device according to claim 1 wherein the handle is defined to extend above a plane of a thickness of the bisected working circle.

3. The wrist and elbow exercise device according to claim 2 wherein the handle is further defined to have an ovalular shape.

4. The wrist and elbow exercise device according to claim 1 wherein the first end of the resistance band is affixed in a hole positioned in a d-shaped slot of the pair of d-shaped slots.

5. The wrist and elbow exercise device according to claim 1 wherein the body is configured to be rotated back and forth during use.

6. The wrist and elbow exercise device according to claim 5 wherein the body is configured to be rotated back and forth during use so that the fourth quadrant is acting upon the resistance band positioned in the outer groove.

7. The wrist and elbow exercise device according to claim 6 wherein the fourth quadrant is acting upon the resistance band positioned in the outer groove to increase an amount of work required by the user to continue rotating the wrist and elbow exercise device through the fourth quadrant.

8. A method of exercising a user's arm to treat pronator syndrome comprising: a. selecting a user's arm to be exercised; b. positioning the arm so that a forearm is perpendicular to an upper arm; c. engaging a hand of the user of the arm with a grip, the grip positioned in the interior of a body configured as a bisected working circle, the body further comprising: i. an outer perimeter, the outer perimeter having a groove positioned therein, the outer perimeter further comprising a first quadrant, a second quadrant, a third quadrant, and a fourth quadrant, wherein the fourth quadrant is non-symmetrical to the first quadrant, the second quadrant and the third quadrant, wherein the fourth quadrant is elliptical in shape; ii. the grip configured for engagement with the user's hand; and, iii. a pair of d-shaped slots wherein each of the pair of d-shaped slots is adjacent the grip; and, iv. a resistance band having a first and second end, wherein the first end is affixed to the body so as to position a portion of the resistance band in the groove during use and the second end of the resistance band is configured to be engaged by the user so as to create tension in the resistance band during use; rotating the body in a first direction to exercise the user's arm by increasing tension on the resistance band; and, d. rotating the body in a second direction to release tension on the user's arm, wherein the second direction is opposite the first direction.

9. The method of exercising the user's arm to treat pronator syndrome according to claim 8 wherein the first end of the resistance band is affixed in a hole positioned in a d-shaped slot of the pair of d-shaped slots.

10. The method of exercising the user's arm to treat pronator syndrome according to claim 8 wherein the body is rotated back and forth during use to exercise muscle of the wrist or forearm of the user's arm.

11. The method of exercising the user's arm to treat pronator syndrome according to claim 8 wherein the second end of the resistance band is configured with a hook to aid in securement and affixment.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION—BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 is a side view of an exercise device having a handle across the interior perimeter which is circular and symmetrical. As shown, the exercise device outer perimeter is composed of four quadrants, with one quadrant defined as a working quadrant which is elliptical (non-circular) with the remaining quadrants circular and generally symmetrical to each other.

(2) FIG. 1A is a perspective view of the exercise device of FIG. 1.

(3) FIG. 1B is a top view of the exercise device of FIG. 1.

(4) FIG. 1C is a front view of the exercise device of FIG. 1.

(5) FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a user positioned to use the exercise device wherein the user's right hand is engaged with the handle of the exercise device prior to supination (turning out) of the user's hand and arm is horizontal to the floor (0 degrees or parallel).

(6) FIG. 2B is a perspective view of a user positioned using the exercise device wherein the user's right hand is engaged with the handle of the exercise device during supination (turning out) of the user's hand and arm, the handle turned 90 degrees relative to the first position shown in FIG. 2A. As shown the increased radius of the working quadrant of the exercise device increases the resistance that must be overcome by the user to turn the exercise device out to the end position, thereby increasing the effort or work to be done by the user thereby increasing the efficacy of the exercise device to enhance strength or recovery of the wrist and forearm.

(7) FIG. 2C is a perspective view of a user positioned using the exercise device wherein the user's right hand is engaged with the handle of the exercise device during supination (turning out) of the user's hand and arm, the handle turned 135 degrees relative to the first position shown in FIG. 2A.

(8) FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a user positioned to use the exercise device wherein the user's right hand is engaged with the handle of the exercise device prior to pronation (turning in) of the user's hand and the arm is horizontal (0 degrees or parallel).

(9) FIG. 3B is a perspective view of a user positioned using the exercise device wherein the user's right hand is engaged with the handle of the exercise device during pronation (turning in) of the user's hand and arm, the handle turned 90 degrees relative to the first position shown in FIG. 3A.

(10) FIG. 3C is a perspective view of a user positioned using the exercise device wherein the user's right hand is engaged with the handle of the exercise device during pronation (turning out) of the user's hand and arm, the handle turned 135 degrees relative to the first position shown in FIG. 3A.

(11) FIG. 4 is a side view of another embodiment of the exercise device disclosed herein using two elliptical working discs having a handle which is circular and connects the two elliptical working discs. As shown, the exercise device outer perimeter is composed of four quadrants, with one quadrant defined as a working quadrant which is elliptical (non-circular) with the remaining quadrants circular and generally symmetrical to each other.

(12) FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the exercise device of FIG. 4.

(13) FIG. 4B is a top view of the exercise device of FIG. 4.

(14) FIG. 4C is a front view of the exercise device of FIG. 4.

(15) FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a user positioned to use the exercise device wherein the user's right hand is engaged with the handle of the exercise device in supination (palm facing up) prior to flexion of the wrist, and the user's arm is horizontal (parallel) to the floor. (should be elliptical vs. circles)

(16) FIG. 5B is a perspective view of a user positioned to use the exercise device wherein the user's right hand is engaged with the handle of the exercise device in supination (palm facing up) during flexion of the wrist, and the user's arm is horizontal (parallel) to the floor.

(17) FIG. 5C is a perspective view of a user positioned to use the exercise device wherein the user's right hand is engaged with the handle of the exercise device in supination (palm facing up) at the end of flexion of the wrist (end of the exercise), and the user's arm is horizontal (parallel) to the floor.

(18) FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a user positioned to use the exercise device wherein the user's right hand is engaged with the handle of the exercise device in pronation (palm facing down) prior to extension of the wrist, and the user's arm is horizontal (parallel) to the floor.

(19) FIG. 6B is a perspective view of a user positioned to use the exercise device wherein the user's right hand is engaged with the handle of the exercise device in pronation (palm facing down) during extension of the wrist, and the user's arm is horizontal (parallel) to the floor.

(20) FIG. 6C is a perspective view of a user positioned to use the exercise device wherein the user's right hand is engaged with the handle of the exercise device in pronation (palm facing down) at the end of extension of the wrist (end of the exercise), and the user's arm is horizontal (parallel) to the floor.

(21) TABLE-US-00001 DETAILED DESCRIPTION - LISTING OF ELEMENTS Element Description Element Number Body/Bisected working circle  2 Groove  2a Perimeter of Working Circle  3 Quadrant I portion  3a Quadrant II portion  3b Quadrant III portion  3c Quadrant IV portion  3d D-shape handle opening  3e Resistance band hole  3f Grip  4 Grip - double disc embodiment  4a Foot brace  8 Exercise device 10 Resistance band 11 First end 11a Second end 11b User 20 Arm 20a Wrist 20b Hand 20c Foot 20d Floor 30

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

(22) Before the various embodiments of the present invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangements of components set forth in the following description. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that phraseology and terminology used herein with reference to device or element orientation (such as, for example, terms like “front”, “back”, “up”, “down”, “top”, “bottom”, and the like) are only used to simplify description of the present invention, and do not alone indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a particular orientation. In addition, terms such as “first”, “second”, and “third” are used herein and in the appended claims for purposes of description and are not intended to indicate or imply relative importance or significance.

(23) The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out illustrative embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appending claims. Various inventive features are described below herein that can each be used independently of one another or in combination with other features.

ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENT AND ADVANTAGES OF INVENTION

(24) FIG. 1 is a side view of an exercise device having a handle across the interior perimeter which is circular and symmetrical. As shown, the exercise device outer perimeter is composed of four quadrants, with one quadrant defined as a working quadrant which is elliptical (non-circular) with the remaining quadrants circular and generally symmetrical to each other.

(25) FIG. 1A is a perspective view of the exercise device of FIG. 1.

(26) FIG. 1B is a top view of the exercise device of FIG. 1.

(27) FIG. 1C is a front view of the exercise device of FIG. 1.

(28) FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a user positioned to use the exercise device wherein the user's right hand is engaged with the handle of the exercise device prior to supination (turning out) of the user's hand and arm is horizontal to the floor (0 degrees or parallel).

(29) FIG. 2B is a perspective view of a user positioned using the exercise device wherein the user's right hand is engaged with the handle of the exercise device during supination (turning out) of the user's hand and arm, the handle turned 90 degrees relative to the first position shown in FIG. 2A. As shown the increased radius of the working quadrant of the exercise device increases the resistance that must be overcome by the user to turn the exercise device out to the end position, thereby increasing the effort or work to be done by the user thereby increasing the efficacy of the exercise device to enhance strength or recovery of the wrist and forearm.

(30) FIG. 2C is a perspective view of a user positioned using the exercise device wherein the user's right hand is engaged with the handle of the exercise device during supination (turning out) of the user's hand and arm, the handle turned 135 degrees relative to the first position shown in FIG. 2A.

(31) FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a user positioned to use the exercise device wherein the user's right hand is engaged with the handle of the exercise device prior to pronation (turning in) of the user's hand and the arm is horizontal (0 degrees or parallel).

(32) FIG. 3B is a perspective view of a user positioned using the exercise device wherein the user's right hand is engaged with the handle of the exercise device during pronation (turning in) of the user's hand and arm, the handle turned 90 degrees relative to the first position shown in FIG. 3A.

(33) FIG. 3C is a perspective view of a user positioned using the exercise device wherein the user's right hand is engaged with the handle of the exercise device during pronation (turning out) of the user's hand and arm, the handle turned 135 degrees relative to the first position shown in FIG. 3A.

(34) FIG. 4 is a side view of another embodiment of the exercise device disclosed herein using two elliptical working discs having a handle which is circular and connects the two elliptical working discs. As shown, the exercise device outer perimeter is composed of four quadrants, with one quadrant defined as a working quadrant which is elliptical (non-circular) with the remaining quadrants circular and generally symmetrical to each other.

(35) FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the exercise device of FIG. 4.

(36) FIG. 4B is a top view of the exercise device of FIG. 4.

(37) FIG. 4C is a front view of the exercise device of FIG. 4.

(38) FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a user positioned to use the exercise device wherein the user's right hand is engaged with the handle of the exercise device in supination (palm facing up) prior to flexion of the wrist, and the user's arm is horizontal (parallel) to the floor. (should be elliptical vs. circles)

(39) FIG. 5B is a perspective view of a user positioned to use the exercise device wherein the user's right hand is engaged with the handle of the exercise device in supination (palm facing up) during flexion of the wrist, and the user's arm is horizontal (parallel) to the floor.

(40) FIG. 5C is a perspective view of a user positioned to use the exercise device wherein the user's right hand is engaged with the handle of the exercise device in supination (palm facing up) at the end of flexion of the wrist (end of the exercise), and the user's arm is horizontal (parallel) to the floor.

(41) FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a user positioned to use the exercise device wherein the user's right hand is engaged with the handle of the exercise device in pronation (palm facing down) prior to extension of the wrist, and the user's arm is horizontal (parallel) to the floor.

(42) FIG. 6B is a perspective view of a user positioned to use the exercise device wherein the user's right hand is engaged with the handle of the exercise device in pronation (palm facing down) during extension of the wrist, and the user's arm is horizontal (parallel) to the floor.

(43) FIG. 6C is a perspective view of a user positioned to use the exercise device wherein the user's right hand is engaged with the handle of the exercise device in pronation (palm facing down) at the end of extension of the wrist (end of the exercise), and the user's arm is horizontal (parallel) to the floor.

(44) While certain specific embodiments have been described in detail, it is understood that the present disclosure will be appreciated by those skilled in the art and will be developed considering the overall teaching of the disclosure. Accordingly, the embodiments disclosed herein should not be construed as limitation on the scope of the invention, but should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents. As one of ordinary skill will appreciate the present disclosure is not limited by the means of construction or the materials chosen as other suitable materials, including plastic, steel or aluminum, and combinations therein.

(45) Unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended that any method set forth herein be construed as requiring that its steps be performed in a specific order. Accordingly, where a method claim does not actually recite an order to be followed by its steps or it is not otherwise specifically stated in the claims or descriptions that the steps are to be limited to a specific order, it is no way intended that an order be inferred, in any respect. This holds for any possible non-express basis for interpretation, including but not limited to: matters of logic with respect to arrangement of steps or operational flow; plain meaning derived from grammatical organization or punctuation; the number or type of embodiments described in the specification.

(46) It should be noted that particular embodiment are not limited to the specific embodiments pictured and described herein, but is intended to apply to all similar apparatuses and methods for providing the various benefits of those elements, which such benefits are explicitly and/or inherently disclosed herein. Modifications and alterations from the described embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art without departure from the spirit and scope of the adjustable strength exercise device 10. Furthermore, variations and modifications of the foregoing are within the scope of the adjustable strength exercise device. It is understood that the adjustable strength exercise device as disclosed herein extends to all alternative combinations of one or more of the individual features mentioned, evident from the text and/or drawings, and/or inherently disclosed. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the adjustable strength exercise device. The embodiments described herein explain the best modes known for practicing the adjustable strength exercise device and will enable others skilled in the art to utilize the same. The claims are to be construed to include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted by the prior art.