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CA 02457020 2004-02-11
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FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an exercise device that allows the user to
strengthen the
muscles that close the hand, against the resistance of a flexion member, as
well as to
strengthen the muscles that open the hand and spread the digits, against
resistance of an
extension member, all through full natural planes of motion, without lulls of
resistance
during the exercise. The device is always taut, due to its unique design,
either resisting
finger and thumb flexion and adduction or finger and thumb extension and
abduction. The
result of consistent use is maximum strength, balance and blood flow to the
hand, wrist,
forearm and elbow.
The device is beneficial to medical doctors, chiropractors, therapists,
athletic trainers and
other health care professionals, as well as to athletes, musicians, workers
and the general
population to enhance performance, prevent injury and rehabilitate injury. By
allowing the
hand to move through its full, natural planes of motion against resistance,
blood supply and
peripheral nerve stimulation is also optimized to the hand, wrist and forearm.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Many hand, wrist and forearm conditions result from the original causative
factor of
muscular weakness, muscular imbalance and chronic avascularity (lack of blood
supply) to
the muscles and tissues. Traumatic injuries, both acute and cumulative, lead
to pain,
chronic adhesion and scarnng. Proper preventative and rehabilitative exercise
procedures
applied to the lower arm, wrist and hand are vital and have historically been
ignored.
The present device provides a diverse solution to address these problems, as
it allows the
hand to be moved through a full, natural 3-dimensional planes of motion,
against resistance
at all times, and respects reciprocal muscle group balance. Daily use of the
device will
improve muscle strength, muscle balance, blood supply and lymph drainage, and
stimulate
all peripheral nerve roots to the hand muscles. Full natural range of motion
training also
ensures the development of healthy, elongated muscle tissue. The device is
effective at
reducing treatment times, as well as reducing the risk of future injury. To
couple the
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resistance of many planes of motion into few continuous exercises is
convenient for the
35 user.
Standard treatment applications include carpal tunnel syndrome, tennis elbow,
golfer's
elbow, tendonitis, stroke rehabilitation, sprain/strain/fracture
rehabilitation, osteoarthritis,
osteoporosis, DeQuervain's Syndrome, RSI's (repetitive stress injuries) and
neuropathies,
40 among many others.
It is very rare to see athletes, musicians and workers properly train their
hands and hand
muscles for their given activity. While it is true that many athletes,
musicians and workers
strengthen grip strength (or the closing of the hands), it is very rare that
even the most elite
45 athletes strengthen the finger and thumb extensor and abductor muscles
(opening muscles).
This is an extremely important point because the lack of a balanced hand
training approach
means that the stronger flexor muscles of the hand dominate the weaker
opposing extensor
muscles, leading to hand muscle imbalance and eventually to performance
limitations and
the greater risk of injury.
There are approximately nine muscles that open the hand and nine muscles that
close the
hand. These muscle groups are opposing in nature, and attach throughout the
lower arm
(fingers, thumb, hand, wrist, forearm and elbow). A great i~rnbalance will
exist at the joints
of the fingers, thumbs, wrists, forearms, and elbows when the hand muscles are
imbalanced.
Additionally, when only the gripping motion is resisted, thc; hand is never
exercised
through its entire range of its extension and abduction motions. The result is
that the tissues
(muscle, tendon, ligament) and joint surfaces (cartilage) relating to the
extension and
abduction action of the hand develop a condition of avascularity. They are
weaker and
more easily injured. The phrase "move it or lose it" refers to the body
supplying less
nutrients and oxygen to areas that it does not use regularly. This device is
an all around
reciprocal muscle group training solution for the hand, wrist, elbow and
forearm.
Athletes that would benefit from the device participate in golf,
tennis/racquet sports,
basketball, baseball, hockey, football, climbing, motor sports (motor-cross,
jet-ski,
snowmobile, auto-racing, etc.), bowling, cricket, martial aria, body building,
sailing,. arm-
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wrestling, to name a few. Musicians who play string instruments, piano, drums,
and wind
instruments, to name a few, would benefit from the device, as would workers
such as
70 cashiers, production line workers, laborers, dentists/dental hygienists,
surgeons,
sewing/craft workers and trades specialists (i.e, carpenters).
Prior art exists which attempt to resist the closing and opening action of the
hand. U.S. Pat.
No. 6,228,001 (Johnson et al) shows a device that does not allow the muscles
of the hand to
75 move through its full, natural planes of motion. Firstly, the centxal
flexion resistance
member is too small to resist much of the flexion range of motion (i.e. the
hand does not
close in a small circle). Secondly, the product is too small to allow the
fingers and thumbs
to be extended and abducted fully. Thirdly, the design of the finger engaging
outside; rirn
does not control the resistance vectors that would respect the resistance to
the natural
80 centrally resisted vectors of the extension and abduction motions of the
fingers and thumb.
Additionally, the extension and abduction action required cannot be
independently
controlled separate of the flexion action, as the extension and abduction
cords are not
interchangeable with the central sphere.
85 U. S. Provisional Application 60/222,796 (mine previous) does not work. The
central cord
structure does not resist extension/abduction in a natural means, as
resistance to finger and
thumb extension and abduction begins at the top and bottom of the flexion
member (ball)
respectively, as opposed to from a more central natural location. The current
design
couples the resistance to both abduction and extension of t:he digits, as
opposed to mostly
90 abduction, as in the said prior art.
As well, because of the distance between the ball's horizon and the central
flexible cord's
finger and thumb loops in U. S. Pat. No., there is a lull in resistance as the
exercise
transfers from gripping to the extension and abduction action and vice versa.
The current
95 device provides a "buried web" design, allowing the finger and thumb loops
(or holds) to
be located on the horizon of the flexion member. An alternate embodiment may
attach the
finger and thumb loops directly to the flexion member and respects the proper
resistance
vectors of both motions. The present device, using the buried web design,
ensures that
resistance is always offered at any point of the exercise, yet still allows
the extension
100 member to be removable.
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Additionally, the design of U. S. Provisional Application 60/222,796
structurally causes
extremely quick breakdown of the flexion member due to l:he degree of friction
of the
extension member on the flexion member during use. The current "buried web"
and
105 "volcano exits" design removes the friction-prone portion of the flexion
member where the
extension member exits. The result is reduced device breakdown.
Another benefit of the current design of the flexion member is that, by
itself, it provides
proper resistance to the pinching action, interphalangeal flexion action and
opposition
110 action of the forgers and thumb. These exercises were not possible with U.
S. Provisional
Application 60/222,796. The current invention will have more diversity to
health care
professionals, as well as athletes, musicians, workers and the general public.
A user can
train wide pinch by pinching the outside body of the ball, medium pinch by
inserting both
the thumb and said finger into both volcano cord exits, and narrow pinch by
inserting said
115 finger into volcano cord exit and thumb on the ball surface:. Both wide
and narrow
opposition can be resisted. Interphalangeal flexion can be resisted using any
digit,
mimicking the action of the cording hand, for example, for guitarists and
violinists.
The volcano design of the flexion member also allows the extension member to
be loaded
120 into the product easily by hand, without the use of a wire hook, as is the
case in U. S.
Provisional Application 60/222,796. The extension member must be inserted when
it is
changed for reasons of size or resistance preference, or when the extension
member is
accidentally displaced from the flexion member.
125 ~ Another major problem with U. S. Provisional Application 60/222,796 was
that the
extension member was easily dislodged from the flexion member. The current
invention
boasts an extension member that includes a "friction belly" expansion, which
secures the
extension member into the flexion member during use, yet still allows for
interchangeability of extension member within the flexion member.
130
U.S. Pat. No. 6,454,681 (Brassil, et al) shows a webbed glove, which is
firstly awkward to
put on and take off, secondly is non-interchangeable betwc;en hands, thirdly
is very difficult
and complicated to scale for resistances and size, and lastly, does not avail
the separation of
flexion and extension resistances. It would also be expensive to manufacture
(and therefore
135 to buy) and would be complicated and difficult to fit. The .current
inventive device is easily
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interchangeable for either the left or right hand, is easy to fit, has
distinct resistances and is
cost effective.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,750,734 (Greenfield) shows a web device which functions in
only 2-
140 dimensions of resistance, meaning that the design of the product would
dictate the motion
and resistances of the exercise and not the natural hand motion and its
relative natural
vectors. The present device allows the natural 3-dimensional motion of the
hand to dlictate
the exercise, with appropriate natural resistances.
145 BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The device is comprised of a specially designed central resistance mass,
called the flexion
member (as it resists digit flexion, opposition and adductian), through which
centrally is
passed a specially designed flexible resistance cord, called the extension
member (as it
150 resists digit extension and spreading). The extension member attaches to
the user's fingers
and thumb such that the user is prepared for resistance exercises through
full, proper and
natural planes of motion. Both are unique, as their individual shapes couple
to form an
exercise unit that not only specifically resists the natural motions of the
hand, but also
provides resistance at all times throughout the exercise (na resistance
lulls).
155
Many hand exercise devices are limited in that they only resist flexion (the
gripping
motion) of the hand. Most of these devices, such as coiled or spring-loaded
devices, only
resist flexion in two dimensions, through incomplete ranges of motion.
160 Various sizes of the device will respect user hand sizes. Various sizes of
the device will
respect the resistive principles and will better accommodate specific
mechanical
requirements of the exercise. For example, if the user wants to resist
extension and/or
abduction through a greater range of motion, that user will tend to use a
smaller device, as
the hand will begin the extension/abduction portion of the exercise from a
more flexed and
165 adducted position. A larger device would be used if the user desires to
favor a larger range
of the flexion motion to be resisted.
Various strengths of the device will respect the resistive principles set
forth previou sly, yet
will be specific to user needs. A softer product will be more appropriate for
users who have
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170 recently suffered a stroke or fracture and are ready for rehabilitation to
begin. This softer
strength may also be more appropriate for older users, disease-stricken and
handicapped
individuals. As the strengths get more firm the health needs or performance
needs move
more towards advanced wellness, performance and strength training.
175 The use the device, a user will insert their thumb and then fingers into
the appropriate
holds. The main exercise is then accomplished by alternately squeezing against
the flexion
member arid then opening and spreading the fingers and thumb against the
resistance of the
extension member.
180 An additional exercise isolates the interphalangeal motion of the fingers
requiring the user
to flex and extend only at the interphalangeal joints. This application is
especially useful to
those who use their fingers specifically during their daily activities, for
example, climbers,
guitar players and seamstresses.
185 An additional use of the device provides resistance to all muscles that
originate from the
lateral epicondyle (finger extensor and wrist extensor muscles) through full,
natural planes
of motion. This additional exercise application is specific for preventing and
rehabilitating
lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow} as well as providing much needed strength
and blood
flow to the tissues of the lateral forearm. The user firstly squeezes against
the resistance of
190 the flexion member, secondly extends the fingers only (while maintaining
the thumb flexed
on the flexion member) and thirdly extends the wrist fully.
The user will always have the option of training individual or all fingers by
placing or not
placing a fingers) in the appropriate finger loop.
195
The user will have the option of using only the flexion member, independent of
its
matching extension member :partner, to perform pinching, interphalangeal
flexion and
adduction exercises.
200 The current invention also boasts an extension member design that includes
a hole for the
insertion of a magnet, for use of the invention for magnetic therapy. It is
understood to be
within the spirit of the invention to include any type of magnetic material,
whether singular
or multiple and/or whether imbedded in or included in the manufacturing of the
flexion
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CA 02457020 2004-02-11
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member or extension. Any addition of magnetic material i<.~ said to be within
the spirit of
205 the invention.
The device's flexion member' may be made of polyurethane sponge or foam,
rubber,
elastomeric material, nylon, plastic or any other material with suitable
flexible resistive and
reloading qualities. It may be woven, sculpted, cut or molcLed (injection,
baked or
210 otherwise) in its production.
The device's extension member may be made of sponge, rubber, elastomeric
material,
nylon, plastic, or any other material with suitable flexible resistive and
reloading qualities.
It may be woven, sculpted, cut or molded (injection, baked or otherwise) in
its production.
215
There is also an alternate embodiment for the current invention where the
central flexion
member is generally oblong shape, deviating somewhat from round, in accordance
with the
shape of the hand and its closing and opening action. Another embodiment
allows shallow
concave finger grooves and/or a generally rectangular shape rather than
circular or oblong,
220 allowing a guide to finger placement and comfortable placement in the
palm. Outside
flexion member shapes may be used for baseball, football, basketball or any
other activity,
yet the buried web and volcano exit combination is present.
An alternate embodiment of the device may be a one-piece unit made from any
flexible
225 resistant material, including elastomeric or plastic material and may be
may be woven,
sculpted, cut or produced by use of a mold (injection or otherwise).
There is an alternate embodiment where the extension member passageway is
located non-
centrally in the flexion member. Whether, central or non-central, these
extension member
230 passageways are both within the spirit of the invention.
DECSRIPTION OF DIAGRAMS
235 FIGURE 1 is a frontal/superior view of the preferred embodiment of the
invention.
FIGURE 2 is a frontal, cross-sectional view of the preferred embodiment of the
invention.
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FIGURE 3 is a frontal view of the preferred embodiment of flexion member with
the
extension member excluded.
FIGURE 4 is a superior view of the central flexion member with extension
member
240 excluded.
FIGURE 5 is a frontal cross-sectional view of the central flexion member with
extension
member excluded.
FIGURE 6 is a frontal view of the preferred embodiment of extension member,
illustrating,
as well, the preferred embodiment for a therapeutic magnet option for the
invention.
245 FIGURES 7, 8, 9 and 10 are frontal views of exercises performed with the
device
assembled.
FIGURES 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16 are frontal views of exercises performed
with the
central flexion member alone, excluding the extension member.
FIGURE 17 is a frontal view of an exercise performed using the extension
member alone,
250 excluding the flexion member.
FIGURE 18 is a frontal view illustrating the option of omission of a finger
loop, with it
being understood that any single or multiple loops may be omitted.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DIAGRAMS
255
FIGURE 1 represents the preferred embodiment of the invention, with the
extension
member (20) inserted into the flexion member (30). The current invention is
manufactured
such that the mold seam line (40) runs horizontally, allowing convenient
manufacture of
the current invention, as opposed to the mold seam line running vertically, as
in previous
260 art.
FIGURE 2 illustrates a cross section of the combination oiF the preferred
embodiments of
the extension member (20) together with the flexion member (30), as they fit
together.
265 Notice, most importantly, that the web area (23) of the extension member
(20) is below the
horizon (38) of the surface of the central flexion member (30). This design
brings the finger
loops (46, 47, 48, 49) onto the horizon (38) of the surface of the flexion
member (30). A
wide volcano opening (31) in the flexion member (30) accepts the buried web
(23). .A
volcano opening (37) is also present at the thumb exit, allow the thumb loop
(50) to be
270 positioned on the horizon (38) of the flexion member. This "buried web"
design ensures
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that as the user will experience resistance throughout the full range of the
hand closing and
hand opening exercise, including during the transition between the hand
closing and the
hand opening, an accomplishment that cannot be claimed by any prior art.
275 FIGURE 6 also illustrates the web (23) of the extension member (20), from
which all of the
finger stems (56, 57, 58, 59) originate. The structure and location of the web
(23) is very
important in the inventive function of the current device for two reasons. As
was
previously discussed, the location of the web (23) allows the finger loops
(46, 47, 48, 49) to
be located on the horizon (38) of the flexion member (30), ensuring that there
are no lulls
280 of resistance during the transition between the flexion to extension
actions in the exercise.
The location of the web (23) also locates the center of resistance to finger
extension and
abduction to a central location within the flexion rnernber (30), resulting in
optimum
coupled resistance vectors to finger and thumb extension and abduction.
285 FIGURES 2, 3, 4 and 5 illustrate the preferred embodiment of the structure
of the central
passageway through the flexion member (30) (although the member may be of any
outer
shape to welcome specific hand actions and functions). It consists of a narrow
central
passage (34) and wider volcano-like exits superiorly (31) and inferiorly (37).
The length
and size of the openings may vary within the flexion memher and still be
within the spirit
290 of the invention. The passageway is illustrated to have smooth convex
rounds at its inner
corner points, including the proximal points superiorly (33) and inferiorly
(35), and the
distal points superiorly (32) and inferiorly (36). These round transitions all
save on the
wear and tear of the flexion member (30) during exercise.
295 FIGURE 5 specifically shows the volcano exits (31, 37) of the flexion
member (30), which
also function to allow ease of loading the extension member (20) into the
device by hand
(whereby there is space for the user's finger to both transport and receive
the extension
member through the flexion member).
300 FIGURES 2 and 6 illustrate a smooth convex round (22) along the shaft (19)
and web areas
(23) of the flexible elastic cord (20). Three factors (volcano openings,
convex rounds at
passageway corners, convex rounds on the flexible cord shaft and web areas)
will protect
the passageway (31, 34, 37) of the flexion member (30) from wear and tear as
the flexible
cord (20) rubs against the passageway areas (31, 34, 37) during use.
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305 Notice also in FIGURE 6, that the insides (21) of the finger loops (46,
47, 48, 49) and
thumb loop (50) are rounded convexly (21) for maximum user comfort.
FIGURES 2 and 6 best illustrate the friction belly (25), which is an expansion
of the shaft
( 19) of the extension member (20). FIGURE 2 especially illustrates how the
friction belly
310 (25) pinches or rubs against the flexion member (30) at the area of the
narrow central
passageway (34) causing friction between the two surfaces (45). The benefit of
this
coupling is that the extension member (20) is unlikely to be accidentally
pulled from the
flexion unit (30) during or after use, yet may still easily be removed if
another extension
member strength or size is desired by the user.
315
Note also in FIGURE 6, the presence of a hole (26) at the center of the
friction belly (25).
It is the preferred embodiment for adding a magnet (28) to the invention, for
use in
magnetic therapy. It is understood that magnets, or magnetic material, can be
added
anywhere to or into the inventive device and still be within the spirit
intended within the
320 current invention.
FIGURES 2 and 6 illustrate the use of lateral curves (24a, 24b) to the stems
(56, 59) to the
two outside fingers loops (46,49). The function of these curves is to move the
outside
finger loops (46,49) laterally and angle them more horizorAtally to allow the
middle two
325 finger loops (47, 48) to be moved down onto the horizon (38) of the
flexion unit (30). At
the same time, note how the curved stems (56,59) also allow the two outside
finger loops
(4C~,. 49) to also remain on the horizon (38) of the flexion nnember (30).
FIGURES 1, 3 and several exercise diagrams show the important horizontal mold
seam
330 line (40) in the flexion member. In order to be able to manufacture the
flexion unit with the
volcano exits (31, 37), the molds for the current invention must open away
from the
horizontal centerline of the flexion member (30), as opposed to moving away
from the
vertical centerline, as in prior art.
335 FIGURES 7, 8, 9 and 10 illustrate several examples of exercises using the
inventive device
in its fully assembled state.
FIGURE 7 shows the device resisting the flexion or gripping action of the
hand.
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340 FIGURE 8 shows the device resisting the opening and spreading action of
the hand.
FIGURE 9 shows the device resisting the action of wrist e;~tension.
FIGURE 10 shows the device resisting the action of finger extension and
abduction.
345
FIGURES 1 l, 12, 13 and 14 illustrate several examples of exercises using the
flexion
member (30) of the inventive device alone.
FIGURE 11 shows the ability of the device to resist a wide pinching action of
the thumb
350 and finger or forgers.
FIGURE 12 shows the ability of the device to resist a narrow pinching action
of the thumb
and finger or fingers.
355 FIGURE 13 shows the ability of the device to resist individual
interphalangeal flexion.
FIGURE 14 shows the ability of the device to resist finger adduction.
FIGURE 15 shows the ability of the device to resist wide opposition.
360
FIGURE 16 shows the ability of the device to resist narrow opposition.
FIGURE 17 shows the ability of the device to resist finger and thumb extension
and
abduction using the extension member (20) by itself.
365
FIGURE 18 shows the ability of the device to be adaptable for users who have
injured or
missing digits, or in the case where there is a need to isolate certain digits
specifically for
an exercise or rehabilitation.
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