WO2002018018A2

WO2002018018A2 - Apparatus for exercising the human hand

Info

Publication number: WO2002018018A2
Application number: PCT/CA2001/001121
Authority: WO
Inventors: Terry Paul Zachary
Original assignee: Terry Paul Zachary
Priority date: 2000-08-03
Filing date: 2001-08-03
Publication date: 2002-03-07
Also published as: WO2002018018A3; AU2001285624A1

Abstract

The present invention is an exercise asembly for providing yielding resistance to the hand in both extension-abduction and flexion-adduction. Broadly, this comprises a compression member for being resiliently squeezed during flexion-adduction of the hand, and a tension member mounted to the compression member for being resiliently stetched during entension-abduction. The tension includes an elastomeric main cord having an upper end and a lower end to which a thumb loop is attached. A plurality of finger loops are attached to secondary cords that extend from the upper end of the main cord in a predetermined angular relationship. The angular relationship corresponds to optimal force vectors that are developed in proper functioning of the hand. The upper end of the main cord may include a web portion for stabiolizing the secondary cord in the predetermined angular relationship.

Description

APPARATUS FOR EXERCISING THE HUMAN HAND

BACKGROUND

a. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to devices for exercising the human hand, and, more particularly, to an assembly that provides resistance in both tension and compression so as to for the exercise substantially all of the muscles and the tendons of the hand as the hand is alternately opened and closed.

b. Related Art

There are many instances in which it is desirable to increase the strength of a person's hand or hands. One example is the case of a stroke victim, where the strength and neuromuscular coordination of the hand may be greatly impaired as a result of the injury to the central nervous system. Many other illnesses, injuries, and disease conditions, such as Rheumatoid Arthritis, for example, can also cause a loss of strength and coordination of the muscles/tendons of the hand, wrist and forearm. Many individuals suffering from these disease conditions tend to be elderly/debilitated and have relatively little hand strength to begin with and therefore require a form of exercise that enables them to achieve a full range of finger motion while offering a comparatively low level of resistance.

At the other end of the spectrum, many persons involved in sports activities may also benefit from an increase in hand strength. For example, increased hand strength can greatly improve an individual's performance in golf, tennis, hockey, baseball, volleyball and bowling, to give just a few examples. Many of these individuals already have relatively strong hands, and so require an of exercise device that can offer a comparatively high degree of resistance in tension and/or compression. Moreover, in addition' to an increase in overall strength, it is important that the muscles and tendons be worked in a coordinated manner so as to promote optimal hand balance and function for a particular activity; for example, the optimal grip for a baseball pitcher may be different from that for a motocross rider, and so it is important to be able to tailor an exercise device or regimen to meet these somewhat diverse requirements.

In order to properly strengthen the hand, an exercise or exercises must ensure that the various muscles and tendons move through their proper ranges of motion against a suitable level of resistance. The primary motions of the thumb and fingers are flexion (closing/gripping), extension (opening/stretching), abduction (lateral spreading), adduction (lateral closing) and opposition (inward movement of the thumb and small finger). Most functions of the hand involve the digits going through a combination of these motions simultaneously. For example, the typical "grip" function is achieved by simultaneous flexion and adduction of the fingers and opposition and flexion of the thumb, thus closing the hand in a somewhat spherical pattern about the palm. Many prior systems have attempted to exercise these motions using multiple devices, each with its own particular purpose, which is both expensive and inconvenient. One form of prior art device for exercising the hand is shown is U.S.

Patent No. 3,612,521 (Wendebom). This device includes a central elastic ring with continuous concentric loops designed for insertion on the base of the fingers and thumbs so as to provide resistance to the finger/thumb extension and abduction. The device is one-dimensional in that it does not address resistance to finger and thumb flexion, adduction and opposition, i.e., it only works outwardly and does not offer resistance to inward motion. Additionally, even in extension and abduction, the configuration of this device is such that the force vectors which are developed by the finger and thumb are less than optimal, therefore providing a less efficient workout and also failing to exercise the muscles/tendons in a coordinated fashion so as to develop proper hand functions.

The device disclosed in my prior Canadian patent application No. 2,200,648 addressed some of these issues, particularly in that this provided resistance to both extension/abduction and flexion/adduction in a single device. However, ensuring proper finger motion and the development of proper resistance vectors, as well as other problems in the prior art devices, remained unresolved. Accordingly, there exists a need for an apparatus for strengthening the muscles of the hand in which a single device is able to exercise muscles in a coordinated fashion in both flexion/adduction/opposition and extension/abduction motions. Furthermore, there exists a need for such an apparatus that will cooperate with the fingers and thumb of the hand to generate the proper force vectors for strengthening the natural opening and closing of the hand. Still further, there exists a need for such an apparatus that can be used with either the right or left hand. Still further, there exists a need for such an apparatus which is inexpensive to manufacture, and which is durable and long lasting in use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has solved the problems cited above, and is an exercise assembly for providing yielding resistance to the hand in both extension- abduction and flexion-adduction. Broadly, this comprises a compression member for being resiliently squeezed during flexion-adduction of the hand, and a tension member mounted to the compression member for being resiliently stretched during extension- abduction. The tension member includes an elastomeric main cord having an upper end and a lower end to which a thumb loop is attached. A plurality of finger loops are attached to secondary cords that extend from the upper end of the main cord in a predetermined angular relationship. The angular relationship corresponds to optimal force vectors that are developed in proper functioning of the hand. The upper end of the main cord may include a web portion for stabilizing the secondary cords in the predetermined angular relationship. The main cord may pass through an opening formed in the compressible member, so that the compressible member is positioned intermediate the thumb loop and the finger loops. The compressible member may be a spherical, ball- shaped member. The ball-shaped member may be sized so as to be engaged by the user's fingers at that point where the natural curvature of the fingers turns the fingertips inwardly towards the palm of the hand.

The tension member may be formed as a unitary, one-piece structure. The one-piece structure may be formed of an elastomeric material, such as elastomeric plastic or rubber. The compressible member may be formed of a resiliently compressible foam material, such as open-cell synthetic rubber form. The main cord may be configured to provide a relatively greater resistance to extension, and the finger cords may be configured to provide relatively lesser resistances than the main cord. The main cord may have a larger cross-sectional area than the finger cords so as to provide the relatively greater resistance. The cross-sectional area of the main cord may be in a range from about two to three times that of each finger cord. The thumb and finger loops may have an oval configuration, with the long axis of the oval being aligned with the axis of the finger cord to which the loop is mounted, so as to further stabilize the motions of the fingers in the predetermined angular relationship. Tab portions may be formed on the distal ends of the thumb and finger loops for being gripped between the fingers of the opposite hand so as to aid in placing the assembly on the hand to be exercised.

These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from a reading of the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective, environmental view of an exercise apparatus in accordance with the present invention, showing this attached to and gripped in a user's hand;

FIG. 2 is a front, elevational view of the exercise apparatus of FIG. 1, showing the tension member that is resiliently stretched upon extension of the hand and the compression member that is resiliently compressed upon flexion of the hand;

FIG. 3 is an elevational view of the exercise apparatus of FIG. 1, similar to FIG. 2, but with dotted line images showing the manner in which the tension member passes through a bore formed in the compression member;

FIG. 4 is an elevational view of the tension member of the exercise apparatus of FIG. 1-3;

FIG. 5 is a top, plan view of the compression member of FIGS. 1-3, providing an end view of the bore through which the tension member passes;

FIG. 6 A is an elevational, palm-side view of a user's hand as in FIG. 1, showing the manner in which the fingers and thumb spread apart laterally as the hand undergoes abduction, with adduction being in the reverse direction;

FIG. 6B is a side, elevational view of the hand of FIG. 6A, showing the direction of motion of the fingers and thumb as the hand undergoes extension, with flexion being basically in the reverse direction;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged, partial view of the hand of FIG. 6A, showing the force vectors which develop as a combination of the extension and abduction motions of the fingers as the hand opens, with the combined motions resulting in force vectors in the opposite directions upon closing of the hand to form a grip; and

FIG. 8 is an enlarged, partial view of the tension member of the exercise apparatus of FIGS. 1-3, showing the manner in which the resilient cords for the individual finger loops are connected to a stabilizing web so as to extend along axes that correspond generally to the force vectors shown in FIG. 7. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

a. Overview

FIG. 1 shows an exercise assembly 10 in accordance with the present invention, gripped within and attached to the fingers of a user' s hand 01.

As can be more clearly seen in FIG. 2, the assembly includes two major components, a tension member 12 and a compression member 14. The compression member is formed of a resiliently compressible material, such as opens cell polyurethane foam, and, in the embodiment that is illustrated, is configured as a generally spherical ball 16.

The tension member, in turn, is configured as an elongate, unitary tether 18 formed of a suitable elastomeric material, such as flexible PVC or latex rubber, for example. As can be seen in FIG. 3, the tether includes a main cord 20 that extends through a bore 22 in the compressible ball 16. A thumb loop 24 is mounted on the lower end of the main cord so as to project from the bottom of the compressible member, and a stabilizing web 26 is formed on the upper end of the cord. The stabilizing web protrudes slightly above the upper end of the ball, and finger loops 30, 32, 34 and 36 are attached to the web by comparatively short, narrow elastic cords 40, 42, 44 and 46. As will be described in greater detail below, the finger cords 40-46 extend from the stabilizing web at predetermined angles so as to develop the correct force vectors for properly exercising the hand.

The thumb loop and the finger loops are sized to fit over the middle phalaiies of their respective digits, and are also provided with outwardly, projecting tab portions 48 which aid in placing the loops by providing a grip for the fingers of the opposite hand. Tapered junctions 50, 52 are preferably formed where the web and the thumb loop join the main cord; in addition to providing added strength and resistance to tearing in these areas, the tapered junctions engage corresponding recesses 54a, 54b at the ends of the bore 22 through the compressible ball member, thereby providing a firmer, more stable interfit between the two members. Thus, when the exercise assembly is installed on a user's hand as shown in FIG.

1, the fingers and thumb are able to move through their full ranges of motion, with the tension member offering a predetermined degree of resistance in the extension-abduction direction and the compression member providing a predetermined degree of resistance in the flexion-adduction-opposition direction. Moreover, the resistance is apportioned properly amongst the fingers of the hand, and the configuration of the assembly ensures that the muscles and tendons are exercised together in a coordinated fashion so as to ensure optimal development of the grip and other functions of the hand. In addition, the configuration of the compressible ball and the tether structure enable the assembly to be used with either hand, by simply reversing the assembly and installing the cords on the corresponding fingers of the other hand.

Having provided an overview of the exercise assembly of the present invention, the main components and functions thereof will now be described in greater detail under the appropriate subheadings below.

b. Tension Member

As can be seen in FIG. 4, tether 18 is preferably formed as a unitary structure, i.e., as a single piece, which greatly facilitates its economical manufacture. Moreover, since the entire tether structure is formed of a resilient, yielding material including the main cord, this avoids any interference with the ball collapsing evenly as the fingers come together during the compression phase.

The dimensional and angular relationships of the various parts of the tether structure, particularly the main cord, stabilizing web, and finger cords, enable the structure to provide resistance in amounts, and directions that are properly tailored to the various muscles of the hand, even though the structure is formed of a single grade of elastomeric material.

The resistance of the main cord preferably exceeds that of the individual finger cords in accordance with a predetermined proportional relationship. This proportional relationship may vary somewhat depending on ball size, length of the cords, characteristics of the elastomeric material, and other factors, and furthermore, the individual finger cords themselves may be configured to offer differing degrees of resistance. However, when using common elastomeric materials, and where the lengths of the cords have the approximate proportional relationship shown in FIG. 4, it has been found that dimensioning the main cord to have a cross-sectional area about 2 - 3 times that of the individual finger cords provides a suitable proportioning of resistances, with a relationship in the range of about 2.0:1 to about 2.5:1 being particularly suitable for a wide range of applications. The result of this mechanical ratio is that the fingers are influenced to move along the vectors defined by the finger stems, as opposed to that defined by the main stem, and thus a more natural combination of finger extension and abduction is achieved. Again, it will be understood that this relationship may vary somewhat depending on the actual configuration of the cords and other factors.

As can also be seen, the stabilizing web 26 is somewhat (e.g., 1.5 times) wider than the main cord, and the finger cords 40-46 extend outwardly from the web in a predetermined angular relationship. To illustrate the importance of this relationship and how it functions to help develop the proper force vectors during use, FIG. 7 provides an enlarged view of the fingers 02,03,04,05 of the hand, with outwardly directed arrows 56 illustrating extension of the fingers and laterally directed arrows 58 illustrating abduction (see also FIG. 6A - 6B). In combination, these motions define a series of force vectors 60,62,64,66 that radiate outwardly from a more or less common center 68 which is located towards the upper center of the palm of the hand, while in flexion-adduction the motions define corresponding vectors in generally opposite directions towards the same center. (It will be understood that while the origin 68 of the force vectors is shown as a single point for ease of illustration, in actuality this is a somewhat more of a diffuse area in this region of the palm).

As can be seen in FIG. 8, the web portion 26 of the tether structure defines a corresponding center 69 that is configured to be substantially co-located with the force vector origin 68 when the apparatus is attached to the person's hand. The individual finger tethers 40, 42, 44, 46 extend outwardly from this center along axes 70,72,74,76, with the angular relationship between the axes corresponding generally to the angular relationship of the optimal force vectors 60,62,64,66. The web 26 serves to stabilize the individual finger cords so as to maintain this angular relationship, and thereby ensures that the optimal force vectors are developed during the extension/abduction action.

Although the angular relationship may vary somewhat from one embodiment to the next, depending on specific hand conditions, exercise goals and other design factors, it has been found that aligning axes 70 and 76 (for the index and pinky fingers) about 15° forward of perpendicular to the long axis of the main cord, and axes 72 and 74 (for the middle and ring fingers) about 25° outwardly to the sides of the axis of the main cord, provides an arrangement that is suitable for a wide variety of applications.

Furthermore, as can be seen in FIGS. 8 and 4, each of the finger loops has a generally oval or elliptical configuration, with the long axis of the ellipse being aligned with the axis of the cord to which the loop is mounted. As a result, the material along the sides of the finger loops extends in a direction somewhat parallel to the axis of the cord. This helps to maintain the orientation of the finger so that the proper force vectors are generated during use, particularly when the two sides of the loop are loaded in tension, and also minimizes deformation of the loop and therefore helps to preserve user comfort. As was noted above, each of the finger loops also includes a small, projecting tab portion 48 at its distal end. The tab portions are preferably formed somewhat thinner than the finger loops themselves so as to provide an easier grip for the fingers of the other hand during cord placement, and a suitable thickness has been found to be about 1 - 1.5 mm. The tether structure may be formed of any suitable elastomeric material, such as the aforementioned PVC or rubber. The tensile strength can be selectively varied depending on the intended use, e.g., a material giving a comparatively low tensile resistance may be employed for a device intended for use by a stroke victim or elderly person, whereas a comparatively high tensile resistance material may be used for advice intended for use by a golfer or athlete having comparatively high existing hand strength: the range of suitable tensile strengths may be from about 50-500 psi. A single mold can therefore be used to produce a range of tension members that are tailored to meet the needs of individual hands, by simply adjusting the tensile strength of the elastomeric material. Furthermore, this adjustment can be made independently of the compression member, therefore greatly increasing the number of combinations that are available for satisfying particular conditions or needs.

Ranges of dimensions suitable for the elastomeric tether as described above are set forth in the following table; in general, it is preferable that the dimensions of the tether member be selected so that the finger/thumb loops are positioned relatively close to the surface of the compression member when in the initial, unloaded positions, thereby and also ensuring proper orientation of the fingers at the beginning of the compression phase avoiding undesirable slack when transitioning from tension to compression:

Cord Lengths Main cord: 5.0 - 8.0 cm

Index finger cord: 1.2 - 2.6 cm

Middle finger cord: 0.4 - 1.8 cm

Ring finger cord: 0.4 - 1.8 cm

Pinky finger: 1.2 - 2.6 cm

Finger Loops

Thumb: 9 - 23 mm wide, 13 - 27 mm long

Index finger: 4 - 18 mm wide, 11 - 25 mm long

Middle finger: 6 - 20 mm wide, 12 - 26 mm long Ring fmger: 5 - 19 mm wide, 12 - 26 mm long

Pinky finger: 3 - 15 mm wide, 9 - 23 mm long

A tether member having the following dimensions has been found particularly suitable for use with a 7.1 cm spherical (ball) compression member, which is a size suitable for many hands.

Cord Lengths Main cord: 6.5 cm Index finger: 1.9 cm Little fmger: 1.1 cm Ring finger: 1.1 cm

Pinky finger: 1.9 cm

Finger Loops Thumb: width - 16 mm, length - 20 mm Index finger: width - 11 mm, length - 18 mm

Middle finger: width - 13 mm, length - 19 mm Ring finger: width - 12 mm, length - 19 mm Pinky finger: width - 9 mm, length - 16 mm

The tether structure may be manufactured by any suitable means, including injection molding and die-cutting, for example, however it has been found that flat molding a liquid elastomer in an open-face mold provides a very satisfactory product with a minimal expenditure for tooling.

c. Compression Member

As was noted above, the purpose of the yieldingly compressible ball is to provide a predetermined degree of resistance to inward flexion-adduction-opposition of the hand. The compression member is therefore preferably sized so that it will be engaged by the fingers at that point where the correct, normal curvature of the fingers turns the fingertips towards the palm of the hand, i.e., that point at where the fingertips are positioned so that they can begin to exert compressive pressure against the palm of the hand. A spherical, ball-shaped compression member having a diameter in the range of about 5.5 to about 8.5 cm has been found suitable, with a diameter of 7.1 cm being eminently suitable for use with a wide range of hands.

The compression member may be formed of any suitable, yieldingly compressible material, such as any of a variety of foam rubber or rubber-like materials, for example. An open cell foam material is preferred, however, since this will generally accommodate a greater range of motion as the member is compressed between the fingers; moreover, the air that is forced into and out of the open cell foam material enters and exits through the holes at the end of bore 22 as the structure is alternately compressed and released, adding a controlled degree of resistance and also regulating the speed of compression/expansion somewhat so as to more closely match the normal motions of the human hand. In general, the optimal density of the material will be that which promotes use of a round ball as the compression member, since this form generally provides the most in the way of functional benefits for the majority of hands. Suitable densities may be in the range from about 0.50 to about 3.0 lb. for injected foam, with a generally optimal material being open cell polyurethane foam having a density in the range from about 1.0 to 2.0 lbs.

While a compressible member having the form of a round ball is preferred for most applications, it will be understood that other shapes may be provided for more specialized functions. For example, a compression member in the form of an oblong ball may be provided for optimizing a grip for football, rugby or similar athletic activities; for these purposes, a compressible member having a diameter in the range from about 6.0 cm- 13.0 cm and a length in the range from about 10 cm - 18 cm may be suitable, with a diameter of 10.0 cm and length of about 14.0 cm being eminently suitable for most applications.

Similarly, a compression member having a cylindrical form may be provided for use by competitive bicyclists, motocross riders, and others engaged in activities that require holding onto a cylindrical object. Cylindrical compression members for this purpose may have a diameter in the range from about 5.5 cm - 8.5 cm and a length in the range from about 10 cm - 18 cm, with a diameter of about 7.0 cm and a length of about 14.0 cm being eminently suitable for most applications.

In most embodiments, the exterior of the compression member will be smooth for comfort and stress relief, however it will be understood that grooves may be provided for receiving the fingers, for lateral compression, or for other purposes, as may other forms of surface shapes or texturing. Moreover, other shapes may be employed in addition to the spherical, oval and cylindrical forms described above. Another embodiment would exist as a one-piece continuous structure, molded as one, reflecting similar structure and function as aforementioned.

d. Use

To use the exercise assembly, the finger loops are placed over the middle phalanges of their respective fingers, by gripping the placement tab portions between the fingers of the opposite hand. The thumb loop is placed at the base of the thumb. The hand is then opened and closed rhythmically as described above.

When used in this manner, the assembly strengthens all of the muscles of the hand- Additional exercises can be used to strengthen all of the muscles of the hand, wrist and forearm together or, if desired, only to address individual muscle groups.

Specific activities in which the exercise device of the present invention may be useful include the following:

Golf Racquetball Arm Wrestling Windsurfing

Tennis Baseball Body Building Water-skiing

Hockey Bowling Lacrosse Jet-skiing

Badminton Climbing Gymnastics Motorcycling

Squash Rowing Musicians Bicycling

The device may also be useful in the treatment of a variety of injuries and/or disease conditions, including the following:

1. Lateral epicondylitis - tennis elbow

2. Medial epicondylitis - golfers elbow

3. Carpal tunnel syndrome

4. Wrist, finger and forearm fracture and sprain rehabilitation

5. Stroke rehabilitation - strength anά coordination

6. Spinal cord injury

7. Rheumatoid arthritis

For example, in order to prevent and rehabilitate the condition of lateral epicondylitis, one must strengthen the muscles and tendons that insert onto the lateral epicondyle of the humerus. The device of the present invention strengthens all of these muscles.

It is to be recognized that various alterations, modifications, and/or additions may be introduced into the constructions and arrangements of parts described, above without departing from the spirit or ambit of the present invention.

Claims

"I Claim:

1. A device that properly resists natural coupled force vectors of the human hand as described herein.

2. A device that is functional for both left and right hand.

3. A device that can be conveniently placed by the use of placement tabs, as described herein.

4. A device that, within the function heretofore contained, can be structurally adapted to address specific mechanical needs demanded by specific activities, including, but not limited to therapy, sports, music, crafts and ergonomic considerations.

5. A device that is inexpensive to manufacture, but remains to hold in regard the isolation of proper resistive force vectors against the motion of the human hand, while remaining durable.

6. A device that traps air, as described herein, upon compression allowing an additional factor of resistance to exist as a variable to be customized relative to the specific goal of the activity performed. "