Elastic exercise device

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention generally relates to exercise devices. In one aspect it relates more particularly to an elastic exercise device that may be used to isolate and exercise the fingers, wrists, and hands.

BACKGROUND

There are many exercise devices on the market for fitness, rehabilitation, and therapeutic use. However, many of such devices are large, heavy, and cumbersome to store. Also, many of such devices are complex and expensive. Such devices may only be found in an office of a physical therapist, at a rehabilitation center, at a doctor's office, or at a hospital, for example, because they are too expensive, too complex, or too large for home use. Typically, a patient will require ongoing physical therapy after an injury, treatment, or surgery. Many patients would prefer to do repeated rehabilitation or treatment in the comfort of their homes or offices, without the need to commute to a doctor's office or a rehabilitation center. Also, home rehabilitation and treatment is often much less expensive than repeated visits to a doctor's office or a rehabilitation center. Hence, there is a need for exercise devices that are small, light weight, easy to store, easy to use, and inexpensive, while still providing an effective exercise motion and resistance.

With today's increase in computer usage, both at work and recreationally at home, there is an increasing number of people suffering with finger, hand, wrist, and forearm pain. This pain may be due to any of a wide variety of conditions, such as carpel tunnel syndrome, arthritis, or tendonitis, for example. Such conditions can often be lessened or eliminated through treatment and rehabilitation programs. Usually these treatment and rehabilitation programs involve targeted exercises, which are often prescribed by a doctor or recommended by a physical therapist. Chiropractic clinics, for example, often provide on-site treatment, as well as at-home treatment or exercise programs to help restore a person's body and relieve pain in the body. Thus, a continuing need exists for innovative exercise devices that may be used to provide these targeted exercises.

There is also a market for exercise equipment used to enhance an athlete's strength for a wide variety of sports. For example, in golf, tennis, racquetball, and baseball, athletes often desire to improve their grip and control of the club, racquet, or bat. Hence, there is a need for exercise devices that will help an athlete improve his/her grip for sports.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The problems and needs outlined above may be addressed by embodiments of the present invention. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, an exercise device is provided. The exercise device consists of a single molded piece. The single molded piece includes an elastic material, and the single molded piece includes a first hand portion and a band portion. The first hand portion includes a first finger sheath portion. The band portion extends from the first hand portion. The first hand portion and the band portion are integral parts of the single piece. The first finger sheath portion may have a generally oval shaped opening, for example. The opening may have an opening width at least two times greater than an opening height, as one example. The first hand portion may further include a second finger sheath portion located adjacent the first finger sheath portion. The second finger sheath portion may be larger than the first finger sheath portion. The first hand portion may further include a web portion extending between the first finger sheath portion and the second finger sheath portion. Alternatively, the second finger sheath portion may be directly adjacent to and in physical contact with the first finger sheath portion. The first hand portion may further include a third finger sheath portion and a fourth finger sheath portion, such that the first, second, third, and fourth finger sheath portions are formed along a same finger plane, and such that openings for the first, second, third, and fourth finger sheath portions are formed in a band plane of the band portion. A first web portion may extend between the first and second finger sheath portions, a second web portion may extend between the second and third finger sheath portions, and a third web portion may extend between the third and fourth finger sheath portions, for example. The single molded piece may further include a second hand portion. In such case, the second hand portion may be identical to the first hand portion, except that the second hand portion is mirror symmetrical to the first hand portion. And in such case, the band portion extends between the first hand portion and the second hand portion such that the first hand portion is connected to the second hand portion by the band portion. The band portion may have a generally rectangular flat sheet shape, for example. The single molded piece may further include a second band portion extending from the first hand portion. The elastic material may include a material selected from the following group: rubber, silicon, silicon-based rubber, latex, and combinations thereof, for example.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a exercise device is provided. The exercise device includes an elastic member. The elastic member includes a first hand portion and a band portion. The first hand portion includes a first finger sheath portion and a second finger sheath portion. The band portion extends from the first hand portion. The first hand portion and the band portion are integral parts of the elastic member. The band portion has a generally rectangular flat sheet shape. The finger sheath portions of the first hand portion are aligned along a first plane. The first plane is substantially perpendicular to a surface plane of the band portion, such that openings for the finger sheath portions of the first hand portion are formed in the surface plane of the band portion. The exercise device may consists of a single molded piece, wherein the single molded piece is the elastic member. The elastic member may further include a first web portion extending between the first finger sheath portion and the second finger sheath portion.

A method of exercising arm muscles using the exercise device is provides as well. The method may include: (i) placing fingers of a hand at least partially in the finger sheath portions; (ii) retaining the band portion at a distal location relative to the first hand portion; and (iii) pivoting a wrist of the hand to perform a wrist extension and/or wrist abduction motion while stretching the band portion to provide resistance to the wrist extension and/or wrist abduction motion, for example. As another example, a method of exercising hand and arm muscles using the exercise device may include: (i) placing fingers of a hand at least partially in the finger sheath portions; (ii) retaining the band portion at a distal location relative to the first hand portion while the hand is in a partially closed configuration; and (iii) opening the hand while stretching the band portion to provide resistance to the hand opening. As yet another example, a method of exercising hand muscles using the exercise device may include: (i) placing fingers of a hand at least partially in the finger sheath portions; and (ii) spreading the fingers relative to each other to perform a finger abduction motion while stretching the elastic member at the finger sheath portions to provide resistance to the spreading of the fingers.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, a bilateral exercise device is provided. In this case, the bilateral exercise device consists of a single molded piece of elastic material. The single molded piece includes a left hand portion, a right hand portion, and a band portion. The left hand portion includes a first left finger sheath portion, a second left finger sheath portion, a third left finger sheath portion, a fourth left finger sheath portion, a first left web portion, a second left web portion, and a third left web portion. The first left web portion extends between the first left finger sheath portion and the second left finger sheath portion. The second left web portion extends between the second left finger sheath portion and the third left finger sheath portion. The third left web portion extends between the third left finger sheath portion and the fourth left finger sheath portion. The right hand portion includes a first right finger sheath portion, a second right finger sheath portion, a third right finger sheath portion, a fourth right finger sheath portion, a first right web portion, a second right web portion, and a third right web portion. The first right web portion extends between the first right finger sheath portion and the second right finger sheath portion. The second right web portion extends between the second right finger sheath portion and the third right finger sheath portion. The third right web portion extends between the third right finger sheath portion and the fourth right finger sheath portion. The band portion extends between the left hand portion and the right hand portion. The left hand portion, the right hand portion, and the band portion are integral parts of the single molded piece. The band portion has a generally rectangular flat sheet shape. The finger sheath portions of the left hand portion are aligned along a first plane. The first plane is substantially perpendicular to a surface plane of the band portion. Openings for the finger sheath portions of the left hand portion are formed in the surface plane of the band portion. The finger sheath portions of the right hand portion are aligned along a second plane. The second plane is substantially perpendicular to the surface plane of the band portion. Openings for the finger sheath portions of the right hand portion are formed in the surface plane of the band portion.

The foregoing has outlined rather broadly features of the present invention in order that the detailed description of the invention that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the invention will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims of the invention. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures or processes for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following is a brief description of the drawings, which illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present invention and in which:

FIGS. 1 and 2 show an exercise device in accordance with a first illustrative embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 3-18 show some illustrative exercises that may be performed using the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 19 shows part of an exercise device in accordance with a second illustrative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 20 shows part of an exercise device in accordance with a third illustrative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 21 shows part of an exercise device in accordance with a fourth illustrative embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 22 shows part of an exercise device in accordance with a fifth illustrative embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numbers are used herein to designate like or similar elements throughout the various views, illustrative embodiments of the present invention are shown and described. The figures are not necessarily drawn to scale, and in some instances the drawings have been exaggerated and/or simplified in places for illustrative purposes only. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate the many possible applications and variations of the present invention based on the following illustrative embodiments of the present invention.

Generally, an embodiment of the present invention provides an elastic exercise device and methods of using the same. FIGS. 1 and 2 show an exercise device 22 in accordance with a first illustrative embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 3-18 show some illustrative exercises that may be performed using the device 22 of first embodiment. The device 22 of the first illustrative embodiment will be described, and then the illustrative exercises shown in FIGS. 3-18 will be described.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, the exercise device 22 of the first illustrative embodiment includes a left hand portion 24, a right hand portion 26, and a band portion 28. Preferably, the exercise device 22 is made from a single molded piece of elastic material (e.g., silicon rubber), but the exercise device 22 may be made of multiple components as well. In such case, the left hand portion 24, the right hand portion 26, and the band portion 28 are integral parts of a single molded piece. The left hand portion 24 of the first embodiment includes four finger sheath portions 32 and three web portions 34. The web portions 34 extend between the finger sheath portions 32. Preferably, each finger sheath portion 32 is sized and shaped according to the finger it is designed to receive during use of the device 22. However, in other embodiments, each finger sheath portion 32 may have an identical size and/or shape, or any number of the finger sheath portions 32 may have identical size and/or shape, relative to each other. As shown in FIG. 2, the openings 36 are generally oval shaped, which is similar to a cross-section shape of a person's finger. The openings 36 may have any suitable shape, including (but not limited to) being: rounded, circular, oval, rectangular, rectangular with rounded corners, or any combination thereof, for example. In a preferred embodiment, the openings 36 have an opening width at least two times greater than an opening height.

Preferably, the finger sheath portions 32 of each hand portion 24, 26 are aligned along a common plane, as shown in FIG. 2. In other embodiments, however, some or all of the finger sheath portions 32 for a given hand portion may not be aligned along a common plane. As shown in FIG. 1, the band portion 28 extends between the left hand portion 24 and the right hand portion 26. The band portion 28 preferably has a generally rectangular flat sheet shape. But in other embodiments, the band portion 28 may have any suitable shape and any suitable cross-section (e.g., rectangular, oval, round). The band portion 28 is formed along a band plane. In the first embodiment, the common plane of the finger sheath portions 32 for each of the hand portions 24, 26 is substantially perpendicular to the band plane. As shown in FIG. 2, the openings 36 of each hand portion of the first embodiment are formed in the band plane and open at the band plane. In other embodiments (not shown), the finger sheath portion 32 may be oriented differently relative to the band plane (at any suitable angle relative to the band plane), and/or the openings 36 of the finger sheath portion 32 may be oriented differently relative to the band plane (at any suitable angle relative to the band plane).

In the first embodiment, the right hand portion 26 is a mirror symmetric image of the left hand portion 24. In a preferred embodiment, such as the first embodiment, two hand portions are used to provide a large array of possible exercises with one device 22. In other embodiments, however, there may be only one hand portion (24 or 26) and a band portion 28 (instead of having two hand portions 24 and 26). In other embodiments, there may be only one hand portion (24 or 26). Exercises to the fingers may be done using the elastic material (web portions 34) between the fingers (finger sheath portions 32) for providing resistance to the movement of the fingers.

A device 22 of a preferred embodiment is made from silicon rubber. However, an embodiment of the present invention may be made from any suitable elastic material or combination of materials, including (but not limited to): rubber, silicon, silicon-based rubber, latex, polyethylene, nylon, metal, any suitable composite thereof, any suitable compound thereof, or any suitable combination thereof, for example.

Now that the first embodiment has been described, some illustrative uses and exercises that may be performed using the exercise device 22 of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 3-18. The exercises described herein are just some of the possible exercises and uses of an embodiment of the present invention, among many others not shown or described.

FIG. 3 shows the exercise device 22 being used to exercise finger and hand muscles. The exercise shown in FIG. 3 may be referred to as a finger abduction exercise. In this exercise, the fingers of the exerciser's hand are inserted into the finger sheath portions 32 (see FIG. 3). Then, the fingers are spread relative to each other. The web portions 34 between the finger sheath portions 32 provide a resistance to this movement. This exercise works the hand muscles and the forearm muscles on the bottom side of the arm in a finger abduction movement.

FIGS. 4A and 4B show the exercise device 22 being used to exercise wrist and forearm muscles. The exercise shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B may be referred to as a wrist extension exercise. In this exercise, the fingers of both of the exerciser's hand are inserted into the finger sheath portions 32 of both the left and right hand portions 24, 26 (see FIG. 4A). A fist position of this exercise is shown in FIG. 4A, in which the hands are generally straight relative to the forearms with the finger extended. At this fist position of FIG. 4A, it is preferred to stretch the band portion 28 slightly to provide tension throughout the full range of motion during the exercise. Then, the exerciser transitions from the fist position shown in FIG. 4A to a second position shown in FIG. 4B. The exerciser preferably pivots only at the wrists to expand the band portion 28, as shown in FIG. 4B. It is also preferred for this exercise to insert the fingers into the finger sheath portions 32 only to the second knuckle of each finger (see FIG. 4A). This changes the muscles targeted by the exercise slightly. The band portion 28 provides the main resistance in this movement. This exercise mainly works the wrist muscles and forearm muscles on the top of the arm closer to the wrist in an extension movement. As a variation on this exercise, the fingers may be completely inserted into the finger sheath portions 32. By doing so, the exercise will shift some of the focus to the forearm muscles on the top of the forearm closer to the elbow. These same exercises may also be performed with only one hand by holding the band portion 28 with another hand or securing the band portion with another device. Thus, this same exercise may be performed one arm at a time using an embodiment of the present invention that has only one hand portion, for example. And furthermore, a person may exercise only one hand or one arm at a time (e.g., if the person only needs to rehabilitate one side, or if the other hand and/or arm is injured) using the first embodiment of the present invention by simply holding the band portion 28 or the other hand portion (24 or 26).

FIGS. 5A and 5B show the exercise device 22 being used to exercise wrist and forearm muscles in another way, stressing the same muscles (wrist extensors) as the exercise shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, but shifting more stress to the upper forearm (more proximal) close to the elbow. The exercise shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B may be referred to as a fist position-wrist extension exercise. In this exercise, the fingers of both of the exerciser's hand are inserted into the finger sheath portions 32 of both the left and right hand portions 24, 26 (see FIG. 5A). A fist position of this exercise is shown in FIG. 5A, in which the hands are closed and the band portion 28 is held by the tips of the fingers (to some degree) and in which the wrists are straight. At this fist position of FIG. 5A, it is preferred to stretch the band portion 28 slightly to provide tension throughout the full range of motion during the exercise. Then, the exerciser transitions from the fist position shown in FIG. 5A to a second position shown in FIG. 5B. The exerciser preferably pivots only at the wrists to expand the band portion 28, as shown in FIG. 5B. This exercise mainly works the wrist muscles and forearm muscles on the top of the arm closer to the elbow in an extension movement. This same exercise may also be performed with only one hand by holding the band portion 28 with another hand or securing the band portion 28 with another device. Thus, this same exercise may be performed one arm at a time using an embodiment of the present invention that has only one hand portion, for example. And furthermore, a person may exercise only one hand or one arm at a time (e.g., if the person only needs to rehabilitate one side, or if the other hand and/or arm is injured) using the first embodiment of the present invention by simply holding the band portion 28 or the other hand portion (24 or 26).

FIGS. 6A and 6B show the exercise device 22 being used to exercise finger, hand, wrist and forearm muscles. The exercise shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B may be referred to as a finger extension exercise. In this exercise, the fingers of an exerciser's hand are inserted into the finger sheath portions 32 (see FIG. 6A). A fist position of this exercise is shown in FIG. 6A, in which the fingers are generally straight but the third knuckles are bent and the wrist is bent back. The band portion 28 may be retained by resting the wrist and forearm on a surface (not shown) with the band portion 28 there between (see FIG. 6A). This will likely be sufficient to hold the band portion 28 during the exercise. But if needed or desired, the band portion 28 may be held by the other hand also or in alternative. At this fist position of FIG. 6A, it is preferred to stretch the band portion 28 slightly to provide tension throughout the full range of motion during the exercise. Then, the exerciser transitions from the fist position shown in FIG. 6A to a second position shown in FIG. 6B. The exerciser straightens all knuckles and the wrist to expand the band portion 28. Also the finger sheath portions 32 are likely to be stretch as well, as shown in FIG. 6B. For this exercise the fingers may be partially or fully inserted into the finger sheath portions 32. The band portion 28 provides the main resistance to this movement, but the finger sheath portions 32 may contribute to the resistance as well. This exercise mainly works the finger muscles in an extension movement. This exercise may be performed with only one hand or with both hands at the same time (using both hand portions 24 and 26).

FIGS. 7A and 7B show the exercise device 22 being used to exercise finger, hand, wrist, and forearm muscles. This is similar to the exercise shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B. The exercise shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B may be referred to as a carpel glide exercise. In this exercise, the fingers of an exerciser's hand are inserted into the finger sheath portions 32 (see FIG. 7A). A fist position of this exercise is shown in FIG. 7A, in which the fingers are bent at the second knuckle but the third knuckles are only slightly bent or are straight, and the wrist is bent back. The band portion 28 may be retained by resting the wrist and forearm on a surface (not shown) with the band portion 28 there between (see FIG. 7A). This will likely be sufficient to hold the band portion 28 during the exercise. But if needed or desired, the band portion 28 may be held by the other hand also or in alternative. At this fist position of FIG. 7A, it is preferred to stretch the band portion 28 slightly to provide tension throughout the full range of motion during the exercise. Then, the exerciser transitions from the fist position shown in FIG. 7A to a second position shown in FIG. 7B. The exerciser straightens all knuckles and the wrist to expand the band portion 28. Also the finger sheath portions 32 are likely to be stretch as well, as shown in FIG. 7B. In this exercise, the fingers may be spread as well at the second position, as shown in FIG. 7B, to add an additional exercising of the finger and hand muscles. For this exercise the fingers may be partially or fully inserted into the finger sheath portions 32. The band portion 28 provides the main resistance to this movement, but the finger sheath portions 32 may contribute to the resistance as well. This exercise mainly works the finger muscles in an extension movement and wrist muscles in a flexion motion, but it also generates motion through the carpel tunnel region of the wrist. This simultaneous motion of wrist flexion and finger extension stimulates the carpel wrist region (increasing blood flow to this region). This exercise may be performed with only one hand or with both hands at the same time (using both hand portions 24 and 26).

FIG. 8 shows a variation on the fist position for the exercises shown in FIGS. 6A, 6B, 7A, and 7B. In the fist position (compare FIG. 8 to FIGS. 6A and 7A), the hand is fully closed. Then, while transitioning to the second position, as shown FIG. 6B or 7B, the hand is opened and the fingers are extended.

FIGS. 9A and 9B show the exercise device 22 being used to exercise wrist and forearm muscles in yet another way. The exercise shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B may be referred to as a supination/pronation exercise. In this exercise, the fingers of an exerciser's hand are inserted into the finger sheath portions 32 of one of the hand portions (24 or 26) (see FIG. 9A), and the band portion 28 is secured with the other hand. A fist position of this exercise is shown in FIG. 9A, in which the hand is open, the wrist is straight, and the band portion 28 is stretched to provide tension throughout the full range of motion during the exercise. Then, the exerciser transitions from the fist position shown in FIG. 9A to a second position shown in FIG. 9B, and back again to the fist position (stretching the band portion 28 in both positions). The exerciser preferably pivots only at the forearm to expand the band portion 28 in a rocking motion. This exercise mainly works the wrist muscles and forearm muscles in a twisting movement. This same exercise may be performed using an embodiment of the present invention that has only one hand portion and a band portion 28. This same exercise also may be performed bilaterally, using both hands (in both hand portions 24 and 26) simultaneously.

FIGS. 10A and 10B show the exercise device 22 being used to exercise wrist and forearm muscles in still another way. The exercise shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B may be referred to as a bilateral supination/pronation exercise. In this exercise, the fingers of both of the exerciser's hands are inserted into the finger sheath portions 32 of both of the hand portions (24 and 26) (see FIG. 10A). This exercise can be done with hands straight or in a fist position. A fist position of this exercise is shown in FIG. 10A, in which the hands are closed in a first configuration with the tips of the fingers helping to retain the band portion 28 within the hands. The wrist being exercised (e.g., right wrist in FIG. 10A) is preferably straight, and the band portion is stretched to provide tension throughout the full range of motion during the exercise. Then, the exerciser transitions from the fist position shown in FIG. 10A to a second position shown in FIG. 10B. The exerciser preferably pivots only at the forearm to expand the band portion in a twisting motion. This exercise mainly works the wrist muscles and forearm muscles in a twisting movement. This same exercise may be performed using an embodiment of the present invention that has only one hand portion and a band portion 28. This same exercise also may be performed bilaterally, using both hands (in both hand portions 24 and 26) simultaneously.

FIGS. 11A and 11B show the exercise device 22 being used to exercise wrist and forearm muscles in another way. The exercise shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B may be referred to as a supination/pronation hand and thumb exercise. In this exercise, the fingers of both of the exerciser's hands are inserted into the finger sheath portions 32 of both of the hand portions (24 and 26) (see FIG. 11A). This exercise can be done with hands straight or in a fist position. A fist position of this exercise is shown in FIG. 11A, in which the hands are closed in a first configuration with the tips of the fingers helping to retain the band portion 28 within the hands. This is similar to the configuration shown in FIG. 10A, except that the band portion is positioned over the thumb in FIG. 11A. The wrist being exercised (e.g., right wrist in FIG. 11A) is preferably straight, and the band portion 28 is stretched to provide tension throughout the full range of motion during the exercise. Then, the exerciser transitions from the fist position shown in FIG. 11A to a second position shown in FIG. 11B. The exerciser preferably pivots only at the forearm to expand the band portion 28 in a twisting motion. This exercise mainly works the wrist muscles and forearm muscles in a twisting movement, but in an opposite direction of the exercise of FIGS. 10A and 10B. This same exercise of FIGS. 11A and 11B may be performed using an embodiment of the present invention that has only one hand portion and a band portion 28. This same exercise also may be performed bilaterally, using both hands (in both hand portions 24 and 26) simultaneously.

FIGS. 12A and 12B show the exercise device 22 being used to exercise wrist and forearm muscles in yet another way. The exercise shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B may be referred to as a wrist adduction exercise. In this exercise, the fingers of both of the exerciser's hands are inserted into the finger sheath portions 32 of both of the hand portions (24 and 26) (see FIG. 12A). This exercise can be done with hands straight or in a fist position. A fist position of this exercise is shown in FIG. 12A, in which the hands are closed in a first configuration with the tips of the fingers helping to retain the band portion 28 within the hands. This is similar to the configuration shown in FIG. 11A, with the band portion 28 is positioned over the thumb in FIG. 12A. The other hand secures the band portion 28. The wrist being exercised (e.g., right wrist in FIG. 12A) is tilted back slightly, and the band portion is stretched to provide tension throughout the full range of motion during the exercise. Then, the exerciser transitions from the fist position shown in FIG. 12A to a second position shown in FIG. 12B. The exerciser preferably pivots only at the wrist to expand the band portion 28. This exercise mainly works the wrist muscles and forearm muscles in a wrist adduction movement plus an ulnar flexion motion. This same exercise of FIGS. 12A and 12B may be performed using an embodiment of the present invention that has only one hand portion and a band portion 28. This same exercise also may be performed bilaterally, using both hands (in both hand portions 24 and 26) simultaneously.

FIGS. 13A and 13B show the exercise device 22 being used to exercise wrist and forearm muscles in yet another way. The exercise shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B may be referred to as a wrist abduction exercise. In this exercise, the fingers of both of the exerciser's hands are inserted into the finger sheath portions 32 of both of the hand portions (24 and 26) (see FIG. 13A). This exercise can be done with hands straight or in a fist position. A fist position of this exercise is shown in FIG. 13A, in which the hands are closed in a first configuration with the tips of the fingers helping to retain the band portion 28 within the hands. The wrist being exercised (e.g., right wrist in FIG. 13A) is tilted down slightly (see FIG. 13A), and the band portion 28 is stretched to provide tension throughout the full range of motion during the exercise. Then, the exerciser transitions from the fist position shown in FIG. 13A to a second position shown in FIG. 13B. The exerciser preferably pivots only at the wrist to expand the band portion 28. This exercise mainly works the wrist muscles and forearm muscles in a wrist abduction movement. This same exercise of FIGS. 13A and 13B may be performed using an embodiment of the present invention that has only one hand portion and a band portion 28. This same exercise also may be performed bilaterally, using both hands (in both hand portions 24 and 26) simultaneously. In such case, both hands will be pulling and pivoting away from each other.

FIGS. 14A and 14B show the exercise device 22 being used to exercise wrist and forearm muscles in still another way. The exercise shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B may be referred to as a wrist flexion exercise. In this exercise, the fingers of both of the exerciser's hands are inserted into the finger sheath portions 32 of both of the hand portions (24 and 26) (see FIG. 14A). This exercise can be done with hands straight or in a fist position. A fist position of this exercise is shown in FIG. 14A, in which the hands are closed in a first configuration with the tips of the fingers helping to retain the band portion 28 within one of the hands. The wrist being exercised (e.g., right wrist in FIG. 14A) is tilted back (see FIG. 14A), and the band portion 28 is stretched to provide tension throughout the full range of motion during the exercise. Then, the exerciser transitions from the fist position shown in FIG. 14A to a second position shown in FIG. 14B. The exerciser preferably pivots only at the wrist to expand the band portion 28. This exercise mainly works the wrist muscles and forearm muscles on the bottom side of the arm in a wrist flexion movement. This same exercise of FIGS. 14A and 14B may be performed using an embodiment of the present invention that has only one hand portion and a band portion 28. This same exercise also may be performed bilaterally, using both hands (in both hand portions 24 and 26) simultaneously.

FIG. 15 shows another use of the exercise device 22 for exercising neck muscles. The exerciser has his fingers in the finger sheath portions 32 of both hand portions (24 and 26), and the band portion 28 is positioned around the back of the exerciser's head. The exerciser glides his head backwards while maintaining tension on the band portion 28. The exercise device 22 also may be used to work other portions of the neck by tilting the head in different directions and by repositioning the band portion 28 on the exerciser's head.

The exercise device 22 may also be used to exercise all shoulder, thoracic, and cervical areas, such as the posterior deltoid, the rotator cuff, mid and lower trapezium, the shoulder girdle, and the muscles of the neck. As one example, the exerciser may insert his fingers of each hand into each hand portion 24, 26 of the device 22. Then, the hands may be open, partially closed, or fully closed. With the arms extended and the hands near the waist, the hands can be moved away from each other to work the shoulder areas. When the elbows move along with the upper and lower arms as one unit in an upward motion, the deltoids are worked. When the upper arm is kept to the body during the movement, the rotator cuff is worked. These are just a few illustrative uses of the exercise device 22 of an embodiment being used to work the shoulder areas. Often users who are unable to grasp things firmly with their hands (such as people with arthritis or an injury to a hand) have difficulties using conventional exercise equipment to work the shoulder areas. But using the exercise device 22, such users can able to work all shoulder areas because the finger sheath portions 32 assist the user in retaining the exercise device 22. This is another advantage provided by an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 shows the exercise device 22 being used to exercise hand and finger muscles by expanding the band portion 28 while using the fingers to hold the band portion 28. FIG. 17 shows the exercise device 22 being used to exercise hand and finger muscles by inserting the thumb and one of the fingers in finger sheath portions 32 of one of the hand portions (24 or 26). Thus, the resistance in this exercise is provided by the web portions 34 between the finger sheath portions 32 and by stretching the form of the finger sheath portions 32.

FIG. 18 shows the exercise device 22 being used to exercise thumb and hand muscles by inserting the exerciser's thumbs in finger sheath portions 32 of the hand portions 24, 26. With the band portion 28 stretched to provide resistance, the thumbs are opened and closed. This exercise mainly works the hand muscles that move the thumb in an adduction movement.

FIG. 19 shows part of an exercise device 222 in accordance with a second illustrative embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the hand portion 224 has only one enlarged finger sheath portion 232. This finger sheath portion 232 is large enough to receive two or more fingers (e.g., 2, 3, or 4 fingers). This illustrates that the size and design of the finger sheath portion(s) of a hand portion may vary for different embodiments.

FIG. 20 shows part of an exercise device 322 in accordance with a third illustrative embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, there are no web portions between the finger sheath portions 332, but the finger sheath portions 332 are connected together. In other words, the finger sheath portions 332 are directly adjacent to and in physical contact with each other. This embodiment may allow for the same exercises to be performed as the first embodiment allows (having web portions 34). In other embodiments (not shown), any number of finger sheath portions may be directly connected (e.g., 0, 2, 3, 4) and any number of finger sheath portions may be spaced apart from each other, in any combination on a single hand portion.

FIG. 21 shows part of an exercise device 422 in accordance with a fourth illustrative embodiment of the present invention. In the fourth embodiment, the finger sheath portions 432 are separated for all or most of the length of the finger sheath portions 432, and there are no web portions between the finger sheath portions 432. Thus, the second, third, and fourth illustrative embodiments of FIGS. 19-21 show that there can be variations in the design and layout of the finger sheath portions for embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 22 shows part of an exercise device 522 in accordance with a fifth illustrative embodiment of the present invention. In the fifth embodiment, there are two band portions 528a and 528b (rather than just one band portion 28 as in the first embodiment). Thus in an embodiment of the present invention, there may be any number of band portions (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 5, 10, etc.) of any suitable width, thickness, and length.

An embodiment of the present invention may provide one or more of the following advantages:

• • Providing an exercise device that works muscles and isolates specific directions, movements, and angles not possible or not common with conventional gym equipment;
  • Providing targeted and focused exercises for specific body parts;
  • Providing a wide range of resistance with the same exercise device;
  • Providing a myriad of exercises possible with a single exercise device;
  • Providing the ability to exercise and condition small muscles in fingers, hands, and forearms;
  • Providing delicate rehabilitation for arthritis, tendonitis, and/or carpel tunnel;
  • Providing an exercise device that is easy to use and easy to understand its operation;
  • Providing an exercise device that is portable and easy to carrying (e.g., while traveling);
  • Providing an exercise device that is small and easy to store (e.g., in office drawer, in bag, in suitcase);
  • Providing an exercise device that can be used anywhere (e.g., in office, in car, on plane, at home, at doctor's office, at rehabilitation center);
  • Providing an exercise device that can be used in strength training for improving grip for sports activities (e.g., golf, tennis, baseball);
  • Providing an exercise device that has no complex moving part or complex mechanics to fail or malfunction;
  • Providing an exercise device that is relatively inexpensive to produce;
  • Providing an exercise device that is durable and reliable for years of use;
  • Providing an exercise device that is light weight and compact for reduced shipping cost to consumers; and
  • Providing an exercise device that can be used to exercise one or two hands at a time for most exercises.

Although embodiments of the present invention and at least some of its advantages have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and alterations can be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Moreover, the scope of the present application is not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments of the process, machine, manufacture, composition of matter, means, methods, and steps described in the specification. As one of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate from the disclosure of the present invention, processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps, presently existing or later to be developed, that perform substantially the same function or achieve substantially the same result as the corresponding embodiments described herein may be utilized according to the present invention. Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to include within their scope such processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps.