Patent Application
20250073528
The instant invention (herein “the method and machine” or “the method and system”) relates to a system or device (100) to strengthen a user's hand and forearm pinch ability, and a method of using the system. The inventive system converts vertical downward force into horizontal pinch strength, which is useful in training of athletes (mostly climbers), is useful for physical therapy and training, and is useful for a user's overall pinch strength and tolerance.
At present, climbers use a solid block or ball (being made of wood, metal, hard plastic, or stone) with a hanging weight attached in order to train (increase) their pinching strength and endurance. In use, the block or ball is squeezed or pinched with a user's fingers and thumb on either side, while the user's arm is extended downwards alongside their body. This known training is entirely isometric. Examples include patent WO 2021/141930 A1 and patent US 2012/0184415 A1.
The disadvantages of existing systems and methods are the inability to accurately measure training progress, the inability to train specifically, cumbersome ways of reaching pinch width versatility, potential spine and back injuries due to inappropriate and non-neutral body position, among other disadvantages.
The human grasp or pinch is an extraordinarily complex and precise movement of the hand, where many muscles coordinate to allow for several variations of a grip. Artists and surgeons use their grasps and fine motor skills to create art and save lives; while that same human hand, if strong enough, can crack open walnuts.
When grasping (used interchangeably herein with “pinching”, “crimping”, or “holding”) an arete (a sharp mountain ridge) with all the fingers, the action of the lumbrical and interossei muscles are key for “holding on”.
As depicted in
In various grasps or pinches; some muscles will have more involvement than others. Indispensable are the:
Adductor pollicis: adducts the finger towards the palm and is important when bringing the thumb opposite to the pinky. The adductor pollicis works as when holding a piece of paper between the thumb and index finger.
This complexity requires that in order to master “a pinch”, it is necessary to train and practice with a wide variety of holds; in addition to changing several variables like depth of the hold (1, 2 or 3 phalanges), hand orientation (vertical, horizontal, and diagonal, etc.), shape/positivity (shallow, rounded, sloping, incut), width/span (distance from the thumb to the other fingers).
Known prior-art methods and systems include: U.S. Pat. No. 9,782,624 to Braier et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 10,881,903 to An; U.S. Pat. No. 8,133,158 to An; U.S. Pat. No. 10,775,125 to Own, Jr. et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 10,603,542 to Smyser et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 9,468,805 to White; U.S. Pat. No. 7,127,944 to Rozmaryn; US 2012/0184415 to Rothacker; and WO 2021/141930 to Lewis, Jr.
It is an object of the invention to improve upon the deficiencies in these existing references, systems, and methods known in the art.
It is an object of the instant invention to provide a unique method and system to the strengthen hand and forearm pinch ability of a user that overcomes disadvantages of the prior art.
It is an object of the instant invention to provide a method and system (100) that serves as a pinch strength trainer.
In certain embodiments of the instant invention, it is contemplated that the physical structure of the machine comprises wooden parts, metal parts, plastic parts and cords, cables, belts, or ropes; and combinations thereof.
In certain embodiments of the instant invention, it is contemplated that some components are moving and rotating while some are fixed to each other with glue/screws/bolts and the like.
In certain embodiments of the instant invention, it is contemplated that components may include axels, bearings, pulleys, springs, slots, nuts, bolts, screws, washers, stops, and the like.
In certain embodiments of the instant invention, the method and system (100) advantages include but are not limited to:
Measurability of Training Progress: In known disadvantageous systems and methods, it is highly dependent upon the friction between a user's fingers and a training block or ball. Because the block or ball is being weighed down by gravity; this block or ball friction is influenced by many external factors, such as skin state, material texture, humidity, air temperature, trainee preparation, and the like. Because of the constant changes in the external factors mentioned above, it is difficult to measure training progress accurately (there is a probability that one's ability to pinch-hold 10 kg with 50% humidity, will reduce to 8 kg as a result of 90% humidity, even when one becomes stronger).
To solve this known pinch training disadvantage; the instant invention converts vertical downward force (weight acted on by gravity, or other means to provide upward vertical resistance) into horizontal resistance force between a user's fingers and thumb and eliminates the need to rely on “hand friction” on a solid block or ball training. By eliminating the variable of “hand friction”, the instant invention provides for users to more effectively “pinch train” using solely their strength, and without being influenced by external factors. This provides a unique solution to accurately measure progress of the user's pinch strength and endurance over time.
The Principle of Specificity: This principle from the world of fitness development and training refers to the fact that one must (or should) “train in the way the body (muscles) work during the sport performance itself” of the activity for which one trains. That is, a marathon runner would not train exclusively for the 100-meter dash run (even though both are runs), just as a high jumper will not train for a long jump (even though both are jumps). By the same principle, a climber which often must pinch grips that are placed at shoulder height or higher, should not train on a grip that hangs below their pelvis and pulls down (as in known disadvantageous “hanging weight training”), as such does not simulate the real-world specific situation for which they train.
In embodiments of the instant invention, the system is mounted at shoulder height or higher; training a climber in a much more specific way which positions the hand, arm, and body very similarly to how they would be positioned during climbing; thus improving training specificity and efficiency.
Pinch Width Versatility: In embodiments of the instant invention, there is a conversion of horizontal pinch force to a vertical force by means of mechanical arms connected to hinges, enabling the inventive system to be adjusted to a variety of pinch widths. This inventive configuration allows for a wide use range, from a very wide pinch to a very narrow one, making training accessible for different body types and specific training needs. This inventive adjustability is enabled by providing a sliding spacer connected to a rail that regulates the width of the pinch.
Ergonomic and Efficient Pinching Hand Position: In climbing, holds are found in an infinite number of orientations and configurations. While many holds “do not necessarily require using the thumb” such as jug/bucket, edge/ledge, most open crimps, pocket, and horns; pinch, sloper, undercling, and some flake holds rely upon thumb and over all “pinch” strength.
To accommodate training at these varying real-world pinch angles; both above and below the waist and for both the left and right hand; it is contemplated that the instant invention provide for pinch training at all angles between 0 and 90 degrees for both above and below the waist and for both left and right hand.
In embodiments of the instant invention, it is contemplated that inventive machine provide a pinch tilt adjustment of and between 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, and 90 degrees in distinct 15 degree intervals in both the left and right directions, both above and below the waist; to enable a user to position the machine for a user's own individual anatomical needs and desires thus preventing injury or discomfort while maximizing training.
In embodiments of the instant invention, it is contemplated that inventive machine provide a pinch tilt adjustment of and between 0 and 90 degrees in any and all degree intervals, in both the left and right directions, both above and below the waist; to enable a user to position the machine for a user's own individual anatomical needs and desires thus preventing injury or discomfort while maximizing training.
Neutral Body Position: When using known and existing pinching hold training, typically only one side of the body is pulled down by a weight. This position causes the body to curve and may cause injury to back muscles and spine. The problem is worsened when large weights are used. This disadvantage may slightly be mitigated by hold one weight in each hand—either using a block or ball to maintain a grasp. However, this remains problematic as “such a position” is rarely if ever found or required in real world climbing.
Another known and existing pinch hold training method is the “dead hang”. A dead hang is performed by grasping over head blocks, balls, or other configured hold . . . and simply hanging by the hands until exhaustion. Added weight may be added to a person's body weight via weight plates, dumb-bells, or kettle balls hung from the waist. However, disadvantages of the known method include is that they rely again on friction between the skin and the blocks, exclusive isometric training for the hands and forearms, difficulty in changing pinch width, and the excruciating pain one must endure to see significant strength and endurance using such isometric training methods.
By the research of PhD Eva Lopez, it is also recommended train for pinching while your shoulder flexion is somewhere between 45 to 135 degrees in order to maximize force you can generate with the pinch movement (see
Certain advantages of training for pinching while your shoulder flexion includes:
Rather, in embodiments of the instant invention; a system user's body position remains neutral or natural since a weight hangs from the device, and not from one side of the human body itself; or the user themselves are the training weight itself (via dead hang training).
It is an object of the instant invention to provide a system for strengthening the pinch ability of a user's hand; comprising: a main body; movable pinch arms pivotably connected to the main body; pinch holds removably attached to the movable pinch arms, configured for pinching between user's fingers and thumb; a rotary axle for each movable pinch arm, allowing rotational movement of the pinch arms; a mechanism for converting vertical downward force supplied by a weight into horizontal force between the user's fingers and thumb; and adjustable pinch arms to vary the range of movement of the removable pinch holds.
It is an object of the instant invention to provide a system for strengthening the pinch ability of a user's hand; comprising a tilting mechanism that allows the main body to be tilted at different angles to achieve an ergonomic pinching hand position.
It is an object of the instant invention to provide a system for strengthening the pinch ability of a user's hand; wherein the system when mounted to a surface is capable of withstanding and sustaining at least a user's body weight when hanging is free space; when the user is grasping the removable pinch holds.
It is an object of the instant invention to provide a system for strengthening the pinch ability of a user's hand; wherein the movable pinch arms are adjustable to accommodate different pinch widths, comprising: a proximal spacer connected to a rail, adjustable to define the width of the removable pinch holds when under load; a distal spacer adjustable to define the pinch thickness when the removable pinch holds are not under load.
It is an object of the instant invention to provide a system for strengthening the pinch ability of a user's hand; comprising: a pulley system including side pulleys and rope or cables that convert the horizontal force applied by the user's removable pinch into vertical force, allowing the user to resist the vertical force via hand removable pinching force.
It is an object of the instant invention to provide a system for strengthening the pinch ability of a user's hand; wherein the system is mountable at a height or and position to train a user's removable pinch strength in a manner specific to climbing activities, and in a most efficient way, allowing the hand and body to be positioned similarly to how they would be during actual climbing.
It is an object of the instant invention to provide a system for strengthening the pinch ability of a user's hand; comprising: a security mechanism including a pin and locking holes to securely lock the system at a selected tilt angle, providing stability during use.
It is an object of the instant invention to provide a method for strengthening the pinch ability of a user's hand; comprising the steps of: mounting the system on a vertical surface at a desired height; adjusting the tilt of the system to achieve an ergonomic removable pinching hand position; setting the narrowness limitation of the removable pinch by adjusting a proximal spacer along a rail; setting the thickness of the removable pinch when not under load by adjusting a distal spacer along a rail; attaching a weight to a vertically positioned rope or cable connected to the system; pinching the removable pinch holds between fingers and thumb and applying a pinching force to displace the movable pinch arms inward, thereby lifting the attached weight via a pulley system.
It is an object of the instant invention to provide a method for strengthening the pinch ability of a user's hand; comprising the step of: performing isometric pinch training by pinching the removable pinch holds with maximal force while using an assistance handle to reduce the weight resistance, thereby allowing for controlled, high-intensity isometric contractions specific to climbing activities.
It is an object of the instant invention to provide a system for strengthening the pinch ability of a user's hand; a height adjustment mount configured to allow the system to be adjusted vertically on a wall or other rigid surface, providing versatility in training positions.
It is an object of the instant invention to provide a system for strengthening the pinch ability of a user's hand; wherein the removable pinch holds are configured to be adjustable in width, accommodating different hand sizes and training needs.
It is an object of the instant invention to provide a system for strengthening a user's palm and finger pinch ability; comprising: a main body; a pair of movable pinch arms mounted on the main body, each arm having a removable pinch hold at a proximal end; a rotary axle supporting the movable pinch arms, enabling the pinch arms to pivot about the axle; a spacer mechanism operable to adjust the distance between the removable pinch holds at rest and under load, wherein the spacer mechanism includes a proximal spacer and a distal spacer adjustable along respective rails; a pulley system configured to convert vertical downward force into horizontal resistance force between the removable pinch holds; a tilting mechanism operable to adjust the angle of the main body to provide ergonomic positioning for the user's wrist and elbow; and a weight attachment means for applying a removable weight to the pulley system, wherein the weight creates resistance for the user's pinch force.
It is an object of the instant invention to provide a system for strengthening a user's palm and finger pinch ability; wherein the system when mounted to a surface is capable of withstanding and sustaining at least a user's body weight when hanging is free space; when the user is grasping the removable pinch holds.
It is an object of the instant invention to provide a system for strengthening a user's palm and finger pinch ability; wherein the spacer mechanism includes: a proximal rail and a distal rail fixed to the main body; a proximal sliding plate and a distal sliding plate respectively mounted within the proximal and distal rails; a proximal axle and a distal axle connected to the respective sliding plates; a proximal spring and a distal spring positioned to allow for adjustment of the spacers; and numerical indicators along the rails to define the width of the pinch gap.
It is an object of the instant invention to provide a system for strengthening a user's palm and finger pinch ability; comprising: a lift assistance handle connected to an assistance pulley and rope or cable system, wherein the handle is operable to reduce the resistance on the removable pinch holds by shifting weight resistance from the removable pinch holds to the handle, allowing for maximum effort isometric muscle contraction training.
It is an object of the instant invention to provide a system for strengthening a user's palm and finger pinch ability; wherein the tilting mechanism comprises: a rotated hanger mounted on a fixed pivoting axle; a back fixed plate with stoppers to control the tilting angle between −90 degrees to +90 degrees; a slew bearing tilting mechanism operable to adjust the tilt of the main body to provide a neutral body position during use.
It is an object of the instant invention to provide a system for strengthening a user's palm and finger pinch ability; wherein the pulley system comprises: side pulleys mounted to the main body for converting horizontal force applied to the removable pinch holds into vertical force; a horizontal rope or cable connected to the distal ends of the pinch arms; and a vertical rope or cable connected to the horizontal rope or cable and extending downward to attach to a removable weight, providing resistance during the pinching motion.
It is an object of the instant invention to provide a system for strengthening the pinch ability of a user's hand; comprising: a main body; movable pinch arms pivotably connected to the main body; pinch holds attached to the movable pinch arms, configured for pinching between user's fingers and thumb; a rotary axle for each movable pinch arm, allowing rotational movement of the pinch arms; a mechanism for converting vertical downward force supplied by a weight into horizontal force between the user's fingers and thumb; and adjustable pinch arms to vary the range of movement of the pinch holds; the system further comprising a tilting mechanism that allows the main body to be tilted at different angles to achieve an ergonomic pinching hand position; system wherein the movable pinch arms are adjustable to accommodate different pinch widths, comprising: a proximal spacer connected to a rail, adjustable to regulate the width of the pinch holds when under load; a distal spacer adjustable to determine the pinch thickness when the pinch holds are not under load; the system further comprising: a pulley system including side pulleys and rope or cables that convert the horizontal force applied by the user's pinch into vertical force, allowing the user to lift a weight via pinching force; the system wherein the system is mountable at shoulder height or higher to train a user's pinch strength in a manner specific to climbing activities, allowing the hand and body to be positioned similarly to how they would be during actual climbing; the system further comprising: a security mechanism including a pin and locking holes to securely lock the system at a selected tilt angle, providing stability during use; the system further comprising: a height adjustment mount configured to allow the system to be adjusted vertically on a wall or other rigid surface, providing versatility in training positions; wherein the pinch holds are configured to be adjustable in width, accommodating different hand sizes and training needs.
It is an objective of the instant invention to provide a method for using a system to strengthen the pinch ability of a user's hand, comprising the steps of: mounting the system on a vertical surface at a desired height; adjusting the tilt of the system to achieve an ergonomic pinching hand position; setting the narrowness limitation of the pinch by adjusting a proximal spacer along a rail; setting the thickness of the pinch when not under load by adjusting a distal spacer along a rail; attaching a weight to a vertically positioned rope or cable connected to the system; pinching the pinch holds between fingers and thumb and applying a pinching force to displace the movable pinch arms inward, thereby lifting the attached weight via a pulley system; the method further comprising the step of: performing isometric pinch training by pinching the pinch holds with maximal force while using an assistance handle to reduce the weight resistance, thereby allowing for controlled, high-intensity isometric contractions specific to climbing activities; It is an objective of the instant invention to provide a system for strengthening a user's palm and finger pinch ability, comprising: a main body; a pair of movable pinch arms mounted on the main body, each arm having a pinch hold at a proximal end; a rotary axle supporting the movable pinch arms, enabling the pinch arms to pivot about the axle; a spacer mechanism operable to adjust the distance between the pinch holds at rest and under load, wherein the spacer mechanism includes a proximal spacer and a distal spacer adjustable along respective rails; a pulley system configured to convert vertical downward force into horizontal resistance force between the pinch holds; a tilting mechanism operable to adjust the angle of the main body to provide ergonomic positioning for the user's wrist; and a weight attachment means for applying a removable weight to the pulley system, wherein the weight creates resistance for the user's pinch force; the system wherein the spacer mechanism includes: a proximal rail and a distal rail fixed to the main body; a proximal sliding plate and a distal sliding plate respectively mounted within the proximal and distal rails; a proximal axle and a distal axle connected to the respective sliding plates; a proximal spring and a distal spring positioned to allow for adjustment of the spacers; and numerical indicators along the rails to define the width of the pinch gap; the system further comprising: a lift assistance handle connected to an assistance pulley and rope or cable system, wherein the handle is operable to reduce the resistance on the pinch holds by shifting weight resistance from the pinch holds to the handle, allowing for maximum effort isometric muscle contraction training; the system wherein the tilting mechanism comprises: a rotated hanger mounted on a fixed pivoting axle; a back fixed plate with stoppers to control the tilting angle between −90 degrees to +90 degrees; a slew bearing tilting mechanism operable to adjust the tilt of the main body to provide a neutral body position during use; the system wherein the pulley system comprises: side pulleys mounted to the main body for converting horizontal force applied to the pinch holds into vertical force; a horizontal rope or cable connected to the distal ends of the pinch arms; and a vertical rope or cable connected to the horizontal rope or cable and extending downward to attach to a removable weight, providing resistance during the pinching motion.
Other objects of the instant invention and its particular features and advantages will become more apparent from consideration of the following drawings and accompanying detailed description. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the instant invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.
The Appendix is hereby incorporated by reference to this application in its entirety.
In the following description, numerous details are set forth for the purpose of explanation. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the invention may be practiced without the use of these specific details. For instance, the techniques described below are described in a specified order, but other embodiments may change the order of the operations while still embodying the current invention.
The Figures herein depict embodiments of the instant invention including various views. Reference numbers for the Figures include:
As shown in the embodiment in
In
It is contemplated that the instant inventive system (100) may be operated according to the following inventive method:
Mounting the inventive machine on/to a solid vertical surface—sliding the distal attachment plate (8) into the rotated handler (50) via the sliding design slot (9) into the board slots (13); sliding the distal attachment plate (8) into the rotated handler (50).
Choose the tilting degree of operation—For more ergonomic training, the system (100) may be tilted against the tilting/fixing stoppers (49) as described previously.
Setting the narrowness limitation of the pinch—It is contemplated that configuration or shape of the movable pinch arms (2) and the configuration or shape, and selected adjustment position of the proximal spacer (17) determine the “narrowness limitation” of a user pinch when the pinch holds (3) are under load and brought closest together by a user's pinch.
The proximal spacer (17) is adjusted against the proximal spring (22) and moved proximally or distally (back and forth) along the top proximal rail (18) and proximal slot (21); positioning the proximal spacer (17) at the desired numbers (25); which may indicate the “narrowness limitation” or width of the pinch in centimeters and/or inches (25) when the pinch holds (3) are closest together.
Setting the limitation of the pinch when not under load (when not pinching)—Similarly, it is contemplated that configuration or shape of the movable pinch arms (2) and the configuration or shape, and selected adjustment position of the distal spacer (26) determines the “thickness of the pinch” when the pinch holds (3) are not underload. In other words; how “thick the pinch” or how wide apart the pinch holds are “not underload” and therefore at the beginning of a pinch.
By pulling down the distal spacer (26) against the distal spring (31) and sliding it proximately and distally (back and forth) along the distal rail (27) distal slot (30) and positioning the distal spacer (26) at the desired position indicated by the distal numbers (35). The distal numbers (35) define the thickness or width of the gap between the pinch block; that is, the gap when not being pinched and the machine is sitting static. “Locking in” the “pinch thickness” is accomplished via the distal spacer (26) secured in place with the distal butterfly screw (32).
Attaching a desired weight to the rope or cable—Attaching a desired removable weight (46) to the vertically positioned rope or cable (39) may be accomplished by any known removable attachment means such as via a hook, latch, or simply sliding the rope or cable through the handle of kettle ball or other suitable weight.
It is also contemplated that a pulley and hook means (Not Shown) may be used to removable attach a weight or weights to the vertically positioned rope or cable (39). In other words, the vertically positioned rope or cable (39) is fed through the pulley and hook means (Not Shown) and vertically up and through a side pully (36) to a horizontal rope or cable position (37) and connected at a docking point (38).
It is also contemplated that a common and known “weight stack”, similar to as depicted in PRIOR ART
It is contemplated that a common and known “bucket and rocks” could be attached to the vertically positioned rope or cable (39) thus providing a desired weight induced resistance to and between the removable pinch blocks or balls (3).
It is contemplated that common and known, springs, elastic bands, opposed pole magnets, and the like may be used to provide a resistance force between the machine arms via the rope or cable (39) to the removable pinch holds (3) inward force caused by a machine (100) user's pinch force.
Training—Grasping and “pinching” the removable pinch holds (3) with one hand (the holds (3) may be removable affixed to the moving pinch arms (2)), the arms pivot about the rotary axles (4), with the rotary axels (4) being fixed to the machine main body (1) and first plate (5).
It is contemplated that the inventive removable pinch holds (3) may be of various shapes and configurations as to mimic holds found in real world climbing. It is also contemplated that the removable pinch holds (3) may be removed and “swapped out” with differently configured or shaped holds and removable affixed to the moving pinch arms using known and common means including but not limited to screws, bolts, magnets, threaded posts and wing nuts, and the like.
It is contemplated that the weight rope or cable (both horizontally and vertically positioned (39, 37)) is connected at one of the docking points (38) fed through one of the side pulleys (36) to a vertical rope or cable position (39) affixed to or fed through the removable weight (46) and vertically up and through the opposite side pully (36) to a horizontal rope or cable position (37) and connected at the opposite docking point (38).
As may be appreciated, and it is complicated that, the rope or cable horizontally positioned (37) passes through fixing side pulleys (36) which converts horizontal rope or cable pulling force into vertical upward rope or cable pulling force of the rope or cable vertically positioned (39).
Upon a user pinching the pinch holds (3) the moving pinch arms (2) pivot/rotate about the rotary axles (4) and the pinch holds (3) move toward the other inwardly; while the moving pinch arms (2) distal ends (including rope or cable docking points (38)) move apart from the other outwardly. This equal and bilateral spreading of the distal ends of the moving pinch arms (2) pulls equally and bilaterally upon horizontally positioned rope or cable (37) at the rope or cable docking points (38).
It is contemplated that in embodiments of the instant inventions; that rope or cable (37) and (39) may have a round or oval cross-section, or may have a flat cross-section as in a belt. It is further contemplated that corresponding the side pulleys (36) be configured for accepting the rope or cable (37); such as having a flat, curved, v-tapered, or round pulley face or race.
The instant invention provides for and allows a user to “feel the weight” under pinch”. It is contemplated that a user of the instant invention may smoothly “pump” the pinch holds (3) either quickly or slowly depending upon the weight resistance used and training goal sought. An instant invention user may also “hold” the pinch holds (3) statically at a desired point throughout the adjusted machine “range of motion”.
The rope or cable horizontally positioned (37) is affixed to the distal end docking points (38) of the movable pinch arms (2). The movable pinch arms (2) rotate until resting against the distal spacer (26).
It is known that isometric contraction of muscle fibers can sustain a greater load than concentric contraction of the fiber muscles.
Pinching with isometric contraction of the muscle fibers is more specific to climbing training than pinching concentric muscle contraction; because in climbing one always grabs a hold in isometric contraction. Typically; climbers in the real world do not want their hold to move or become variable in any way. Thus, it is inefficient to pinch (concentric contraction) the pinch holds (3) when one's goal is train with a max effort (in maximum load) isometric muscle contraction.
According and to fulfill a long-sought training desire and need; the instant invention provides for both isometric and concentric muscle fiber training in one machine.
For Max Power (Max Effort) isometric muscle contraction training, a user would operatively place one hand on the pinch holds (3) and with the other hand pull down the lift assistance handle (42). The lift assistance handle (42) is connected to a lift assistance rope or cable (43); which is fed through an assistance pulley (41) and finally connected to the removable weight (46).
In Max Power operation, a user pulls down the assistance handle (42) with their “free hand” which correspondingly shifts weight resistance from the pinching holds (3) to the assistance handle (42). While doing so, a user would begin to pinch hard the pinch holds (3); with little or no resistance between them. The user would then slowly allow the assistance handle (42) to move upward; allowing gravity to act on the removable weight (3) and transferring outward force resistance to the removable pinch holds (3).
In certain embodiments, the system allows for eccentric training for the fingers' tendons, with full range of palm movement. The system enables the glide of tendons naturally through the pulley tissues, contributing to healing processes in case of tendons or pulley injuries. In certain embodiments, a user sets the front stopper for the minimum width and the back stopper for his maximum width. Then, the user pulls down the assistance handle (42) with their “free hand” which correspondingly shifts weight resistance from the pinching holds (3) to the assistance handle (42). While doing so, a user would begin to pinch hard the pinch holds (3); with little or no resistance between them. The user would then slowly allow the assistance handle (42) to move upward; allowing gravity to act on the removable weight (3) and transferring outward force resistance to the removable pinch holds (3). And then the trainer slowly opens the pinch (palm) with eccentric resistance.
The system involves concentric contraction training-best for warm up and strengthening the full palm muscles. In certain embodiments, a user sets the front stopper for the minimum width and the back stopper for his maximum width. Than with out the assistance of the assistance handle (42), the user start to pinch the handle from the max width to the narrowest width and repeat.
It is contemplated that in embodiments of the instant invention; that the assistance rope or cable (43) may have a round or oval cross-section, or may have a flat cross-section as in a belt. It is further contemplated that corresponding the assistance pulley (41) be configured for accepting the assistance rope or cable (43); such as having a flat, curved, v-tapered, or round pulley face or race.
Another instant inventive training method contemplated may be described as Train to Fail.
As is well known in anatomy and sports physiology; the muscles of the hands and forearm are primarily made up of “slow twitch” muscle fibers (being 90% slow twitch dominant); meaning they can sustain activity longer that “fast twitch” muscle fiber. In practical terms; as with the muscles of the calves, the slow twitch muscles of hands and forearms tend to strengthen and growth (gain muscle mass) is from endurance training rather than from power training.
An open secret in modern body building; wrist curls and reverse wrist curls are performed with relatively light weights, with high movement repetition and until exhaustion and then failure. This would be repeated for several sets of repetitions painful.
Depending on training goals; the weight first used is then reduced, and training continued until muscle exhaustion and failure; at which point again the weight would be reduced with continued repetitions.
Such training of specific muscles to exhaustion and then failure; is extremely painful for a trainee. Hence; hands and wrist curls are reserved for the last muscle group to be trained in a lifting session. However; the effectiveness of such training is unmatched.
It is contemplated that the instant invention provides for a user to train their hands and forearms “to exhaustion and failure” utilizing the removable weight (46) and assistance handle (42) to achieve desired resistive force and duration during training.
It is contemplated that the instant inventive machine may be mounted to a surface or structure (Not Shown) whereby a user may grasp or pinch the removable blocks or balls (3) from below and wherein the inventive system (100) is capable of supporting a user's body weight as they train so the user stays on the ground while training. In over words; a user of the inventive system (100) can hang from the removable blocks or balls (3) in free space; while they engage and train with the inventive machine (100).
In certain embodiments, the machine is made of metal/plastic/aluminum. In other embodiments, other materials are contemplated to make the machine such as titanium, wood, wood composites, and other materials that are durable and able to support the weight of users.
In certain embodiments, the machine and system can be attached to or hung from the wall, ceiling or various metal or steel support structures (see Appendix).
This invention is not to be limited by the embodiments as described, since these are given by way of example only and not by way of limitation.
Having thus described several embodiments for practicing the inventive method, its advantages and objectives can be easily understood. Variations from the description above may and can be made by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention, which is to be determined from and by the following claims.
This application claims the benefit of priority date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/536,455, filed Sep. 4, 2023, entitled CLIMBING PINCH MACHINE; the content of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety into this instant application.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63536455 | Sep 2023 | US |
