Patent Application
20240350853
The present invention relates to a device that is weighted and resiliently securable to a finger to assist in strengthening the finger during use of the finger. Such a strengthening device is invaluable for sports usage, piano playing and other activities where fingers are in constant use and thus in need of strengthening.
There are a number of finger weight devices capable of holding a plurality of weights for strengthening fingers. These include U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,413,193 and 7,662,068. These devices while effective require the use of a strap and do not have the desirable flexibility so they can be quickly and effortlessly affixed in position on a figure or removed therefrom. In addition to this high degree of flexibility they lack the ready positioning and removable of weights so that they can readily adapt to varying weight requirements.
In accordance with the present invention there is illustrated an articulating weight system allowing for the center of gravity to lower as the strap is tightened to a desired fit and tension. This feature is critical as it allows for the center of gravity to remain constant during high velocity movements. An example of a “high velocity” movement would be the torque generated from throwing a baseball at one's maximum speed.
It can be appreciated that this simple and efficient design will not restrict circulation thus allowing the wearer to use the device for an extended period of time without discomfort.
The weight sections each include cylindrical weight holders for receiving weights for the finger weight device. Also included in this embodiment is a centrally disposed weight holder.
To obtain a better understanding of the invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings illustrating the invention in which:
Referring to
The Finger Weight System 100 that includes a main central body portion 110 with a pair of end body portions 120 on either side of the central body portion 110. The end body portions 120 are hinged to the main central body portion 110, such that it allows the end body portion to flex or hinge away from each other. In one example, the hinge is a living hinge 118.
Each of the body portions (110 and 120) also include a weight holder 115 and 125, respectively, for receiving weights 105. The width of the central body portions apparat from each other is configured and arranged to fit in an arcuate pattern around the top portion of the finger.
Located on opposite sides of the pair of end body portions 120 are outwardly bulb-shaped projections 125. The projections 125 are sized to be received in openings 135 in the strap 130 after the strap has been tightly wrapped around a finger. Specifically the strap 130 when in the finger-wrapped position has been guided around d the finger and about the outside of the weight holders and located and secured in place by the inter-fitting projections 125 and strap openings 135. While projections are illustrated, the system 100 can use a ratchet type mechanism to tighten and secure the strap. In that embodiment the strap is inserted like a zip tie. It will have a flush release button/lever on top. It could even have a dial to tighten and loosen. The center weight is always in the center of the finger, while the articulating weights move with the size of the finger maintaining a center of gravity at or below the finger line.
To retain the strap 130 in position against the Finger Weight System 100, a member 145 is hinged to a rear flange member 140. To secure the member 28 in a locked position against the strap 130, a front flange member 150 includes a tab or upstanding projection 155 that fits into a groove 147 on an end of the member 145.
The Finger Weight System 100 defines longitudinally extending cylindrical weight holders 115 and 125 for the receipt of cylindrical finger weights 160. The finger weights are in frictional engagement with the holders to retain them in position. One or more weights can be inserted at any given time to vary the weight of the weight member as desired. Furthermore, the material of the weight can also be varied and two material examples that can be employed are stainless steel having an approximate weight of 10 grams/rod or tungsten having an approximate weight of 25 grams/rod. The weight holders do not extend all the way through in that the holders are formed with generally semi-spherical end covers 162.
As illustrated in
From the foregoing and as mentioned above, it will be observed that numerous variations and modifications may be effected without departing from the spirit and scope of the novel concept of the invention. It is to be understood that no limitation with respect to the specific methods and apparatus illustrated herein is intended or should be inferred. It is, of course, intended to cover by the appended claims all such modifications as fall within the scope of the claims.
The present invention claims priority to provisional application 63/460,405 filed Apr. 19, 2023.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63460405 | Apr 2023 | US |
