Patent Application
20090156361
(1) Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an exercise tool and, more particularly, to a hand, finger, and wrist-therapy device that is devised to align, separate, treat, and stretch a user's finger, fingers, hand, or wrist.
(2) Description of Related Art
Therapy and exercise tools have long been known in prior art. Recently, such tools have been applied to not only stretch larger muscles, but also to those in the feet and toes. Several toe-stretching, exercising and aligning devices have been invented where a user places a toe stretcher (aligner) between the user's toes to stretch and treat the toes. While toe-stretching and aligning devices have been conceived, such devices have not been applied to treat the user's hands.
Therefore, it can be appreciated that a continuing need exists for a new and improved hand and finger-therapy, exercise and aligning device that allows for effective treatment of a user's fingers and hands.
The present invention relates to an exercise tool and, more particularly, to an exercise tool devised as a hand and finger-therapy device to align, separate, and stretch a user's fingers and hands.
In one aspect, the device includes a first finger separator that is sized and shaped to be positioned between a user's fingers to separate the fingers.
In yet another aspect, the present invention includes a second finger separator, with each of the finger separators including a top portion and a bottom portion. A top frame connects the top portion of the first finger separator with a top portion of the second finger separator.
In another aspect, a bottom frame connects a bottom portion of the first finger separator with a bottom portion of the second finger separator. Each of the first finger separator and the second separator is formed in a shape selected from a group consisting of a conical-shape and a wedge-shape.
In yet another aspect, an electronic device is connected with at least one of the finger separators and the bottom or top frame.
In another aspect, the present invention includes a frame sized and shaped to be positioned between a user's fingers to manipulate the fingers.
In yet another aspect, the frame is a band-shaped frame that is formed to interlace with the user's fingers and thereby form the finger separators.
In another aspect, the frame is an adjustable frame that is formed to interlace with the hand and fingers. The frame is adjustable such that it is operable for selectively adjusting between a first position and a second position and locking in the selected position.
In another aspect, the frame is a rigid frame that is formed to interlace with the hand and fingers.
In yet another aspect, wedge-shaped attachments are attached with the frame and formed to separate a user's fingers.
In another aspect, the first finger separator is a frame that is shaped like a tapered screw, with rails therein. The tapered screw has a unit of length and a plurality rails wrap around the tapered screw along the unit of length to constitute threads per unit of length. A number of rails wrapping around the tapered screw are varied to create a variation in the number of threads per unit of length.
Additionally, the present invention includes a frame upon which the first finger separator is mounted. An adjustable thumb attachment mechanism is also connected with the frame.
In yet another aspect, the frame includes the finger separator and also includes a raised portion and an indented portion. Thus, a user can press the user's palm within the indented portion while resting their fingers on the raised portion, with the finger separator positioned between at least two fingers, thereby manipulating the user's fingers.
Additionally, the present invention also includes a method for forming and using the device described herein. As can be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the method for forming the device comprises a plurality of acts of forming and attaching the device and related components. For example, the method includes an act of forming a plurality of finger separators that are sized and shaped to be positioned between a user's fingers to separate the fingers. Further, the method for using the device comprises a plurality of acts applying and using the device as described below. For example, the method for manipulating the user's digits comprises an act of positioning a finger separator between adjacent digits to cause the adjacent digits to spread apart as the finger separator is pressed between the adjacent digits.
The nature of the finger, hand, and wrist device described herein will be readily apparent in the following drawings, in which:
The present invention relates to an exercise tool and, more particularly, to a hand and finger-therapy device that is devised to align, separate, treat, and stretch a user's finger, fingers, hand, and wrist. The following description is presented to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention and to incorporate it in the context of particular applications. Various modifications, as well as a variety of uses in different applications will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to a wide range of embodiments. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments presented, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.
In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without necessarily being limited to these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices may be shown in block diagram form, rather than in detail, in order to avoid obscuring the present invention.
The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with this specification and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference. All the features disclosed in this specification, (including any accompanying claims, abstract, and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.
Furthermore, any element in a claim that does not explicitly state “means for” performing a specified function, or “step for” performing a specific function, is not to be interpreted as a “means” or “step” clause as specified in 35 U.S.C. Section 112, Paragraph 6. In particular, the use of “step of” or “act of” in the claims herein is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 112, Paragraph 6.
(1) Description of Various Aspects
A hand and finger-therapy device according to the present invention is shown in
As shown in
Another aspect of a hand and finger-therapy device according to the present invention is shown in
For example and as shown in
Attached with the band-shaped frame 500 are wedge-shaped attachments 502 that are formed to laterally separate the fingers 504. These wedged-shaped attachments 502 are used to separate and stretch the fingers 504 by being positioned between the fingers 504. The band-shaped frame 500 is formed in a band-shape to allow lateral motion 506, but resist vertical motion 508. In other words, by being band-shaped, the band-shaped frame 500 allows the finger forms 510 to bend and stretch the user's finger 504 laterally 506, but resists vertical motion 508. The wedge-shaped attachments 502 are formed of any suitable material to allow a user to affix the device with the user's hand and assist the user in stretching the fingers, non-limiting examples of which include foam and an elastomeric material. The wedge-shaped attachments 502 are also formed of a flexible material to allow the device to be affixed with a large variety of finger forms 510.
The band-shaped frame 500 is formed of any suitable rigid material, non-limiting examples of which include metal and plastic. It should be noted that although the material is rigid, the band-shaped frame 500 is formed into a band-shape that includes the finger forms 510 to allow the frame to bend and accommodate the user's fingers; thus forming a plurality of finger separators 511. The finger forms 510 are bends in the frame 500 that approximately run parallel with and wrap around the end of the user's finger 504. In another aspect, the band-shaped frame 500 can be formed of a flexible material to allow for an increased amount of vertical movement.
In some cases, it may be desirable to provide an adjustment mechanism that allows the user to adjust the device to suit their specific needs. For example and as depicted in
Another example of a hand and finger-therapy device according to the present invention is shown in
As shown in
The helical ridges 1202 can also be referred to as threads. The threads or ridges 1202 in the device include a particular thread angle. For example, in a screw, the angle can be measured by the number of threads within a particular distance, such as threads per inch. In this case, the threads per inch can be changed to alter the relationship from one finger to the next. In other words, as can be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the device can be formed to include different threads (i.e., helical ridges) per inch to accommodate different finger pairings.
Yet another aspect of the hand and finger-therapy device according to the present invention is depicted in
As shown in
As shown in
The device also includes a thumb adjustment mechanism 1508 that allows the user to adjust the device to accommodate hands of varying sizes. Again, as can be appreciated by one skilled in the art, there are numerous techniques by which the thumb adjustment mechanism 1508 can be attached with the frame 1500 to allow for selective adjustment thereto. As a non-limiting example, the thumb adjustment mechanism 1508 includes a tab 1510 that is formed to be selectively attached with one of a plurality of recesses 1512 formed in the frame 1500.
For further illustration,
Described below are additional features and items that can be incorporated into a hand and finger-therapy device according to the present invention. For illustrative purposes, the features described below are illustrated as being connected with the hand and finger-therapy device depicted in
As shown in
The electronic device 1702 is any suitable mechanism or device for providing a therapeutic benefit, non-limiting examples of which include a vibrating mechanism for massaging and stimulating a user's fingers, a light system (e.g., light-emitting diode (L.E.D.), near infra-red), a heating system (e.g., heating element), a cooling system, a sensor, a sound generating system (e.g., speakers), and a pulsating pressure mechanism. The sensor is any suitable mechanism or device capable of sensing something, non-limiting examples of which include a pressure sensor, a light sensor, and a temperature sensor.
When a sensor is included, the sensor is configured to provide feedback when a predetermined threshold is reached. For example, if the sensor is a pressure sensor, the sensor may create a sound when a certain amount of pressing pressure is reached. As another non-limiting example, if the electronic device 1702 is a heating element, an alarm may be sounded when the temperature reaches a certain degree. The feedback is any suitable feedback for alerting a user, or third party, that the predetermined threshold has been met, non-limiting examples of which include light, sound, vibration, and temperature (e.g., change in temperature). In other words, the feedback is any suitable feedback that can be received and interpreted by a user, third party, or processing unit.
As can be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the electronic device 1702 requires a power source. The power source may be included within the device, or maintained externally and electrically connected with the electronic device 1702.
In another aspect, a magnet 1710 is attached with the hand and finger-therapy device 1700 to provide a therapeutic benefit. The magnet 1710 is attached with the hand and finger-therapy device 1700 in any suitable manner, non-limiting examples of which include being positioned within an attachment 1704, being attached with the outer surface of the attachment 1704, being positioned within an interior of the frame 1706, and being attached with the outer surface of the frame 1706. For illustrative purposes with respect to
As can be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the electronic device 1702 can be controlled through a variety of techniques. For example, a motion sensor 1712 may be connected with electronic device 1702 to actuate the device 1702. In this aspect, the device 1702 is turned on when the motion sensor 1712 detects motion. As another example, a remote control 1714 is connected with the electronic device 1702 to allow a user to selectively control the electronic device 1702, such as by turning it on, off, up, down, and to a time-cycle. The up and down controls relate to functions as applicable to certain electronic devices 1702, such as when the electronic device is a heating element or a vibrating mechanism. Additionally, the remote control 1714 can be either wired or wireless.
With the advent of new computer technologies, it may be desirable to control the electronic device 1700 via a computer (i.e., processing unit). In this aspect, the remote control 1714 is a processing unit that can operate the electronic device 1702. For example, certain computer-controlled therapeutic programs can be operated and controlled via the processing unit. As a specific non-limiting example, a massage therapy program can be used to control the vibrating mechanism, where it increases and decreases the vibrating strength of the vibrating mechanism according to a particular massage therapy program.
In addition to controlling the electronic device 1702, the processing unit can be used to monitor and control the biological functions of the user. For example, the processing unit can be connected to a temperature sensor (e.g., a thermometer 1716) to monitor the user's temperature. If the user's temperature falls outside a predetermined range of temperatures, the processing unit can turn on a heating or cooling system, as appropriate, to heat/cool the user. As can be appreciated by one skilled in the art, such a monitoring and control feature can also be used to monitor and control external conditions and devices, or other electronic devices, such as lights and a vibrator mechanism.
In yet another aspect, a computer controller chip 1718 can be connected with the hand and finger-therapy device 1700 itself. As was the case above, the chip 1718 is electronically connected with the electronic device 1702 and is used to control the electronic device 1702. The chip 1718 is connected with the hand and finger-therapy device 1700 at any suitable location, non-limiting examples of which include being positioned within an attachment 1704, being attached with the outer surface of the attachment 1704, being positioned within an interior of the frame 1706, and being attached with the outer surface of the frame 1706.
In another aspect, it may be desirable to apply a material (such as a lotion or medicinal cream) to the hand and finger-therapy device 1700 for dispersal around a user's fingers or hand. As shown in
The material may be applied to the user's fingers and/or hand through a variety of techniques. For example, a reservoir 1722 can be formed in the hand and finger-therapy device 1700 such that a user may position a material into the reservoir 1722. The reservoir 1722 is formed at any suitable location on the hand and finger-therapy device 1700, non-limiting examples of which include being formed in the frame 1706, being formed in a finger indentation, and being formed in an attachment. The reservoir 1722 is formed in any suitable shape to hold the material. For example, the reservoir 1722 may be a simple divot, or may include ribs. The reservoir 1722 can be used to hold materials externally to be delivered on or through the device 1700, non-limiting examples of such materials include scented liquids, lotions, powders, and medicinal products.
As shown in
The implantation element can be used to provide a variety of cosmetic, ornamental, entertainment, therapeutic, and educational benefits. As a non-limiting example, the implantation element is a light or a series of lights 1730. The lights 1730 can be used for a variety of purposes, non-limiting examples of which include light therapy and messaging. For example, the lights 1730 can be used for light therapy, where the light being emitted is within a range of the light spectrum (e.g., infrared) that provides a therapeutic benefit to the user.
As another example, the lights 1730 can be used as a messaging system. If the lights are used as a light messaging system (such as a light emitting diode (LED) system), the lights 1730 can be used to generate a variety of messages for entertainment, educational, ornamental, and advertisement purposes. In another aspect, the implantation element can be a display device 1732 that is used to display a variety of messages. As a non-limiting example, the display device 1732 can be a plastic disk (or any other suitable shape) that includes logos of recognizable sports teams, groups, companies, events, etc. (e.g., Coca-Cola™, Detroit Red Wings™, Beverly Hills Hotel™, etc.). As described above, the hand and finger-therapy device 1700 can be formed of a transparent material (e.g., a clear or colorless elastomeric gel or other transparent material). It should be noted that the device 1700 can also be formed of translucent tents with color that allow for light to pass therethrough. Thus, when the display device 1732 is inserted within the hand and finger-therapy device 1700, a user can easily see and read any messages imprinted upon or otherwise displayed by the display device 1732.
Another non-limiting example of an implantation element is a thermometer 1716 or other suitable sensing device. As described above, the thermometer 1716 (or other sensing device) can be used to monitor and control the biological functions of the user to provide for therapeutic benefits.
As yet another non-limiting example, the implantation element can be a magnet 1710 or several magnets. As can be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the magnet 1710 can be used to provide a therapeutic benefit to the user. In another aspect, the magnet 1710 can be used to attach an external object with the device 1700 and thereby operate as an attachment mechanism to magnetically attach external objects with the device 1700.
It should be understand that the device described herein (and all of its various components) may be constructed of any suitable material, non-limiting examples of which include plastic, metal silicone, cork, foam, and elastomer. Further, the device can be formed of an elastomeric material having elastomeric properties. Additionally, the device may be optionally inflatable or filled with a fluid. When inflatable, the device may be inflatable to various pressures. Furthermore, the device may be formed through any suitable means for forming such a device, non-limiting examples of which include injection molding, cast molding, compression molding, and extrusion molding.
Additionally, the present invention includes a method for manipulating a user's digits (i.e., fingers). The method comprises acts of positioning the users hand within the device and operating the device as described above to manipulate the user's fingers. As a non-limiting example, the method comprises acts of positioning adjacent digits within rails or helical ridges (as depicted in
Finally, the present invention comprising a method of forming the hand and finger-therapy device according to the present invention. The method comprises a plurality of acts of forming and attaching each of the components described herein to arrive at the hand and finger-therapy device of the present invention.
This is a Continuation-in-Part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/982,390, filed on Oct. 31, 2007, entitled, “foot therapy and toe-aligning device.” The present application also claims the benefit of priority of the following provisional applications: U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/065,792, filed on Feb. 13, 2008; U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/134,519, filed on Jul. 9, 2008; and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/192,791, filed on Sep. 22, 2008.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61065792 | Feb 2008 | US | |
| 61134519 | Jul 2008 | US | |
| 61192791 | Sep 2008 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 11982390 | Oct 2007 | US |
| Child | 12378293 | US |
