Adjustable linear friction device

Abstract

An adjustable linear friction device for exercising the forearm, wrist and hand, comprising: a disc rotatably mounted on a housing, with a circumferential edge and opposed faces; a friction band extending between an anchor and biasing means, the friction band disposed against the circumferential edge of the disc; a shaft extending outwardly from the opposed faces, with handles on the shaft for rotating the shaft to effect rotation of the disc. Rotating the disc in a first direction results in a first normal friction between the friction band and the circumferential edge, and rotating the disc in a second and opposite direction results in a second, different normal friction. The device can be used to exercise the forearm and wrist joint in supination / pronation, extension / flexion, and radial / ulnar deviation motions through the full range of motion.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to exercise devices for working the forearm, wrist and hand muscles, and more particularly to such exercise devices employing frictional resistance. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Various sports activities require a certain degree of arm / wrist strength and range of motion, particularly where an object is manipulated by the player's hands (e.g. a baseball bat). However, it is sometimes the case that a player does not possess the desired strength and range of motion. Participating in the particular sports activity while possessing inadequate strength or range of motion can sometimes result in an injury to the wrist muscles, which may entail a considerable recovery period if full recovery is even possible. [0003] The wrist and associated muscles are involved in six primary forms of motion: forearm supination and pronation; wrist flexion and extension; and radiavulnar deviation: [0004] Forearm supination / pronation: Supinati...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010] The present invention accordingly seeks to provide a frictional exercise device that can be used by a player to strengthen muscles of the forearm, wrist and hand, providing resistance for all six primary types of motion discussed above.

[0016] A device according to the present invention, therefore, can provide the player with a resistance exercise means, where the resistance to applied torque is different depending on which direction the player rotates the shaft. Depending on how the handle means are positioned, as described in greater detail below, the player can also use a device according to the present invention to exercise the hand / wrist / forearm through all six primary types of motion, through the entire range of motion. In addition to improving a players ability, such exercise can help to prevent sports-related injury.

Problems solved by technology

However, it is sometimes the case that a player does not possess the desired strength and range of motion.

Participating in the particular sports activity while possessing inadequate strength or range of motion can sometimes result in an injury to the wrist muscles, which may entail a considerable recovery period if full recovery is even possible.

However, despite their utility, such devices are generally directed to only a select type of wrist / forearm motion (e.g. only wrist flexion / extension), and accordingly provide limited benefits to the player who wishes to exercise the wrists and forearms through their entire range of motion for all primary types of wrist / forearm motion.

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