Isometric Exercise Device

Abstract

The present invention provides for a hand-held isometric exercise device comprising a handle portion and a deformable portion, the deformable portion being arranged to be deformed responsive to a user-exerted force when the device is gripped by the handle and urged against a surface, the device further including means for determining and indicating a level of force applied by the user to deform the deformable portion.

1 . A hand-held isometric exercise device comprising a handle portion and a deformable portion, the deformable portion being arranged to be deformed responsive to a user-exerted force when the device is gripped by the handle and urged against a surface, wherein the handle portion is elongate and arranged to be gripped in a clenched manner by the hand of the user and exhibiting sufficient rigidity that it can be urged by the user onto the deformable portion to at least partly assist in the deformation thereof the device further including means for determining and indicating a level of force applied by the user to deform the deformable portion. 
   
   
       2 . A device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the handle portion is formed integral with the deformable portion. 
   
   
       3 . A device as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein the handle and deformable portions are formed as a unitary member. 
   
   
       4 . A device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the handle is arranged such that the knuckle portion of a user's clenched fist engages with a surface of the deformable portion so as to assist with the deformation thereof when urged against the said surface. 
   
   
       5 . A device as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the handle portion is spaced from the deformable portion so as to define an opening by means of which the user can grip the handle portion. 
   
   
       6 . A device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the deformable portion is arranged to be deformed so as to allow for the user's hand to be placed between the handle and the said deformable portion. 
   
   
       7 . A device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the deformable portion is formed of a resilient material. 
   
   
       8 . A device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the deformable portion comprises at least one cavity. 
   
   
       9 . A device as claimed in  claim 8 , wherein the said at least one cavity is at least part-filled with a fluid. 
   
   
       10 . A device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the outer surface of the deformable portion is adapted to assist with a stable engagement with the surface against which the device is to be urged. 
   
   
       11 . A device as claimed in  claim 10 , wherein the deformable portion includes a substantially flat portion located at a region of the deformable portion substantially opposite that at which the said handle portion is located. 
   
   
       12 . A device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the deformable portion has a generally elongate form and is substantially cylindrical in shape. 
   
   
       13 . A device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the said means for determining the level of force applied to deform the deformable portion comprises pressure-sensing means arranged to determine an increase in pressure arising within the deformable portion during use of the device. 
   
   
       14 . A device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the means for indicating the level of force applied by the user comprises a visual display means. 
   
   
       15 . A device as claimed in  claim 14 , wherein the visual display means comprises an alphanumeric display. 
   
   
       16 . A device as claimed in  claim 14 , wherein the display means is arranged to store the maximum reading produced. 
   
   
       17 . A device as claimed in  claim 14 , wherein the visual display means is arranged to produce a visually discernable output when a threshold level of force is exceeded. 
   
   
       18 . A device as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the means for indicating the level of force applied is located on the outer surface of the deformable portion. 
   
   
       19 . A device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the means for indicating the level of force applied can advantageously comprise means for providing an audible output. 
   
   
       20 . A device as claimed in  claim 19 , wherein the means for providing the audible output is arranged to provide the output when a threshold level of force is exceeded. 
   
   
       21 . A device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the deformable portion is provided with an engagement formation for releasably securing the device to a member allowing for the handle portion to be placed in tension by pulling the handle portion away from the said member and so as to deform the said deformable portion. 
   
   
       22 . A device as claimed in  claim 21 , wherein the said engagement formation comprises a male and/or a female engagement formation. 
   
   
       23 . A device as claimed in  claim 21 , wherein the said engagement formation comprises a press-fit formation. 
   
   
       24 . A device as claimed in  claim 21 , wherein the said engagement formation comprises a twist-fit formation. 
   
   
       25 . (canceled) 
   
   
       26 . (canceled) 
   
   
       27 . (canceled)