Resistance device

DETAILED DESCRIPTION The present invention provides a simple resistance device which may include adjustability of the level of resistance.
The device finds excellent utility as a thumb and/or hand exerciser.
In a first aspect, the resistance device includes an outer member including an axial through bore extending between first and second terminal ends; an inner member received within the through bore and extending out of both the first and second ends, and a friction member, such as an elastomeric sleeve, immovably mounted on the inner member and in operable sliding contact with the through bore thereby providing resistance to relative axial movement between said inner and outer members.
In another aspect, the level of resistance is user adjustable.
The adjustability is preferably provided by an inner member further comprised of first and second end members which, when threaded into one another, provides axial compression of an elastomer friction member.
This causes radial bulging of the member into contact with the through bore.
The user can easily and variably adjust the level of precompression, and thus, the level of axial resistance, such as for exercising the thumb or hand.
In another aspect, at least one low friction washer is provided in contact with an axial end of the friction member thereby minimizing friction between the end member and the friction member and allowing for ease of rotational adjustment of the frictional resistance.
Preferably one or more stops (which may be elastomer) are positioned at the ends of the inner member to limit axial travel of the inner member relative to the outer member.
The device may optionally include calibration.
It is an advantage of the present invention that it provides an easily adjustable resistance device.
It is another advantage of the present invention that it provides a substantially constant force over the entire axial stroke.
It is an advantage of the present invention that it may provide exercise of a user's hands and thumb.
The above-mentioned and further features, advantages, and characteristics of the present invention will become apparent from the accompanying descriptions of the preferred embodiments and attached drawings