U.S. patent application number 10/905146 was filed with the patent office on 2006-02-16 for pliable ball grip handle with applications.
Invention is credited to Constance L. Blair, Joseph Bryan LaBoy.
Application Number | 20060035751 10/905146 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35800682 |
Filed Date | 2006-02-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060035751 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Blair; Constance L. ; et
al. |
February 16, 2006 |
Pliable Ball Grip Handle with Applications
Abstract
The pliable ball grip handle is a spherical shaped handle which
is grasped by at least two fingers and a thumb. The pliable ball
grip handle has an attachment for cable machines, fixed resistance
equipment and resistance tubing apparatus not including bars and
dumbbells. The pliable ball grip handle sufficiently activates the
muscles of the fingers and the palm of the hand relieving stress on
joints and tendons of the hand, elbow and shoulder. The pliable
ball grip handle is attached to cable machines, fixed resistance
equipment and resistance tubing apparatus by various means at the
end of an accessory strap end of the handle. The pliable ball grip
handle applied to resistance tubing simplifies the resistance
device as an upper body exercise apparatus.
Inventors: |
Blair; Constance L.;
(Florida City, FL) ; LaBoy; Joseph Bryan; (Florida
City, FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CONSTANCE L. BLAIR
P.O. BOX 343137
FLORIDA CITY
FL
33034
US
|
Family ID: |
35800682 |
Appl. No.: |
10/905146 |
Filed: |
December 17, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60600205 |
Aug 10, 2004 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
482/49 ;
482/44 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/4017 20151001;
A63B 21/4035 20151001 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/049 ;
482/044 |
International
Class: |
A63B 23/16 20060101
A63B023/16; A63B 23/14 20060101 A63B023/14 |
Claims
1. A pliable ball grip handle for exercising comprising: means for
gripping; means for securely connecting to solid pliable sphere,
securely attached to said means for gripping; and means for
connecting solid pliable sphere to exercise applications, a
continuation of said means for securely connecting to solid pliable
sphere.
2. The pliable ball grip handle in accordance with claim 1, wherein
said means for gripping comprises a solid pliable sphere.
3. The solid pliable sphere of claim 2, wherein said means for
gripping having a plurality of colors, a plurality of symbols and a
plurality of textured surfaces.
4. The solid pliable sphere of claim 1, wherein said means for
gripping having a closable pouch for enclosing solid pliable
sphere.
5. The closable pouch of claim 4, wherein said means for enclosing
solid pliable sphere having a plurality of colors and symbols on
its surface.
6. The closable pouch of claim 4, wherein said means for enclosing
solid pliable sphere having an attachment pouch strap for attaching
to exercise application.
7. The attachment pouch strap of claim 6, wherein said means for
attaching the solid pliable sphere to exercise application having a
plurality of colors and symbols on its surface.
8. The pliable ball grip handle in accordance with claim 1, wherein
said means for securely connecting to solid pliable sphere
comprises a grip strap end.
9. The grip strap end of claim 8, wherein said means for securely
connecting to solid pliable sphere having a plurality of colors and
a plurality of symbols on its surface.
10. The pliable ball grip handle in accordance with claim 1,
wherein said means for connecting solid pliable sphere to exercise
applications, a continuation of said means for securely connecting
to solid pliable sphere comprises an accessory strap end.
11. The accessory strap end of claim 10, wherein a continuation of
said means for securely connecting to solid pliable sphere having a
plurality of colors and a plurality of symbols on its surface.
12. A pliable ball grip handle for exercising comprising: a solid
pliable sphere, for gripping; a grip strap end, for securely
connecting to solid pliable sphere, securely attached to said solid
pliable sphere; an accessory strap end, for connecting solid
pliable sphere to exercise applications, a continuation of said
grip strap end.
13. The pliable ball grip handle as recited in claim 12, further
comprising: an elastic tubing, for connecting to accessory strap
end, securely connected to said accessory strap end.
14. The pliable ball grip handle as recited in claim 13, further
comprising: a non-rigid material cord, for preventing the elastic
tubing from over extension, securely attached to said accessory
strap end.
15. The pliable ball grip handle as recited in claim 13, further
comprising: a sleeve, for enclosing elastic tubing, circularly
wrapped along the length to said elastic tubing.
16. The sleeve as recited in claim 15 further comprising: said
sleeve having a plurality of colors and symbols on its surface.
Description
BACKGROUND--FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to exercise and, more
particularly, to a solid pliable spherical shape exercise handle
which provides an enhanced grip.
BACKGROUND--DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR ART
[0002] Previously the cylindrical handles for exercise apparatus,
specifically for resistance apparatus and cable machines, as well
as any other fixed resistance equipment, not including bars and
dumbbells, create an abundance of stress on joints and tendons of
the hand, elbow and shoulder due to insufficient hand grip.
Spherical and ball grip handles which were utilized did not
sufficiently activate the muscles of the fingers and the palm of
the hand. Also employed were handles attached to elastic tubing.
These handle types do not sufficiently activate the muscles of the
fingers and the palm of the hand. Also, spherical handles which are
solid create a static grip with no pliability to activate the
muscles of the fingers and the palm of the hand.
[0003] In the search for exercise handles which are cylindrical the
following was found. U.S. Pat. No. 6,692,416 to Davis issued Feb.
17, 2004, U.S. Pat. No. 5,842,961 to Davis issued Dec. 1, 1998,
U.S. Pat. No. 5,807,214 to Riazi issued Sep. 15, 1998, U.S. Pat.
No. 5,076,578 to Ashkonen issued Dec. 31, 1991, D317032 to Eckler
issued May 21, 1991, U.S. Pat. No. 4,909,505 to Tee issued Mar. 20,
1990, U.S. Pat. No. 4,756,527 to Ledbetter issued Jul. 12, 1988,
U.S. Pat. No. 3,510,132 to Holkesvick issued May 5, 1970, U.S. Pat.
No. 3,355,171 to Oesau issued Nov. 28, 1967, U.S. Pat. No.
3,068,002 to Balne issued Dec. 11, 1962 and U.S. Pat. No. 1,623,671
to Frankenfeld issued Apr. 5, 1927.
[0004] In the search for spherical or ball grips the following was
found. U.S. Pat. No. 4,784,386 to Muehl issued Nov. 15, 1988 and
U.S. Pat. No. 3,807,730 to Dalton et al. issued Apr. 30, 1974.
[0005] Spherical handles which are solid are application
2004/0038784 to Huang, U.S. Pat. No. 3,652,085 to Cole issued Mar.
28, 1972, U.S. Pat. No. 1,638,003 to Neumann issued Aug. 2, 1927,
U.S. Pat. No. 712,827 to Maxwell & White issued Nov. 4, 1902,
U.S. Pat. No. 359,994 to Brunner issued Mar. 29, 1887.
[0006] Handles employed with elastic tubing are U.S. Pat. No.
5,318,494 to Santighian issued Jun. 7, 1994, U.S. Pat. No.
4,019,734 to Lee et al. issued Apr. 26, 1977 and U.S. Pat. No.
3,966,204 to Dubach issued Jun. 29, 1976.
[0007] Cylindrical handles which are not pliable are U.S. Pat. No.
5,549,532 to Kropp issued Aug. 27, 1996 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,059,265
to Wieder issued Nov. 22, 1977.
[0008] The categories of exercise handles which are cylindrical
create an abundance of stress on joints and tendons of the hand,
elbow and shoulder due to insufficient hand grip. Non-pliable
sphere or ball grips do not sufficiently activate the muscles of
the fingers and the palm of the hand. More specifically, U.S. Pat.
No. 4,784,386 are hollow balls which do not have sufficient
resistance and are too large which does not sufficiently activate
the muscles in the hand. U.S. Pat. No. 3,807,730 is a dome shaped
handle with semi spherical top and flat base which is too large to
activate the muscles of the hand or fingers. In contrast, the
patents which are spherical solid handles create a static grip with
no pliability to activate the muscles of the fingers and palm.
Handles which were found which are attached to elastic tubing do
not sufficiently activate the muscles of the fingers and the palm.
It was also found that these handles are too pliable and pinch the
sides of the hand when pulled. Cylindrical handles are not pliable
and do not sufficiently activate the muscles of the fingers and the
palm.
OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES
[0009] Accordingly, besides the objects and advantages of the
pliable ball grip handle with applications described in my patent,
several objects and advantages of the present invention are:
[0010] (A) The pliable ball grip handle will improve any exercise
by activating the muscles in the fingers and hands which in turn
activates all relative muscles for that specific exercise that
employ a handle other than a barbell or dumbbell.
[0011] (B) The pliable ball grip handle when applied to cable or
other fixed resistance equipment, not including barbell and
dumbbells, will give the user the same benefit as when the pliable
ball grip handle is used with resistance tubing.
[0012] (C) The pliable ball grip handle applied to a resistance
tubing apparatus simplifies the device as an upper body exercise
apparatus enabling use of the body as a fulcrum base for exercising
the upper body and arms.
[0013] (D) The pliable ball grip handle application with the
resistance tubing along with a tubing safety sleeve and a safety
cord within the resistance tubing makes a safer apparatus for
general use in exercising.
[0014] (E) The pliable ball grip handle used with resistance tubing
is portable and can be used in minimal space which makes it an
ideal exercise companion whether at work, traveling, at home or
anywhere in between.
[0015] (F) The pliable ball grip handle with resistance tubing can
be used for persons at any age or physical ability. Merely gripping
the pliable ball grip handle will begin to activate the fingers, in
turn strengthening the muscles regardless of repetition.
[0016] (G) The pliable ball grip handle with its simplicity and
specific muscle targeting benefits is an apparatus that would
substantially assist people with upper body physical rehabilitation
concerns.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION--Preferred Embodiment
[0017] FIG. 1 is an overall cross sectional view of the pliable
ball grip handle 10. FIG. 1 is the inventions preferred embodiment.
The circumference of the solid pliable sphere 12 is approximately
5''-7'' in size. It is a closed celled foam rubber material. The
strapping 14 is approximately 3/8'' wide and of a strapping 14
material. The strapping 14 is folded in half which creates a grip
strap end 15 and an accessory strap end 22. The grip strap end 15
is the two ply strapping 14. This grip strap end 15 is inserted
into the solid pliable sphere 12 at the strapping insertion 16
point. It continues through the solid pliable sphere 12 and through
the strapping expulsion 18 point. At the strapping expulsion 18
point of the solid pliable sphere 12 the grip strap end 15 is
looped in opposite directions coming back over the solid pliable
sphere 12 to the strapping insertion 16 point. The strapping 14 is
a single ply strap when encircling the solid pliable sphere 12. The
grip strap end 15 is then secured together at the strapping
insertion 16 point, forming the strapping connection 20. The
strapping connection 20 is secured together to the accessory strap
end 22 at the strapping insertion 16 point. The accessory strap end
22 loop of the accessory strap end 22 was made when the strap was
folded in half. This accessory strap end 22 is available for
exercise machine cables, fixed resistance equipment or elastic
tubing 24.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION--Alternative Embodiments
[0018] FIG. 2 is an overall cross sectional view of the pliable
ball grip handle 10 applied to the elastic tubing 24. FIG. 2 is an
additional embodiment of the invention. The accessory strap end 22,
as described in FIG. 1, is attached to the elastic tubing 24. The
stopper 28 is sandwiched in the accessory strap end 22. The
accessory strap end 22 is inserted into the elastic tubing 24. The
stopper and tubing crimping device 30 is positioned between the end
of elastic tubing 24 and bulge of stopper 28. The stopper 28
creates a bulge in the elastic tubing 24 and is further accentuated
by the stopper and tubing crimping device 30 when inserted into the
elastic tubing 24. The stopper 28 and the stopper and tubing
crimping device 30 are further secured by the elastic reverse
overlap tubing 26. The elastic tubing 24 is approximately 1/4''
inner diameter.times.approximately 1/16'' wall thickness and
approximately 18'' long. The stopper 28 is of an approximate 1/4''
diameter size and pliable. The stopper and tubing crimping device
30 is a comparative heavy duty cotton or nylon thread. The cord 32
is shown in the center of FIG. 2 within the cutout of the elastic
tubing 24. The cord 32 is attached to the accessory strap end 22
underneath the stopper 28 prior to insertion into the elastic
tubing 24. The cord 32 is a non-elastic material and a
predetermined length as described in operation of FIG. 2 below. The
sleeve 34 is shown covering the elastic tubing 24. The sleeve 34
covers the entire length of the elastic tubing 24 and is closed by
hook and loop or similar fastening device. The sleeve 34 is a cloth
or cushioned, pliable, non-elastic material.
[0019] FIG. 3 is a top view of the solid pliable sphere 12 and
closable pouch 36. FIG. 3 is an additional embodiment of the
invention. The closable pouch 36 is a durable material and is
approximately 2''-3'' wider than the circumference of the solid
pliable sphere 12. The attachment pouch strap 42 is shown attached
to the center of the closable pouch 36 along the entire length. The
solid pliable sphere 12 is placed in the center of the closable
pouch 36 on the attachment pouch strap 42. The pouch belt cutouts
40 are shown equidistantly placed at the edge of the closable pouch
36. The pouch belt cutouts 40 are made by cutting an appropriate
size slit in the closable pouch 36 to accommodate the pouch belting
mechanism 38. The pouch belting mechanism 38 is shown inserted
through the pouch belt cutouts 40. The attachment pouch strap 42 is
of a strapping material and approximately 18'' long. The pouch
belting mechanism 38 is a thin material and slightly longer than
the circumference of the closable pouch 36 with hook and loop or
other similar fastening closure.
[0020] FIG. 4 is the solid pliable sphere 12 enclosed in closable
pouch 36. FIG. 4 is a closed view of the additional embodiment of
FIG. 3. FIG. 4 shows the closable pouch 36 closed by tightening the
pouch belting mechanism 38. The attachment pouch strap 42 is shown
extending from the closable pouch 36.
OPERATION--Preferred Embodiment
[0021] In FIG. 1 the pliable ball grip handle 10 is placed in the
users palm and gripped with at least two fingers and a thumb. It is
attached by the accessory strap end 22 to the preferred exercise
machine cables, fixed resistance equipment or elastic tubing 24.
The user grips the pliable ball grip handle 10 and initiates the
exercise.
[0022] In FIG. 2 the user grips the solid pliable sphere 12 in the
palm with at least two fingers and a thumb and grips the opposite
solid pliable sphere 12 in the opposite palm in the same manner.
Upon separating the pliable spheres and stretching the elastic
tubing 24 the stopper 28 is anchored by the stopper and tubing
crimping device 30 in the elastic reverse overlap tubing 26
enabling the user to stretch the elastic tubing 24 to achieve
resistance. The cord 32 which is attached to accessory strap end 22
is pulled to a specific length with the elastic tubing 24. The cord
32 is a non-pliable material of a predetermined length. The length
is determined by stretching the tubing and is approximately between
5' and 7'. The cord 32 is a non-elastic material and prevents the
elastic tubing 24 from overstretching. The cord 32 will prevent
separation by relieving stress on the stopper and tubing crimping
device 30 and the elastic reverse overlap tubing 26. In the event
that the elastic tubing 24 should separate the cord 32 will assure
the user that the elastic tubing 24 will travel along the path of
the cord 32. The sleeve 34 encloses and is the same length as the
elastic tubing 24 when it is not in use. The sleeve 34 is a cloth
or cushioned, pliable, non-elastic material and acts as a safety
cover to protect the user's body when using the body as a fulcrum
base. Also, the sleeve 34 acts as a cover against accidental
breakage of the elastic tubing 24 by creating a tunnel preventing
the elastic tubing 24 from hitting the body of the user.
[0023] In FIG. 3 the solid pliable sphere 12 is placed in the
center of the closable pouch 36. For operation, the closable pouch
36 is closed which is shown in FIG. 4.
[0024] In FIG. 4 the closable pouch 36 is tightened and closed. The
placement of the pouch belt cutouts 40, as shown in FIG. 3, is
designed to tighten the closable pouch 36, through the means of the
pouch belting mechanism 38, in a circular motion around the edge of
the closable pouch 36. The pouch belting mechanism 38 is placed
through the pouch belt cutouts 40 and pulled through to bring the
pouch belt cutouts 40 together to tighten the end of closable pouch
36 around the solid pliable sphere 12. The pouch belting mechanism
38 is provided with a fastening device such as a hook and loop or
other closure device. The fastening device is located at the end of
the pouch belting mechanism 38 and upon tightening secures closable
pouch 36. The attachment pouch strap 42 extends from the closable
pouch 36 for attachment to exercise machine cables, fixed
resistance equipment or elastic tubing 24. The user grips the
closable pouch 36 in the palm with at least two fingers and a thumb
upon initiating exercise.
* * * * *