U.S. patent application number 11/262725 was filed with the patent office on 2007-05-03 for handgrips for gym equipment.
Invention is credited to Frank Harrison JR. Boehm, Benedetta DeLorenzo Melnick.
Application Number | 20070099779 11/262725 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37997188 |
Filed Date | 2007-05-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070099779 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Boehm; Frank Harrison JR. ;
et al. |
May 3, 2007 |
Handgrips for gym equipment
Abstract
Handle covers for gym equipment are provided. These covers
increase the security of the grip, provide a cushion for the hands,
and prevent exposure of body fluids between various users of the
equipment. The device provided allows the user to reversibly
encircle the handle of the gym equipment and the device is
adjustable for varying handles of varying diameters. There is also
a pad which can be reversibly placed within a pouch on the device
to provide additional cushioning.
Inventors: |
Boehm; Frank Harrison JR.;
(Utica, NY) ; Melnick; Benedetta DeLorenzo; (Rome,
NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FRANK H. BOEHM, JR., MD
2408 GENESEE STREET
UTICA
NY
13502
US
|
Family ID: |
37997188 |
Appl. No.: |
11/262725 |
Filed: |
November 1, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/148 ;
482/23 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2225/09 20130101;
A63B 21/4017 20151001 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/148 ;
482/023 |
International
Class: |
A63B 26/00 20060101
A63B026/00; A63B 23/00 20060101 A63B023/00 |
Claims
1. A method for using a device that provides a covering for gym
equipment in use, consisting of: identifying the gym equipment to
be used; applying the inner side of the device against the handle
of the gym equipment to be used; encircling the handle of the gym
equipment to be used by wrapping the device around the handle;
securing the device to the gym equipment to be used; after use,
removing the device from the gym equipment, and re-applying the
device to another piece of gym equipment.
2. The device in claim 1, which is a generally flattened structure
that is square, rectangular, or of any geometric shape consisting
of: a plurality sheets of any geometric form and of any fabric
acceptable for long-term exposure to the skin, these sheets being
generally aligned and partly secured together; the creation of two
sides or faces, representing opposite sides of the same structure,
which are created by the alignment and partial securing together of
the sheets; at least one pouch created by the alignment and partial
securing together of the sheets of the device, this pouch being
found lying between the two sides of the device; one side, or face,
of the device, which is designed to be placed against the exercise
equipment; the opposite side, or face, of the device, which is
designed to accommodate the hands of the user; a piece of
cushioning foam which can be reversibly housed within the pouch; a
means of securing the device in place, allowing it to encircle the
handle of the gym equipment in a reversible fashion.
3. The device in claims 1 and 2 which has one side that is
fashioned to be placed against the handle or piece of gym
equipment.
4. The side of the device designed to be placed against the handle,
as discussed in claim 3, which is composed of a fabric that is
fashioned to maximize friction and reduce slippage in handling the
equipment.
5. The device in claims 1 and 2, which has one side that is
fashioned to accommodate the hands of the user.
6. The side of the device in claim 5, which is composed of a soft
fabric fashioned to maximize comfort in cushioning the grip.
7. The device in claims 1 and 2, in which there is found a pouch
that can reversibly house a cushioning foam.
8. A means of securing the device in claims 1 and 2 to the gym
equipment, such as Velcro, buttons, snaps or any other means.
Description
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] The invention relates to the general field of recreational
and fitness equipment and, specifically, serves as an adjunct to
utilizing exercise equipment. The invention provides a person using
the invention a safer and more secure grip upon exercise equipment,
including free weights. Additionally, the invention prevents an
individual from leaving residue of body fluid such as sweat, other
fluids, and even, theoretically, blood on the exercise equipment.
Therefore the invention logically reduces transfer of body fluids
amongst different individuals using the gym equipment.
REFERENCE
[0002] U.S. Pat. No. 6,220,997 April 2001 Kohl
HISTORY AND RELATED ART
[0003] Since time immemorial, it has been appreciated that exercise
can result in the amplification of the body's musculature, with
reduction of fat and increase in the overall physical stamina. From
the beginning of recorded time, generals have recognized that the
fittest troops were the most likely to carry the day and the armies
of the ancient world always boasted elite squadrons and legions,
members of which were in superb physical condition. The gladiators
of ancient Rome were also provided with routine workouts in
facilities that would really be representative of rudimentary
prototypes of modern gymnasia. Similar scenarios relating to all of
the armies throughout history can be recounted.
[0004] In yet another example of man's recognition of the value of
physical fitness, the ancient Greek's engaged in a prescribed
series of sporting events at the base of Mount Olympus--thought to
be the home of the ancient Greek gods. This of course gave rise to
the concept of the modern "Olympics."
[0005] In more modern times, the gymnasium was typically the domain
of the elite athlete. At the dawn of the 20.sup.th century, when
sporting events began the transformation from rivalries based on
tradition, economic, and geographic boundaries to an economic-based
enterprise, the study of physical fitness became an essential
component of this enterprise. Concordantly, as the result of the
economics of the situation, the study of exercise and physical
fitness was undertaken from a truly scientific approach, giving
rise to the evolution of modern gymnastic and physical fitness
equipment.
[0006] This underwent an even broader transformation beginning in
the 1970's. At that time, a new general awareness of physical
fitness was popularized in America, as well as many other
technologically advanced countries. It is currently estimated that
between 30 and 50 million Americans alone participate in some form
of routine, regular exercise. Many such individuals find themselves
engaged in these activities in a local gymnasium and the physical
fitness industry has undergone a logarithmic growth over the past
quarter century. Gymnasia become immensely popular among the
general public.
[0007] It is interesting to note that simultaneous to the rise of
popularity of physical fitness centers has been, as a completely
unrelated phenomenon, a rise in the incidence of certain viral
diseases that are particularly prone towards transmission through
body fluids. Hepatitis B, an uncommon disease in prior times and
seen almost exclusively in hemophiliacs throughout the 20.sup.th
century has become widespread since 1976 forward. Since the first
description of a symptom complex secondary to the Human
Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) appeared in the early 1980's, there
has been astronomic rise in the incidence of this dreaded and
ultimately fatal disease. Yet another viral disease which is born
in body fluids is the much rarer, but much more aggressive and
uniformly fatal Ebola virus. Still, other threats such as
Hantavirus are thought to be born by body fluids. While there has
never been a single, clear and unambiguously proven case of
transmission of these diseases via fomites such as public toilet
facilities or gym equipment, the theoretic basis has been
postulated and concern is consequently harbored. What these
diseases have done is raised a substantial level of awareness of
the potential damage that can be caused from fomites such as gym
equipment, this has had an important, "trickle-down" effect. Such
horrific disease such as Ebola have probably never been passed in
such a way. However very real, everyday pathologies such as common
bacterial infections like Staph probably can be passed in this
fashion. For these reasons, it has become desirable to develop
methods by which the amount of exposure to the bodily fluids of
others can be limited.
[0008] Many exercise enthusiasts utilize gloves to provide a better
grip of the handles of the exercise equipment, as well as to
protect their hands from excessive callousing with excessive use.
However, these gloves are usually of the "open" finger variety, so
that the tips of the fingers are still exposed to the gym
equipment. The reason for this is that wearing completely encasing
gloves will lead to excessive sweating of the hands which could in
turn reduce the ability of the gloves to provide a grip to the
device. Therefore, most styles of gym gloves that are in use today
principally provide protection to the palm and to the base of the
fingers. Hence, these do not truly afford a significant level of
protection against transfer of microbial organisms such as fungi,
bacterial or viruses.
[0009] In the art provided by Kohl, a device for gripping the
handles of gym equipment in order to prevent exposure to the body
fluids of previous users is disclosed. However, this device does
not have any material that increases the friction between the
device and the handle of the gym equipment. Furthermore, it does
not make any provisions to maximize the security of the grip; in
fact, the device could create slippage while the equipment is in
use. Furthermore, this device is secured by a zipper and thus
maintains a constant radius when closed. Therefore, there is no
opportunity for variability of the size of the handle of the
equipment being used.
[0010] Therefore, a need exists for a device which would provide
the hands a secure grip upon gym equipment, at the same time not
encasing the hands. Furthermore, it would be desirable that this
device afford complete protection from contaminating the gym
equipment with ones own body secretions, as well as afford
protection against unwitting exposure to the secretions of others.
Such a device would be useful, novel, nonobvious and unique.
SUMMARY OF THE DEVICE
[0011] It is therefore the object of the invention to provide a
device that can be reversibly secured to the handles of gym
equipment, as well as provide the user of the gym equipment with a
firm grip upon the handles; additionally the device will prevent
the fluids such as sweat and/or other body fluids of the user from
becoming exposed to the handle of the gym equipment. Finally, the
device will prevent the user from being exposed to any
contamination of the gym equipment that has previously occurred by
other users.
[0012] In a principal aspect of this device, it is envisioned that
this invention is a device that, in the preferred embodiment, is
composed of a fabric such as terrycloth, cotton, polyester, nylon,
silk, or any fabric which is flexible, nonabrasive, and compatible
with long-term exposure to the skin. In the preferred embodiment,
it is envisioned that this invention, as seen in the frontal plane,
is a flattened device that is square or rectangular in shape. It is
further envisioned that this device can be reversibly secured to
the handle of any type of gym equipment, specifically being secured
by being wrapped around or reversibly secured to the outer surface
of the handle. In cross-section, in the deployed position, it can
be envisioned that this invention would be in close proximity and
immediately outside the perimeter of the handle, or "encircling"
the handle.
[0013] In another aspect of the invention, it is envisioned as
being somewhat rectangular of square in shape, although any
geometric configuration can be conceived. In the preferred
embodiment, it is envisioned that this invention is fairly thin as
seen on end, with a broad face defined by the width and the length
of the invention.
[0014] The invention is created by a plurality of sheets of similar
size, and generally aligned with each other. Furthermore the
invention is unique insofar that it has an "outer" face which is
hereinafter defined as that face which is directly gripped by the
hands of the user once the device has been reversibly secured to
the handle of the gym equipment; it is this outer face that would
be observed by the user and others nearby. There is also a face on
the reverse side of the device which is herein after referred to
the "inner" face and is defined as that face which is found lying
directly against the outer surface of the handle of the gym
equipment; this face is not directly contacted by the user of the
gym equipment, nor would it be observed by others nearly. In
furtherance of this concept, it is therefore implied that this
device is applied by being wrapped around or encircling the handle
of the equipment; in doing so, it can be recognized that when such
an action is applied to a sheet-like structure, one of the faces
will be brought in final position so that it is concealed, while
the other face will be brought into a final position such that it
appears to be the face observed.
[0015] In another aspect of the invention, the inner face, again
being that face which comes in direct contact with the outer
surface of the gym handle is, in the preferred embodiment, composed
of a roughened surface or any surface which would provide maximum
friction and therefore maximum gripping of the gym handle by the
user.
[0016] In another aspect of the invention, it is conceived that in
the preferred embodiment, there is a pouch. This pouch is created
between the plurality of sheets that is lying between the two faces
as described above. This pouch can house a foam, or flexible pad
which is inserted to provide additional cushioning to the hands of
the user. It is envisioned that this pad can be removed so that the
device can be cleaned or laundered.
[0017] In yet another aspect of the invention, there is a strip of
Velcro found at the end of one of the faces, with a corresponding
strip of Velcro being found at the other end of the other face. The
Velcro is used to secure the device once wrapped around the handle
of the equipment; in the preferred embodiment, the use of Velcro in
this position allows to adjust to variability in the radius of the
handle of the gym equipment to which the device is being applied.
Although Velcro is considered the preferred embodiment, any means
of fastening the device to the handle is acceptable, including
buttons, snaps or any other attachment mechanism.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIONS
[0018] FIG. 1 demonstrates one side or "face" of the opened
device
[0019] FIG. 2 demonstrates the other side or "face" of the opened
device
[0020] FIG. 3 demonstrates one of a pair of devices secured to gym
equipment
[0021] FIG. 4 demonstrates a pair of devices secured to gym
equipment
[0022] FIG. 5 demonstrates the process by which the device is
secured to gym equipment
[0023] FIG. 6 demonstrates the user placing the foam within the
pouch
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIONS
[0024] In FIG. 1, the outer face 4 of the device 1 is seen. In this
illustration, the device 1 is not deployed, but rather laid
completely open as seen in this elevational view. Hence, the outer
face 4 is seen. Again, the outer face is the face that is designed
to accommodate the hands of the user is also seen is one side of
the Velcro securing mechanism 3.
[0025] In FIG. 2 is shown an elevational view of the inner face 2
which is designed to be placed directly against the handle of the
gym equipment. The inner face 2 is fashioned to maximize friction
and thus increase grip. The other component of the Velcro securing
mechanism 3 is also seen.
[0026] In FIG. 3 the device 1 is now deployed and encircling a
handle of the gym equipment. The Velcro strip (not shown) has been
deployed.
[0027] In FIG. 4 both members of a pair of devices 1 have been
secured to a piece of gym equipment 6.
[0028] FIG. 5 demonstrates the process by which the device 1 is
secured to the gym equipment 6. As such, the inner face 2 can be
seen as it is brought securable against the handle of the gym
equipment 6. The user is preparing to secure the Velcro straps 3
after encircling the handle with the device.
[0029] In FIG. 6, an elevational view demonstrates the user placing
the foam cushion pad 7 into the pouch 8. The foam pad may be
removed so that the device can then be laundered. It is imagined
that in certain instances, some users may choose to remove the foam
during use of specific gym equipment.
[0030] While the invention has been shown and described with
reference to certain preferred embodiments, it will be understood
by those skilled in the arts that various changes and modifications
in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the
spirit and scope of the invention as defined herein.
* * * * *