U.S. patent application number 13/467692 was filed with the patent office on 2012-11-15 for exercise device for supporting weight from hand grips using straps.
Invention is credited to Stephen John Davies, Sami Ishag Jamil Haddad.
Application Number | 20120289382 13/467692 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47142239 |
Filed Date | 2012-11-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120289382 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Haddad; Sami Ishag Jamil ;
et al. |
November 15, 2012 |
Exercise Device for Supporting Weight from Hand Grips Using
Straps
Abstract
An exercise device is formed of inelastic, fixed length,
substantially rigid straps connected in a Y-shaped configuration so
as to define an anchor member and two support members. An anchor
loop is fixed to the outer end of the anchor member for securing a
weighted member thereon or for securing to various stationary
objects. A hand grip is coupled to the outer end of each support
member such that the user must exert additional effort during
various exercises to maintain proper position of their hands
relative to one another.
Inventors: |
Haddad; Sami Ishag Jamil;
(Winnipeg, CA) ; Davies; Stephen John; (Rosser,
CA) |
Family ID: |
47142239 |
Appl. No.: |
13/467692 |
Filed: |
May 9, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61518483 |
May 9, 2011 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
482/93 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/0603 20130101;
A63B 2069/0008 20130101; A63B 21/0004 20130101; A63B 69/0024
20130101; A63B 21/00069 20130101; A63B 21/0722 20151001; A63B
21/4035 20151001; A63B 21/075 20130101; A63B 21/0608 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/93 |
International
Class: |
A63B 21/06 20060101
A63B021/06 |
Claims
1. An exercise device comprising: an anchor member which is
inelastic and elongate between an inner end and an outer end of the
anchor member; an anchor loop fixed to the outer end of the anchor
member so as to be arranged to secure a weighted member to the
outer end of the anchor member; two support members, each support
member being inelastic and elongate between an inner end coupled to
the inner end of the anchor member and an outer end opposite from
the inner end; a support loop fixed to the outer end of each
support member; and two hand grips coupled to respective ones of
the support loops of the two support members such that each hand
grip is arranged to be gripped in a respective hand of a user; each
support member being rigid and inelastic between the inner end and
the outer end thereof; and each support member being pivotally
coupled at the inner end of the support member relative to the
inner end of the anchor member.
2. The device according to claim 1 wherein the anchor member is
rigid and inelastic between the inner end and the outer end
thereof.
3. The device according to claim 1 wherein the anchor member and
the support members are coupled in a Y-shaped configuration
relative to one another in which each of the anchor member and the
support members comprises an inelastic strap of fixed length.
4. The device according to claim 1 wherein each support member is
fixed in length between the inner end and the outer end
thereof.
5. The device according to claim 4 wherein each support member has
a fixed length of between 4 and 12 inches between the inner end and
the outer end thereof.
6. The device according to claim 4 wherein each support member has
a fixed length of between 5 and 7 inches between the inner end and
the outer end thereof.
7. The device according to claim 1 wherein the anchor member is
fixed in length between the inner end and the outer end
thereof.
8. The device according to claim 7 wherein the anchor member has a
fixed length of less than 12 inches between the inner end and the
outer end thereof.
9. The device according to claim 1 wherein each support member
comprises two outer layers and a rigid core body received between
the two outer layers along a full length of the support member
between the inner end and the outer end thereof, each outer layer
comprising a flat strap having two opposing side edges spanning a
length of the support member between the inner end and the outer
end thereof, the two outer layers being joined two one another
along the two opposing side edges respectively along opposing sides
of the rigid core body received therebetween.
10. The device according to claim 1 wherein each support member
comprises a flat strap stitched to the anchor member at the inner
ends of the anchor member and the support member, and wherein
pivotal coupling of the support members relative to the anchor
member is defined by flexing of the flat straps at the inner ends
of the support members.
11. The device according to claim 1 wherein each one of the support
members and the anchor member comprise a flat strap having a width
between two opposing side edges, each support member being joined
to the anchor member across the full width of the support member
and the anchor member.
12. The device according to claim 1 wherein each hand grip
comprises a generally cylindrical gripping body which is elongate
between a coupling end which is coupled to the respective support
loop and an opposing free end which is unsecured.
13. The device according to claim 12 wherein the body varies in
diameter along a length of the body between the coupling end and
the free end to define lobed portions and recessed portions at
respective positions along the length of the body.
14. The device according to claim 12 wherein there is provided a
swivel coupling each body to the respective support member.
15. The device according to claim 1 in combination with a hook
member supported on the anchor loop and a free weight disc
supported on the hook member.
16. The device according to claim 1 in combination with a hook
member supported on the anchor loop and a bag member supported on
the hook member, the bag member comprising a hollow interior
locating a plurality of sand bags therein, an open top end arranged
to receive the sand bags therethrough, and a plurality of anchor
loops mounted at spaced position about the open top end, the anchor
loops being commonly secured on the hook member.
17. The device according to claim 1 in combination with a hook
member supported on the anchor loop and a ball supporting device
comprising a plurality of strap members coupled to one another to
define a receptacle with an open top end arranged to receive a
weighted ball therein, the strap members being joined to respective
anchor loops commonly secured on the hook member.
18. An exercise device comprising: an anchor member which is
inelastic and fixed in length between an inner end and an outer end
of the anchor member; an anchor loop fixed to the outer end of the
anchor member so as to be arranged to secure a weighted member to
the outer end of the anchor member; two support members, each
support member being substantially rigid and inelastic and being
fixed in length between an inner end pivotally coupled to the inner
end of the anchor member and an outer end opposite from the inner
end; a support loop fixed to the outer end of each support member;
two hand grips coupled to respective ones of the support loops of
the two support members such that each hand grip is arranged to be
gripped in a respective hand of a user in which each hand grip
comprises a generally cylindrical gripping body which is elongate
between a coupling end coupled to the respective support loop and
an opposing free end which is unsecured; each one of the support
members and the anchor member comprising a flat strap having a
width between two opposing side edges; and each support member
being joined to the anchor member across the full width of the
support member and the anchor member.
19. An exercise device comprising: an anchor member which is
inelastic and elongate between an inner end and an outer end of the
anchor member; an anchor loop fixed to the outer end of the anchor
member; a hook member supported on the anchor loop so as to be
readily releasable from the anchor loop; a weighted member
suspended from the anchor loop by the hook member; two support
members, each support member being inelastic and elongate between
an inner end coupled to the inner end of the anchor member and an
outer end opposite from the inner end; a support loop fixed to the
outer end of each support member; and two hand grips coupled to
respective ones of the support loops of the two support members
such that each hand grip is arranged to be gripped in a respective
hand of a user; each support member being pivotally coupled at the
inner end of the support member relative to the inner end of the
anchor member; and each of the anchor member and the support
members comprising an inelastic strap of fixed length.
20. The device according to claim 19 further comprising a bag
member suspending the weighted member from the hook member, the bag
member comprising: a hollow interior locating the weighted member
therein; an open top end arranged to receive the sand bags
therethrough; and a plurality of anchor loops mounted at spaced
position about the open top end, the anchor loops being commonly
secured on the hook member.
Description
[0001] This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C.119(e) of
U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 61/518,483, filed May 9,
2011.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to an exercise device
including hand grips and an anchor loop for connection to a
weighted member for performing various free-weight exercises, and
more particularly the present invention relates to an exercise
device generally comprising three strap members connected in a
Y-shaped configuration between the anchor loop connected to the
weighted member and the two hand grips.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Currently, there exist only a couple of pieces of basic
exercise equipment that allow for rotational plane exercises. The
most popular being a medicine ball with a rope attached to it. The
premise of this system is that the individual holds onto the rope
with their hands and swings the ball in whatever rotational plane
they desire. When the rotational plane is reversed, a plyometric
contraction takes place as the body employs antagonistic muscles to
reverse the rotational forces.
[0004] The device can also be used in a manner that allows the ball
to strike a solid body like the ground or a solid wall. This action
allows for the rapid deceleration of the weight and assists the
individual in changing the direction of rotation without having to
retard the velocity using muscular force. This allows for the
individual to rapidly disengage the agonist muscles and engage the
antagonist muscles without the need to slowly decelerate the
movement first with muscle resistance.
[0005] Although this system is an effective way of developing core
muscles and creating explosive muscle contractions, it is limited
in the following ways. First, the rope is a singular extension from
the medicine ball which allows the rope to be held only in a manner
similar to holding a baseball bat. This causes the forces that act
on the rope to pivot at the top of the griping hand closest to the
medicine ball. Since the rope is flexible and incapable of
transferring the forces further past the pivot point of the closest
hand, the further hand offers no assistance in inducing or
retarding any forces created once the medicine ball is put in
motion. This creates an asymmetrical action, where only one arm is
truly being exercised. This in turn causes the core to be utilized
in an asymmetrical fashion that could potentially lead to over use
injuries.
[0006] Second, the rope is directly tied to the medicine ball. This
causes binding of the rope as the ball spins around its own axis of
rotation. This binding causes torque forces to travel the rope.
This torque force can work against the grip of the user and can
dramatically limit the life of the product.
[0007] Third, the functionality of the system is limited to dynamic
rotational exercises. The only exercises that can be conducted
statically involve suspending the ball from the rope and using
muscle force to fight gravity in the opposite direction. This means
that the system only allows for resistance directly upwards from
the ground. Add to this that only one arm truly assists in this
movement and the static exercises are extremely limited.
[0008] Fourth, the rope system causes extreme friction to the hands
of the user causing extreme discomfort from both friction and the
binding forces from the leverage point created at the end of the
grip. This is typically compounded by the fact that users will wrap
the rope around their hand to give extra gripping ability. This
causes the rope to exert an enormous squeezing force across the
metacarpals that could lead to serious injury.
[0009] Finally, this system utilizes a fixed weight. The rope is
permanently affixed to the medicine ball. This means that anyone
wanting to utilize a larger or smaller weight must purchase an
entirely separate unit.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 7,044,896 by Hetrick discloses one example of
an exercise device using two inelastic straps connected to
respective hand grips in which the straps are commonly anchored to
a suitable anchor which is secured to a stationary object. The user
can thus perform various exercises but is generally limited to
exercises working against the stationary object or using their own
body weight as resistance.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] According to one aspect of the invention there is provided
an exercise device comprising:
[0012] an anchor member which is inelastic and elongate between an
inner end and an outer end of the anchor member;
[0013] an anchor loop fixed to the outer end of the anchor member
so as to be arranged to secure a weighted member to the outer end
of the anchor member;
[0014] two support members, each support member being inelastic and
elongate between an inner end coupled to the inner end of the
anchor member and an outer end opposite from the inner end;
[0015] a support loop fixed to the outer end of each support
member; and
[0016] two hand grips coupled to respective ones of the support
loops of the two support members such that each hand grip is
arranged to be gripped in a respective hand of a user;
[0017] each support member being rigid and inelastic between the
inner end and the outer end thereof; and
[0018] each support member being pivotally coupled at the inner end
of the support member relative to the inner end of the anchor
member.
[0019] The combination of anchor member and support members in a
resulting Y-shaped configuration permits any type of weighted
member to be suspended from two hand grips which remain independent
from one another. Accordingly, when performing either isometric or
dynamic exercises, the user must use many more stabilizer muscles
than conventional free weight exercises as the user must both i)
keep their hands in line with one another, and ii) apply additional
force to control the spacing between their hands resulting from the
free pivoting of the support members relative to the anchor
member.
[0020] Preferably the anchor member is rigid and inelastic between
the inner end and the outer end thereof. Preferably the anchor
member and the support members are coupled in a Y-shaped
configuration relative to one another in which each of the anchor
member and the support members comprises an inelastic strap of
fixed length.
[0021] Preferably each support member is fixed in length between
the inner end and the outer end thereof. Each support member may
have a fixed length of between 4 and 12 inches, and more preferably
between 5 and 7 inches between the inner end and the outer end
thereof.
[0022] Preferably the anchor member is also fixed in length between
the inner end and the outer end thereof, for example having a fixed
length of less than 12 inches between the inner end and the outer
end thereof.
[0023] Preferably each support member comprises two outer layers
and a rigid core body received between the two outer layers along a
full length of the support member between the inner end and the
outer end thereof, each outer layer comprising a flat strap having
two opposing side edges spanning a length of the support member
between the inner end and the outer end thereof, the two outer
layers being joined two one another along the two opposing side
edges respectively along opposing sides of the rigid core body
received therebetween.
[0024] Preferably each support member comprises a flat strap
stitched to the anchor member at the inner ends of the anchor
member and the support member, and wherein pivotal coupling of the
support members relative to the anchor member is defined by flexing
of the flat straps at the inner ends of the support members.
[0025] Preferably each one of the support members and the anchor
member comprise a flat strap having a width between two opposing
side edges, each support member being joined to the anchor member
across the full width of the support member and the anchor
member.
[0026] Preferably each hand grip comprises a generally cylindrical
gripping body which is elongate between a coupling end which is
coupled to the respective support loop and an opposing free end
which is unsecured. Preferably the body varies in diameter along a
length of the body between the coupling end and the free end to
define lobed portions and recessed portions at respective positions
along the length of the body. Preferably a swivel couples each body
to the respective support member.
[0027] The device may be used in combination with a hook member
supported on the anchor loop and a free weight disc supported on
the hook member.
[0028] Alternatively, a bag member may be supported on the hook
member in which the bag member comprises a hollow interior locating
a plurality of sand bags therein, an open top end arranged to
receive the sand bags therethrough, and a plurality of anchor loops
mounted at spaced position about the open top end in which the
anchor loops are commonly secured on the hook member.
[0029] Alternatively a ball supporting device may be provided
comprising a plurality of strap members coupled to one another to
define a receptacle with an open top end arranged to receive a
weighted ball therein in which the strap members are joined to
respective anchor loops commonly secured on the hook member.
[0030] According to a second aspect of the present invention there
is provided an exercise device comprising:
[0031] an anchor member which is inelastic and fixed in length
between an inner end and an outer end of the anchor member;
[0032] an anchor loop fixed to the outer end of the anchor member
so as to be arranged to secure a weighted member to the outer end
of the anchor member;
[0033] two support members, each support member being substantially
rigid and inelastic and being fixed in length between an inner end
pivotally coupled to the inner end of the anchor member and an
outer end opposite from the inner end;
[0034] a support loop fixed to the outer end of each support
member;
[0035] two hand grips coupled to respective ones of the support
loops of the two support members such that each hand grip is
arranged to be gripped in a respective hand of a user in which each
hand grip comprises a generally cylindrical gripping body which is
elongate between a coupling end coupled to the respective support
loop and an opposing free end which is unsecured;
[0036] each one of the support members and the anchor member
comprising a flat strap having a width between two opposing side
edges; and
[0037] each support member being joined to the anchor member across
the full width of the support member and the anchor member.
[0038] According to a further aspect of the present invention of
there is provided an exercise device comprising:
[0039] an anchor member which is inelastic and elongate between an
inner end and an outer end of the anchor member;
[0040] an anchor loop fixed to the outer end of the anchor
member;
[0041] a hook member supported on the anchor loop so as to be
readily releasable from the anchor loop;
[0042] a weighted member suspended from the anchor loop by the hook
member;
[0043] two support members, each support member being inelastic and
elongate between an inner end coupled to the inner end of the
anchor member and an outer end opposite from the inner end;
[0044] a support loop fixed to the outer end of each support
member; and
[0045] two hand grips coupled to respective ones of the support
loops of the two support members such that each hand grip is
arranged to be gripped in a respective hand of a user;
[0046] each support member being pivotally coupled at the inner end
of the support member relative to the inner end of the anchor
member; and
[0047] each of the anchor member and the support members comprises
an inelastic strap of fixed length.
[0048] In the second embodiment, a bag member preferably suspends
the weighted member from the hook member in which the bag member
comprises: i) a hollow interior locating the weighted member
therein; ii) an open top end arranged to receive the sand bags
therethrough; and iii) a plurality of anchor loops mounted at
spaced position about the open top end, the anchor loops being
commonly secured on the hook member.
[0049] According to some of the embodiments of the present
invention described herein there is provided numerous benefits
beyond prior art devices as described in the following:
[0050] i) The invention utilizes a strapping system that adds
rigidity. This assists with the transfer of forces if the weighting
system losses centripetal or centrifugal forces. This will also
allow the weight to be moved at slower speeds than the traditional
rope system without loss of control or creating potentially harmful
jerking motions.
[0051] ii) The strapping system utilizes a "Y" configuration. This
configuration splits the strapping system leading from the weight.
By doing this it allows for the user to use each hand to hold on to
the two individual straps which meet together at the same place on
the primary strap that is affixed to the weight. This allows for
both arms to become directly involved in inducing and retarding
forces. This dramatically reduces the probability of injury while
increasing the symmetrical involvement of the core.
[0052] iii) A handle allows for a comfortable grip that causes all
forces to be equally spread across the palm of the hand. This is
the optimal location for forces to act when utilizing the hand to
overcome resistance. This dramatically reduces fatigue in the hand,
extending the time exercises can continue. It also dramatically
reduces the possibility of injury.
[0053] iv) The handles utilize quick release connectors to attach
them to the "Y" strap. This allows for quick removal of one of the
handles and for the remaining handle to be attached to both ends of
the "Y" strapping. This is done for individuals that desire to
exercise only one arm at a time in a similar manner to existing
systems.
[0054] v) The "Y" strapping and handles allow for rotation to occur
in separate planes for each hand. This is extremely beneficial as
it creates an infinite number of ways that the arms can be placed
during acceleration and deceleration of the weight. This is
important as the invention was primarily developed to address
sports specific training. The current products can only address
rotation with both arms always acting on the same plane. This
limits the ability for users to recreate the same movement utilized
in their specific sport.
[0055] vi) The "Y" strapping allows for multi direction forces to
be applied when the invention is used in a static manner. As
mentioned, existing systems only allow for static resistance to
occur only on the y-axis. The "Y" strapping allows for the
invention to allow for static resistance to occur on the y-axis,
x-axis and z-axis. This increases the number of static exercises to
an extremely high number as any variation of the three axis's will
alter the location on the body where the force is acting.
[0056] vii) The end of the "Y" strap that is affixed to the weight
can utilizes a swivel attachment. This swivel prevents torque
forces to be transferred to the strap. This prevents binding,
extends the life of the product and removes torque from being
transferred to the hands of the user.
[0057] viii) The present invention utilizes a universally
adjustable weight holding system. This allows for quick increase
and decrease of weight as desired for specific exercises. It also
allows for variation in the type of weight being utilized. It
ensures that the force of the weight against the holding system is
equally transferred to the swivel attachment. The holding device
can be used to hold medicine balls, sand or steel shot neoprene
bags, or more traditional weighting systems. This allows for
flexibility in use, cost savings and the ability to utilize the
strapping system while traveling without the need to pack a heavy
and bulky weight.
[0058] Various embodiments of the invention will now be described
in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0059] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the
exercise device;
[0060] FIG. 2 is a sectional view along the line 2-2 of FIG. 1;
[0061] FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the exercise device
according to FIG. 1 in use;
[0062] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a hand
grip;
[0063] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a weighted
device;
[0064] FIG. 6 is a front elevational view of a second embodiment of
the exercise device with the hand grips shown spread apart;
[0065] FIG. 7 is a front elevational view of the device according
to FIG. 6 with the hand grips shown adjacent to one another;
[0066] FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 are perspective views of a dynamic use of
the device according to FIG. 6; and
[0067] FIGS. 10 and 11 are perspective views of a static use of the
device according to FIG. 6.
[0068] In the drawings like characters of reference indicate
corresponding parts in the different figures.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0069] Referring to the accompanying figures there is illustrated
an exercise device generally indicated by reference numeral 10. The
device 10 generally relates to a strapping accessory coupled
between various gripping devices and various weighted devices for
performing free weight exercises including isometric exercises and
exercises including ranges of motion.
[0070] Turning now to FIGS. 1 through 5, according to a first
embodiment, the device 10 generally includes an anchor member 12
and two support members 14 formed of strap material which are
joined in a Y-shaped configuration. Each of the members 12 and 14
is elongate between and inner end 16 and an opposing outer end 18
so as to be inelastic, substantially rigid, and fixed in length
between the inner and outer ends.
[0071] Each member is formed of two outer layers 20, each formed of
flat straps of flexible woven material and one core layer 22
received therebetween. Each strap has a constant width defined
between two opposing side edges 24 which extends in the
longitudinal direction a full length of the member between the
opposing inner end and outer end thereof. Within each member the
two side edges of one outer layer are joined to the corresponding
two side edges of the other outer layer to define a pocket
therebetween which spans a full length and which receives the core
layer therein.
[0072] The core layer comprises a rigid flat body spanning the full
width and full length of the outer strap layers between which it is
received. The anchor member and the two support members are all
substantially identical in width, for example two inches in the
illustrated embodiment, as well as being similar in length, for
example near six inches in the preferred illustrated
embodiment.
[0073] The inner end of each support member 14 is stitched across
the full width thereof to the inner end of the anchor member 12
across the full width thereof. The portion of flexible strap
material at the inner end of each support member which is joined by
stitching to the anchor member at the inner end of the core body
defines a pivotal coupling between the inner end of each support
member and the inner end of the anchor member such that the two
support members have a common pivotal axis parallel to the flat
width of the members.
[0074] Within each member 12 and 14, the two outer layers 20 are
integrally joined with one another to define a loop of the strap
material protruding longitudinally beyond the end of the core body
at the outer end for anchoring various accessories thereon. The
integral loop of strap material is formed by folding a common strap
member to define the two outer layers of each member which are then
stitched together along the two opposing side edges 24.
[0075] On each support member, the loop of material defines a
support loop 26 spanning the full width of the strap. A metal
annular link 28 having a width corresponding approximately to the
width of the support loop 26 is retained within each loop. A snap
hook 30 is secured to the annular link 28 diametrically opposite
from the support loop retaining a portion of the annular link
therein for being selectively clipped onto various grip accessories
as described in further detail below.
[0076] On the anchor member, the loop of material at the outer end
defines an anchor loop 27 which has side edges folded inwardly so
as to be narrower in width at the outer end opposite the remainder
of the anchor member so as to be suitable for hooking various
weight accessories thereon also as described in further detail
below.
[0077] The device 10 includes two hand grips 32 arranged to be
connected to the snap hooks 30 of the two support loops 26
respectively. Each hand grip includes an elongate and generally
cylindrical body having a rigid core extending between a coupling
end 34 and an opposing free end 36. A rigid metal loop 38 is
connected to the coupling end 34 by a swivel assembly 40 permitting
the loop 38 to be pivotal about a longitudinal axis of the
cylindrical body. The loop 38 is suitably sized for being received
within the hook portion of the snap hook 30 of the respective
support member.
[0078] The cylindrical body is ergonomically shaped to assist in
gripping by the user. The ergonomic shape includes the coupling end
of the cylindrical body being rounded and semi-spherical in shape.
Furthermore, the diameter of the outer surface of the body varies
along the length of the body to define some recessed areas where
the outer diameter is reduced and some lobed areas at longitudinal
positions between recessed areas where the outer diameter is
increased in relation to the recessed areas.
[0079] The outer surface of the cylindrical body further includes a
layer of gripping material conforming to the varying outer diameter
of the body and being integrally supported in a mating
configuration with the outer surface of the rigid core body.
[0080] By providing an anchor loop 30 at the coupling end with the
opposing end of the body being a free end, the hand grips can be
gripped in the hand of the user such that the axial direction of
the body extends substantially co-axially with the longitudinal
direction of the respective support member to which it is
coupled.
[0081] Among the various accessories arranged to be connected to
the anchor loop 27 at the outer end of anchor member is a
multi-purpose hook accessory 42 arranged to hook various weighted
devices thereon. The hook accessory includes an upper hook portion
44 comprises of two leg portions 46 connected at an upper apex of
the hook accessory so as to be near perpendicular to one another in
the range of 80 degrees at the interior angle for example. The
interior angle of the upper hook is arranged to be hooked and
retained on the anchor loop 27 in use.
[0082] To assist in retaining the upper hook portion on the anchor
loop, the upper hook further includes a retainer portion 48
extending inwardly from the bottom end of the one of the leg
portions at an acute interior angle, for example 60 degrees.
[0083] The other leg portion of the upper hook portion is joined to
a lower hook portion 50 also formed of two leg portions 52 meeting
at an interior angle of approximately 80 degrees so as to be near
perpendicular and defining a bottom apex opposite the top apex of
the upper hook. One of the leg portions 52 of the lower hook is
joined at an obtuse angle to the corresponding leg portion of the
upper hook so as to define an interior angle of near 130 degrees
for example.
[0084] The leg portions of the lower hook are longer than the leg
portions of the upper hook to provide a broad hooking area for
hooking various weighted members thereon including free weight
discs, kettle bells and the like. One of the leg portions 52 of the
lower hook defining the free end of the hook is formed by two bars
which diverge from one another from the bottom apex to the free end
of the hook to provide a broad supporting surface upon which a
portion of a free weight disc may be supported for example.
[0085] In place of the hook accessory 42 various additional
weighted accessories can be secured to the anchor loop 27 using a
carabineer or other configuration of snap hook 59 for example.
[0086] In one instance an enclosed bag 55 may be supported by a
snap hook 59 in which the bag is formed by two side panels 56
joined along opposing side edges and along the bottom edge to one
another such that the top edges of the two panels remain open
therebetween. Anchor loops 58 are secured at spaced positions along
both top edges of the two panels 56 such that the loops 58 may all
be gathered together and commonly anchored to the snap hook for
providing the dual function of maintaining the open top end of the
bag in a closed position as well as suspending the bag from the
anchor loop 27. The bag in this instance permits various soft
weights to be received therein including sandbags and the like. The
bag may be formed of durable canvas material, or in alternative
embodiments the panels may be formed of a soft resilient neoprene
material for example. In either instance the anchor loops 58 about
the open top end of the bag are secured across a large area of the
bag by suitable stitching for example.
[0087] In an alternative embodiment of the weighted device, an open
mesh bag may be provided using an arrangement of various straps
interconnected in a grid like pattern as shown in FIG. 6 through 11
to define a pocket or receptacle shape with an open top end of
suitable size for receiving a medicine ball therein, for example.
Ends of the various straps forming the mesh bag which surround the
open top end include integral anchor loops 62 arranged to be
commonly gathered on a common snap hook for coupling to the anchor
loop 27 at the outer end of the anchor member by a suitable swivel
64.
[0088] In further embodiments different types of hand grips may be
used for connection to the support loops 26 at the outer ends of
the two support members. One alternative hand grip configuration
shown in FIGS. 6 through 11 comprises a rigid handle member
including two end straps of equal length extending from opposing
ends of the handle and joined to one another by a suitable hock to
the respective support loop. In this instance the handle portion
gripped by the user is held substantially perpendicularly to the
longitudinal direction of the respective support member rather then
being substantially coaxial with the support member as in the
preferred embodiment described above.
[0089] In the preferred embodiment the user typically grasps the
two hands grips in respective hands of the users with the hands of
being held level with one another at a common elevation. The length
of the two support members is arranged such that when the user
pulls their two hands apart to a spacing corresponding
approximately to the space between their shoulders, the support
members are maintained in a near horizontal orientation with the
anchor member suspended therefrom at a central location between the
two hands of the user.
[0090] The user typically holds the two hand grips 32 such that the
longitudinal direction of the cylindrical bodies is substantially
co-axial with the support members and the support members are
pulled apart so as to be substantially co-axial with one another.
The user may hold the grips with their arms extending forwardly in
front of them with hands in either a palm facing up or palm facing
down configuration. With a suitable weighted device suspended from
the anchor loop 27 the user may perform isometric exercises by
maintaining the support members in a horizontal orientation by
pulling their hands away from one another. Alternatively, the user
may maintain the horizontal orientation through a range of motion,
for example when performing arm curls. In addition to the upward
curling motion, the configuration of the two support members in a
Y-shaped configuration with the anchor member requires the user to
exert considerable stabilizer muscles throughout the full range of
the curling motion.
[0091] In other uses, the hook accessory 42 can be used for
anchoring the device 10 to various stationary objects. For example,
the hook 42 may be hooked onto a chin-up bar such that the user
uses the hand grips of the exercise device 10 as an alternative
means of gripping the chin-up bar.
[0092] In yet further uses, the anchor loop 27 or the hook
accessory can be used for connection in place of any other type of
hand grip of various exercise machines including cable pulled
weight lifting equipment and the like. The independence of the two
hand grips being pivotally connected to a common anchor location
again requires the user to exert additional stabilizer muscles to
level the hands of the user relative to one another instead of just
pulling on the cable which only provides a linear resistance.
[0093] Turning now to FIGS. 6 through 11, in the second embodiment,
the strapping system is designed to hold an item with sufficient
mass to achieve a desired level of resistance that would be optimal
for the individual utilizing the system. Primarily, the strapping
would hold medicine balls, sand or steel shot neoprene bags, or
more traditional weighting systems. The selection of the type of
weighting system is important as it has a direct impact on the
variety of exercises that can be performed safely by the
individual. The medicine ball would represent the widest variety of
exercises with a traditional steel weight system having the least
amount of exercises.
[0094] Each handle strapping 120 connects to the handle 110 by
passing through the hollow cylinder running the length of the
handle 110. This allows the handle strapping 120 to move freely and
prevents binding. The other end of the handle strapping 120
attaches to a D-ring 130.
[0095] Each snap hook 140 is attached to one of the split upper
fabric strappings 150. The snap hook 140 allows for either or both
of the handles to be removed or attached to each other. The snap
hooks 140 can also be used to join other training attachments to
the strapping system.
[0096] The upper fabric strapping 160 is the extension of both
split upper fabric strappings 150. The upper fabric strapping 160
is stiff to give rigidity. It attaches to the swivel snap 180 which
serves two functions. The swivel allows the weighted pouch area
that consists of the external fabric strapping 200, the internal
fabric strapping 210 and the mesh retaining fabric 220, to rotate
and not bind. The snap allows it to be attached to the upper
strapping assembly.
[0097] The external fabric strapping 200, internal fabric strapping
210 and mesh retaining fabric 120 are all joined together and
attach directly to a D-ring 190. The D-ring(s) 190 are placed
together to secure the weighted pouch to attach to the upper
strapping system. It also allows for various size medicine balls to
fit into the pouch.
[0098] For the invention to be useful, a weight must be utilized.
The external fabric strapping 200, internal fabric strapping 210
and mesh retaining fabric 220 are designed to act as a pouch to
hold a variety of weights. Primarily, the pouch will hold a
medicine ball as it allows for the most diversity of techniques
that can be used during training. The pouch allows for various size
and weights of medicine balls to be held.
[0099] When the handles 110 are attached in the manner identified
in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 the strapping system will allow for the user
to use each hand to hold each separate handle 110. This creates the
ability for the system to be used for both dynamic exercises as
demonstrated in FIGS. 8 and 9 and static exercises as demonstrated
in FIGS. 10 and 11.
[0100] The split upper fabric 150 allows for the arms and hands of
the user to be moved and adjusted in an unlimited number of planes
during dynamic use of the training device. This includes multi
directional rotation as indicated by the arrows in FIGS. 8 and 9.
The split upper fabric 150 allows for static tension exercises by
creating the ability to create muscle tension in directions that
are not restricted to only countering the gravitational pull from
the weight.
[0101] For more concentrated dynamic and static exercises, the two
split upper fabric 150 extensions can be hooked together by having
the snap hooks 140 attach to a single handle 110. This allows the
device to be used for dynamic and static exercises that utilizes
only one arm.
[0102] Finally, the snap hooks 140 can be detached from the handles
so various other training attachments could be used. Such as cloth
attachment to replicate clothing in grappling sports, simulated end
of a baseball bat, simulated end of a hockey stick, or any other
grip training type of attachment.
[0103] In alternative embodiments, different materials, sizes and
interconnections can be used for all components. For example, in
lieu of handles, various other training attachments could be used
such as a cloth attachment to replicate clothing in grappling
sports, a simulated end of a baseball bat, a simulated end of a
hockey stick, or any other grip training type of attachment.
Furthermore, an elastic component could be used in place of the
fabric strapping. Furthermore, various features of the second
embodiment of FIGS. 6 through 11 may be used interchangeably with
corresponding features in the first embodiment of FIG. 1 through
5.
[0104] Since various modifications can be made in my invention as
herein above described, and many apparently widely different
embodiments of same made within the spirit and scope of the claims
without department from such spirit and scope, it is intended that
all matter contained in the accompanying specification shall be
interpreted as illustrative only and not in a limiting sense.
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