EXERCISE EQUIPMENT HANDLE

Abstract

An exercise equipment handle permits a user to perform inverted rows with a vertical bar positioned above the user, such as on the barbell part of a Smith machine. The handle can be hung from the barbell part and the user can be positioned underneath. The user can grip the handles and do inverted rows with a neutral (palms facing) grip. In some embodiments, the handles are close to provide a narrow grip. The handles are typically turned out at an angle and are suspended on a cross-piece. The user is able to do inverted row exercises safely, without the lower back strain usually associated with rowing-type exercise.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to exercise equipment handle and, more particularly, to an exercise equipment handle for doing inverted rows in, for example, any Smith machine.

In the gym, a truism is quickly learned—all of the wide grip chins and pull-downs in the world can't give someone a fully developed, defined back. For that, a person must do your heavy rows, especially close grip. However, the problem with those exercises (heavy low pulley rows, T-bar rows and medium grip bent over barbell rows) is that they put an enormous load on the lower back.

As can be seen, there is a need for a device to permit a person to perform rowing-type exercises while minimizing back strain.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the present invention, a exercise equipment handle comprises a bar member; at least one hook extending from a first side of the bar member; a first handle suspended from a second, opposite side of the bar member on a first end of the bar member; and a second handle suspended from the second, opposite side of the bar member on a second end of the bar member, wherein the first handle and the second handle are disposed at an angle relative to an axis of the bar member.

In another aspect of the present invention, a exercise equipment handle comprises a bar member; at least a first hook and a second hook extending from a first side of the bar member; a first handle suspended from a second, opposite side of the bar member on a first end of the bar member; and a second handle suspended from the second, opposite side of the bar member on a second end of the bar member, wherein the first handle and the second handle are disposed at an angle of about 10 to about 20 degrees, relative to an axis of the bar member.

In a further aspect of the present invention, a method for exercising comprises attaching a bar member to a fixed bar via one or more hooks that extend from a first side of the bar member; laying supine under the fixed bar; grasping handles located on each end of the bar member, the handles being angled relative to an axis of the bar member; and pulling oneself up toward the fixed bar.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a user performing exercises using the exercise handle device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the exercise handle device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an exercise handle device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the exercise handle device of FIG. 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.

Broadly, an embodiment of the present invention provides an exercise equipment handle for doing inverted rows with a vertical bar positioned above the user, such as on the barbell part of a Smith machine. The handle can be hung from the barbell part and the user can be positioned underneath. The user can grip the handles and do inverted rows with a neutral (palms facing) grip. In some embodiments, the handles are close to provide a narrow grip. The handles are typically turned out at an angle and are suspended on a cross-piece. The user is able to do inverted row exercises safely, without the lower back strain usually associated with rowing-type exercise.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 through 3, a user may position themselves supine below a suspended barbell 22. Typically the barbell 22 can be suspended at about an arm's length away from the user. The exercise handle device (also referred to as the “Backbull” device) can be hung on the barbell 22 and provide the user with handles 12 to perform rowing-type exercise.

The Backbull device includes a bar member 10 having at least one hook 16, typically a first and a second hook 16, extending from one side of the bar member 10. The hooks 16 may, for example, be hooks with threads 18 adapted to thread into the bar member 10 and attached with a weld 20. In some embodiments, the hooks 16 may be formed integrally with the bar member. The hooks may be designed to allow the Backbull device to hand from the barbell 22 as shown in FIG. 1.

At or near each end of the bar member 10, handle brackets 14 may extend in a direction generally opposite that of the hooks 16. The handles 12 may be held in place by the handle brackets 14. The handles 12 may be disposed at an angle relative to the bar member 10. This angle may be from about 5 to about 30 degrees, typically from about 10 to about 20 degrees, and even more typically, about 15 degrees.

In an exemplary use of the Backbull device of the present invention, a user may attach the hooks 16 to the barbell 22 with the handles 12 angled outward (relative to the users feet), as shown in FIG. 1. A user may hold the handles with a palm-facing grip and pull themselves up in a rowing motion. This motion can provide the user with an excellent and efficient inverted rowing exercise without the back strain associated with conventional rowing exercises.

The bar member 10 of the Backbull device may provide handles that are spaced apart a distance shorter than the user's shoulder width, typically from about 6 inches to about 24 inches apart, typically about 10 inches apart.

Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, the bar member 10 may be made longer to provide a different exercise effect. For example, the bar member 10 may support the handles 12 spaced apart a distance longer than the user's shoulder width, typically from about 2 feet to about 4 feet apart.

It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. An exercise equipment handle comprising:

a bar member;

at least one hook extending from a first side of the bar member;

a first handle suspended from a second, opposite side of the bar member on a first end of the bar member; and

a second handle suspended from the second, opposite side of the bar member on a second end of the bar member, wherein

the first handle and the second handle are disposed at an angle relative to an axis of the bar member.

2. The exercise equipment handle of claim 1, wherein the at least one hook includes a first hook and a second hook.

3. The exercise equipment handle of claim 1, wherein the angle is from about 10 to about 20 degrees.

4. The exercise equipment handle of claim 1, wherein the angle is about 15 degrees.

5. The exercise equipment handle of claim 1, further comprising a handle bracket interconnecting the handle with the bar member.

6. The exercise equipment handle of claim 1, wherein the handles are spaced apart about 10 inches.

7. The exercise equipment handle of claim 1, wherein the handles are spaced apart between about 24 to 48 inches.

8. An exercise equipment handle comprising:

a bar member;

at least a first hook and a second hook extending from a first side of the bar member;

a first handle suspended from a second, opposite side of the bar member on a first end of the bar member; and

a second handle suspended from the second, opposite side of the bar member on a second end of the bar member, wherein

the first handle and the second handle are disposed at an angle of about 10 to about 20 degrees, relative to an axis of the bar member.

9. The exercise equipment handle of claim 8, wherein the angle is about 15 degrees and the handles are spaced apart a distance of about 10 inches.

10. A method for exercising, comprising:

attaching a bar member to a fixed bar via one or more hooks that extend from a first side of the bar member;

laying supine under the fixed bar;

grasping handles located on each end of the bar member, the handles being angled relative to an axis of the bar member; and

pulling oneself up toward the fixed bar.