Apparatus and method for a grip for an exercise device
A handle grip for an exercise apparatus has a curvilinear body having a shaft and a gripping portion. The gripping portion has a plurality of concave indentations arranged in series. Each of the indentations is adapted to receive an associated finger of a user's hand. The gripping portion is disposed at a distal end of the shaft. The curvilinear body is selectively flexible such that the body bends as force is applied to the gripping portion. The gripping portion further comprises a first exterior surface having a bulbous shape so as to fit an associated contour of a user's palm. The configuration and flexibility of the present invention provides for an ergonomic handle grip for an exercise apparatus, which enables the user to focus on their exercise regiment rather than discomfort.
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A. Field of Invention
This invention pertains to the art of methods and apparatuses for a grip utilized with an exercise device. More specifically, the present invention pertains to grips that are ergonomic to the user and can be used with a variety of exercise devices such as, but not limited to, stationary bicycles and elliptical machines.
B. Description of the Related Art
A regular exercise regiment is necessary to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Consumers regularly choose exercise equipment for cardiovascular exercise or other types of training. However, if a piece of exercise equipment is uncomfortable to use, the consumer may become easily discouraged and not use the exercise equipment. Not only is this a loss of the benefit of exercise, but it is a monetary loss as well if the consumer purchased the equipment that will no longer be used, or does not take advantage of equipment at a local gym for which they pay membership fees.
Comfort is also key to achieve an optimum workout. When parts of the body are comfortable, such as the hands, feet, or back, the consumer can focus on the exercise routine to ensure they have proper posture and body position, rather than being distracted by an uncomfortable hand grip, for example.
For exercise equipment such as stationary bicycles, elliptical machines, row machines, and others, handles or a handle bar are provided for the user to rest their hands. Often, the user grips the handles or handle bar. Most handles are generally cylindrical in shape with no consideration for optimum hand position, namely, the fingers and palm. Further, most handles and handle bars are rigid. Without any degree of flexibility, the consumer may experience unneeded discomfort during their exercise routine.
Based upon the foregoing, there is a need in the art for an improved grip for an exercise device that is comfortable to use by providing optimum hand position with the fingers and palm, as well as flexibility.
II. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONAccording to one aspect of the present invention, a new and improved handle grip for an exercise device is provided which has a curvilinear body having a shaft and a gripping portion. The gripping portion may have a plurality of concave indentations arranged in series. Each of the indentations is adapted to receive an associated finger of a user's hand. The gripping portion may be disposed at a distal end of the shaft. The curvilinear body may be selectively flexible such that the body bends as force is applied to the gripping portion. The gripping portion may further comprise a first exterior surface having a bulbous shape so as to fit an associated contour of a user's palm. The configuration and flexibility of the present invention provides for an ergonomic handle grip for an exercise apparatus, which enables the user to focus on their exercise regiment rather than discomfort.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a grip, wherein the body may be adapted to flex in a forward direction.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a grip, wherein the gripping portion may have a first exterior surface, the first exterior surface may be adapted to fit the contour of an associated user's palm of a hand.
Further, another object of the present invention is to provide a grip, wherein the body may have a first exterior surface and a second exterior surface, the plurality of concave indentations may extend from the first exterior surface and into the second exterior surface.
Still yet, another object of the present invention is to provide a grip, wherein the body may have a length l, a first exterior surface and a second exterior surface, the first exterior surface and the second exterior surface may define a body thickness t, wherein the body thickness may vary along the length l.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a grip, wherein the second exterior surface may have at least two concave portions.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a grip, wherein the body may have a first half and a second half, and a handle member may be positioned between the first half and the second half.
Further, another object of the present invention is to provide a grip, wherein the handle member may be a component of an exercise device.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a grip, wherein each of the indentations may have a first end, a second end, a first lateral side, and a second lateral side, the first and second lateral sides may extend between the first end and the second end, wherein each indentation may be curvilinear from the first lateral side to the second lateral side and each indentation may be curvilinear from the first end to the second end.
Still, another object of the present invention to provide a grip wherein the gripping portion may have a width w1, and the shaft may have a width w2, wherein w2<w1.
Further yet, anther object of the present invention is to provide a grip which may be used on the handle member of a stationary bicycle.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide a grip which may be used on the handle member of an elliptical machine.
Still other benefits and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains upon a reading and understanding of the following detailed specification.
III. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSThe invention may take physical form in certain parts and arrangement of parts, a preferred embodiment of which will be described in detail in this specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof and wherein:
Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for purposes of illustrating a preferred embodiment of the invention only and not for purposes of limiting the same,
With reference to
With specific reference to
With continuing reference to
With reference to
With reference to
With reference to
In order to assemble the present invention, the holes 46 of the handle member 44 are positioned over the fastener receiving members 50 of the first interior surface 21. The second half 25 of the body 11 is positioned over the first half 26. Fasteners press through the holes 53 and secure the first half 26 and the second half 28 together. In the manner, the handle member 44 is securely positioned within the handle grip 10. Projections 52, 54 further aid in securing the position of the handle member 44 within the body 11. With this configuration, the handle grip 10 is adapted to rotate about the tubular member 42 in order for the user to obtain optimal hand position.
The preferred embodiments have been described, hereinabove. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the above methods may incorporate changes and modifications without departing from the general scope of this invention. It is intended to include all such modifications and alterations in so far as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.
Having thus described the invention, it is now claimed:
Claims
1. An apparatus, comprising:
- a body having a shaft and a gripping portion, said gripping portion having a plurality of concave indentations arranged in series, said gripping portion disposed at a distal end of said shaft.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of concave indentations is adapted to receive a finger.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the body is adapted to flex.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein is selectively flexible such that said body bends as force is applied to said gripping portion.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the gripping portion has a first exterior surface, said first exterior surface adapted to fit the contour of an associated user's palm of a hand.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the body has a first exterior surface and a second exterior surface, said plurality of concave indentations extending from said first exterior surface and into said second exterior surface.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the body has a length l, a first exterior surface and a second exterior surface, the first exterior surface and the second exterior surface defining a body thickness t, wherein the body thickness varies along the length l.
8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the second exterior surface has at least two concave portions.
9. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:
- a handle member, wherein said body further comprises a first half and a second half, wherein the handle member is positioned between said first half and said second half.
10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the handle member is a component of an exercise device.
11. A handle grip for an exercise apparatus, the handle grip comprising:
- a body having a shaft and a gripping portion, said gripping portion disposed at a distal end of said shaft, said body being a shell having a thermoplastic overmold operatively connected thereto.
12. The handle grip of claim 11, wherein said body has a central axis and is selectively pivotable about said central axis.
13. The handle grip of claim 11, wherein said gripping portion further comprises a first exterior surface having a bulbous shape so as to fit an associated contour of a user's palm.
14. The handle grip of claim 11, wherein said gripping portion has a plurality of concave indentations arranged in series, each of said indentations adapted to receive an associated finger of a user's hand, wherein each of said indentations has a first end, a second end, a first lateral side and a second lateral side, said first and said second lateral sides extending between said first end and said second end, wherein each indentation is curvilinear from said first lateral side to said second lateral side and each indention is curvilinear from said first end to said second end.
15. The handle grip of claim 11, wherein said gripping portion has a width w1, said shaft has a width w2, wherein w2<w1.
16. The handle grip of claim 11, wherein said body is curvilinear.
17. The handle grip of claim 11, wherein said exercise device is a bicycle.
18. The handle grip of claim 11, wherein said exercise device is an elliptical machine.
19. A handle grip for an exercise device, comprising a curvilinear body having
- a shaft; and
- a gripping portion, said gripping portion having a plurality of concave indentations arranged in series, each of said indentations adapted to receive an associated fingers of a user's hand, said gripping portion disposed at a distal end of said shaft, said gripping portion further comprising a first exterior surface having a bulbous shape so as to fit an associated contour of a user's palm, each of said indentations having a first end, a second end, a first lateral side and a second lateral side, said first and said second lateral sides extending between said first end and said second end, wherein each indentation is curvilinear from said first lateral side to said second lateral side and each indention is curvilinear from said first end to said second end, said gripping portion has a width w1, said shaft having a width w2, wherein w2<w1,
- wherein said body is selectively flexible such that said body bends as force is applied to said gripping portion, the body has a length l, a first exterior surface and a second exterior surface, the first exterior surface and the second exterior surface defining a body thickness t, wherein the body thickness varies along the length l, wherein the second exterior surface has at least two concave portions.
Type: Application
Filed: Dec 21, 2004
Publication Date: Jun 22, 2006
Applicant:
Inventors: Michael Clark (Wadsworth, OH), Detlev Smith (Fairlawn, OH)
Application Number: 11/018,802
International Classification: A63B 71/00 (20060101); A63B 23/00 (20060101);