GRIPPING APPARATUS FOR AN EXERCISE BAR
A gripping apparatus for an exercise bar grip surface. The apparatus including an elongate flexible strap and a tubular member. The strap including a retention member for removeably securing to a wrist of a user. The strap including an extension portion, where the extension portion extends away from the retention member. The tubular member mounts on the exercise bar grip surface. The tubular member having a longitudinal length, wherein the tubular member is open at opposed ends of the longitudinal length. The tubular member having an inner passage defined by at least one wall. The tubular member including a cut passing through the wall and extending across the longitudinal length. A portion of the strap is secured to the tubular member, whereby an amount of the extension portion between the retention member and the tubular member is selectively adjustable.
The present application claims priority to provisional patent Application Ser. No. 61/050,025, filed May 2, 2008. This earlier filed provisional application is incorporated herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELDThe disclosed technologies relate to weight lifting and fitness exercise. In particular, disclosed is a gripping apparatus for an exercise bar for improving a user's grip on and interaction with an exercise bar.
BACKGROUNDLifting straps are often used to assist a user in exercising and particularly weight lifting. Such straps allow the user to concentrate on aspects of the exercise relating to the user's body and muscle movements, rather than those aspects involved in maintaining one's grip on the exercise bar. Maintaining one's grip on an exercise bar can be a challenge when the weight being lifted or moved approaches or exceeds the user's grip strength. Such lifting straps generally include a strap with a loop that is placed around the user's wrist. The rest of the strap extending away from the loop is then tightly wrapped directly around the exercise bar. The user then grips the wrapped portion of the strap, enabling the user's wrist and arm to relieve some of the effort otherwise needed to hold the weight.
Additionally, exercise bars are typically formed in a fixed cylindrical form. Whether as a unitary bar upon which weights are secured, the grip portion of a dumbbell or a grip handle for weight lifting, such exercise bar have a fixed grip circumference. Thus, even though the size and strength of individual users various drastically, they are all forced to conform to a fixed size exercise bar. Also, individual users are unable to vary the size, circumference or even nature of a grip surface in order to alter an exercise. For example, a thicker bar will require a different grip than a thinner bar.
Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a gripping apparatus for an exercise bar and a method of using same in order to assist a user in maintaining a grip on an exercise bar while allowing the user to alter the fixed circumference of the grip surface, as well as overcoming other shortcomings of the prior art.
SUMMARYOne aspect of the disclosed technologies relates to a gripping apparatus for an exercise bar grip surface. The apparatus including a tubular member including a thickness and a longitudinal length. The thickness defined by the distance between an outer surface of the tubular member and an inner surface of the tubular member. The inner surface having an inner tubular width suitable for substantially surrounding the exercise bar grip surface, wherein a cut extends across the entire longitudinal length for removeably securing the member to the exercise bar grip surface. The cut includes opposed inner walls extending from the outer surface to the inner surface, wherein the distance between the opposed walls is substantially less than the inner tubular width. The tubular member is formed of an elastic material such that the cut can be forced apart from a closed position to an open position by a user in order to removeably secure the tubular member on the exercise bar. The material being biased to return the cut to the closed position when no longer forced apart. Also, at least one strap aperture extends into or through the thickness, the at least one strap aperture being disposed remote from the cut.
In accordance with another aspect of the disclosed technologies the tubular member can have a generally circular cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the longitudinal length. Also, the tubular member can have a non-circular shape perpendicular to the longitudinal length. Further, the tubular member can include more than one tubular layer, wherein upon installation on the exercise bar an inner surface of a first layer engages the exercise bar, wherein at least one second layer is removeably secured to and substantially surrounds the first layer.
In accordance with another aspect of the disclosed technologies the gripping apparatus can include an elongate flexible strap, wherein the strap extends into or through the strap aperture. The strap can include a retention member for securing to a wrist of the user. A size of the retention member can be adjustable for customizing to a user. The strap position can be adjustable relative to the tubular member, wherein a distance between the tubular member and the retention member is selectively adjustable.
Another aspect of the disclosed technologies relates to a gripping apparatus for an exercise bar grip surface, the apparatus including an elongate flexible strap and a tubular member. The elongate flexible strap including a retention member for removeably securing to a wrist of a user. The strap including an extension portion, wherein the extension portion extends away from the retention member. The tubular member can be mounted on the exercise bar grip surface. The tubular member having a longitudinal length, wherein the tubular member is open at opposed ends of the longitudinal length. The tubular member having an inner passage defined by at least one wall. The tubular member including a cut passing through the wall and extending across the longitudinal length. A portion of the strap is secured to the tubular member, whereby an amount of the extension portion between the retention member and the tubular member is selectively adjustable.
In accordance with another aspect of the disclosed technologies the retention member can include a loop for receiving the wrist. The retention member can include an adjustable wrist band for snuggly securing to the wrist. The tubular member can include a strap aperture, wherein at least a portion of the strap extension portion passes through the strap aperture. The cut can form a gap in the tubular member, wherein opposed inner walls of the tubular member form the gap, the opposed inner walls being spaced apart from one another. The tubular member inner passage can include a width sized for mounting on the exercise bar, the distance between opposed walls being substantially smaller than the inner passage width. The tubular member can have a generally circular cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the longitudinal length. Also, the tubular member can include an outer surface forming a first cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the longitudinal length. Further, the tubular member can include an inner surface having a second cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the longitudinal length, wherein the first and second cross-sectional shapes are substantially different shapes.
Yet another aspect of the disclosed technologies relates to a method of performing exercise using a gripping apparatus on an exercise bar grip surface. The method includes placing a first end of an elongate strap on a wrist. The strap extending from the first end to an opposed second end. The strap adjustably secured to a tubular member disposed between the first and second ends. Also, the tubular member having a longitudinal length, wherein the tubular member is open at opposed ends of the longitudinal length. The tubular member having an inner passage defined by at least one wall, the tubular member including a cut passing through the wall and extending across the longitudinal length, wherein the strap passes through an aperture in the at least one wall. The method also including applying the tubular member to the exercise bar by passing a portion of the exercise bar through the cut, thereby placing the exercise bar portion substantially inside the tubular member inner passage. The method also including wrapping a first extension portion of the strap around an outer portion of the tubular member. Also, the method also including gripping the wrapped first extension portion while moving the exercise bar.
In accordance with another aspect of the disclosed technologies the method can further include adjusting the position of the tubular member with respect to the strap by sliding the strap through the tubular member aperture. Also, the method can include securing a second extension portion of the strap to a wrist band, where the wrist band is fixedly secured to the strap first end. The second extension portion being disposed along the strap length closer to the second end. Further, the method can include securing the strap second end to a central portion of the wrist disposed between the first end and the tubular member.
These and other objectives, features, and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments thereof, which is to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings.
The present invention is a gripping apparatus for an exercise bar used in weight lifting and fitness exercise. The gripping apparatus disclosed herein will assist a user in maintaining a grip on an exercise bar. Also, the gripping apparatus disclosed herein allows a user to alter aspects of the grip for performing and altering an exercise with an exercise bar.
The tubular member 100 in accordance with the disclosed technologies is generally formed as an elongate hollow member. A tubular member as referred to herein means any elongate hollow body having a longitudinal length from end to end and apertures at opposed ends into the inner hollow region. A tubular member is not limited to a cylindrical member. The tubular member is preferably sized to accommodate an intended exercise bar and sized to accommodate either a broad range of users or a particular more common sized user. For example, the length of the tubular member 100 can be approximately 4⅜ inches, which accommodates a contemporary dumbbell. However, it should be understood that the tubular member 100 can be made longer or shorter to accommodate different bars and/or different applications. As a further example, the tubular member can have an outer diameter 102 of 2 inches and an inner diameter 104 of 1 inch, which dimensions also accommodate typical barbells, dumbbells and cable grips that have a 1 inch grip bar diameter. This provides for a ½ inch thickness for the tubular member 100. Alternatively, this thickness could be made greater or smaller, depending on the application or desires of the user. For example, a thinner grip thickness might be helpful for users with smaller hands and/or users wanting a smaller grip configuration. By altering or adjusting the grip thickness, from that of the standard exercise bar, a user can target different muscles during an exercise.
The tubular member 100 is intended to be placed over a portion of an exercise bar that would otherwise be handled or engaged by a user directly or engaged by the user through the use of a lifting strap. Also, the tubular member 100 while keeping itself firmly secured to the exercise bar, should also be easily removable by a user without the need for tools. Thus, using only his or her hand(s), without the need for tools, the user should be able to pull the tubular member off the exercise bar. In this way, it can be re-used on another exercise bar as part of a next exercise, stored or removed for a period until that exercise bar is used again. The tubular member 100 can be easy to clean and can withstand the wear of numerous exercise intervals. Also, the tubular member 100 is preferably made from a durable, elastic, mildew resistant and somewhat yielding material that is comfortable for a user to grip. For example the tubular member 100 can be made of neoprene rubber or similar strong elastic materials. It should be understood that the tubular member 100 can be made from other materials, in order to provide a softer or firmer grip as desired. Additionally, the tubular member 100 can be made from a layered or non-homogenous construction in order to alter the weight, durability, firmness or other characteristics.
The inner diameter 104 of the tubular member 100 can be designed to match or loosely accommodate the outer diameter and shape of the exercise bar on which it is placed, or at least the gripping portion/surface thereof. The tubular member 100 is generally mounted onto an exercise bar by separating the tubular member at cut 130 and wrapping the tubular member around the exercise bar. In this way, the tubular member is applied to the exercise bar by passing a portion of the exercise bar through the cut 130 until the exercise bar is seated inside the hollow region of the tubular member 100. The material of the tubular member 100 is preferably flexible enough to allow it to be expanded to accommodate the thickness of the bar on which it is being installed. Also, the cut 130 allows the tubular member 100 to easily be removed from the exercise bar.
The cut 130 can be formed as a slit or gap that passes completely through the material of the tubular member 100 and extends across the entire tubular member from one end to the other. When the cut is formed as a gap, there is a separation X between opposed longitudinal edges n the tubular member 100. When the cut is formed as a slit, the separation X is reduced to zero, the opposed longitudinal edges touch one another. The size of the separation X can be altered to achieve varied design considerations.
The strap 200 is formed as an elongate flexible band extending from a loose end 201 along its length to a wrist engagement end 209. An extent of the strap can be formed of one or more fabrics, as are known in contemporary lifting straps for weight lifting and exercise. The wrist engagement end 209 can include a retention member 214 in the form of a loop. The retention member 214 receives a user's wrist by slipping the user's hand through the loop. Such a loop can be formed by simply folding the strap 200 back over on itself and sewing or otherwise fastening an end of the strap to a more central portion 216. In the embodiment shown, the strap 200 is further provided with Velcro® elements 212, 218 so the loose end 201 of the strap can be folded back and secured to the strap 200 after passing through the tubular member 100. In this way, a portion 203 of the strap runs along a portion of the outer surface of the tubular member 100 for securing the mating Velcro® elements 212, 218. Alternatively, a traditional belt buckle, clip or other type of fastening means could be used in place of Velcro®. Also, the loose end need not have any fastening means and be simply wrapped around the outer surface of the tubular member 100 and held by a user.
As shown in
As yet a further alternative embodiment, the tubular member 100 could be formed with an additional internal passage that runs inside the thickness of the outer wall of tubular member 100 and connects cut 130 with strap aperture 140. In this way, the strap portion 205 is fed through that additional passage and kept separate from the exercise bar. With reference to
In accordance with an aspect of the disclosed technologies, the tubular member 100 can alternatively be used on an exercise bar without the strap 200. Also, as yet a further alternative, the tubular member can be used by itself as a squeezing or gripping exercise. In this way, without the use of an exercise bar or the strap 200, the user simply squeezes the tubular member 100 as an exercise in and of itself. The outer surface of the tubular member 100 preferably provides a mildly yielding surface for the user to engage. For example, a soft rubber surface is gentler on a user's hand than the hard metal surface of a contemporary exercise bar. By using a tubular member 100, the user can avoid having to wear gloves when working out. Also, the outer surface can be provided with patterns, pictures, logos, text and/or names. Alternatively, the outer surface can include advertisements or other information. Additionally, while the inner and outer surfaces of the tubular member 100 can be made smooth, they can alternatively be provided with a more textured or porous surface to resist slippage or relative rotation.
In the embodiment shown in
The tubular member 100 also includes an inner surface 120 provided with gripping elements, similar to gripping elements 116, in order to limit or resist relative movement with the exercise bar 15 or strap 200 once the user is ready to exercise with the apparatus 10. Alternatively, the inner surface of the tubular members 100 in the various embodiments shown can be provided with a porous or gripping surface to make sure it holds onto the exercise bar and to ensure that the tubular member remains in place. As a further alternative, the inside surfaces of the tubular members 100 can be formed with a relatively high coefficient of friction, a mild tackiness or even be provided with adhesives to ensure that they remain in place relative to the exercise bar. A high coefficient of friction as referred to herein refers to a level friction that generally prevents relative movement between two surfaces under normal handling and exercising conditions. Preferably, the adhesives are mild enough to allow the tubular member to be removed after being installed and used for the intended exercise.
It should be further understood, that a tubular member can alternatively be formed having an outer surface form having a non-cylindrical shape, but with a generally cylindrical inner shape. For example,
As referred to herein, the “cross-sectional shape” refers to a form included in a cross-section of the tubular member. The shape can refer to the outer surface and/or the inner surface of the tubular member. In several embodiments the outer and inner surfaces have a similar cross-sectional shape having different sizes. However, as shown in
As shown in
The inner diameter or form of the tubular member can be designed to match or closely match the outer diameter and shape of the exercise bar on which it is placed. Alternatively, it can be useful for the inner diameter of the tubular member to be slightly smaller than the anticipated outer diameter of the exercise bar, in order to ensure a tight fit. As shown in
The gripping apparatus of the present invention has many advantages for user's of exercise bars. By easily installing and removing the tubular member, a user can ensure a more sanitary exercise environment. Additionally, a user can maintain a better grip on an otherwise heavy, smooth or hard to hold exercise bar. Also, without having to use gloves a user can keep his or her hand relatively cool while still ensuring a soft surface for engaging an exercise bar. Further, a user can alter an exercise by changing the tubular member dimensions. The use of the gripping apparatus as described herein can allow a user to alter the range of motion or even target different muscles during an exercise.
While various embodiments of the present invention are specifically illustrated and/or described herein, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to those precise embodiments and that various other changes and modifications may be affected herein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention, and that it is intended to claim all such changes and modifications that fall within the scope of the invention.
Claims
1 A gripping apparatus for an exercise bar grip surface, the apparatus comprising:
- a tubular member including a thickness and a longitudinal length, the thickness defined by the distance between an outer surface of the tubular member and an inner surface of the tubular member, the inner surface having an inner tubular width suitable for substantially surrounding the exercise bar grip surface, wherein a cut extends across the entire longitudinal length for removeably securing the member to the exercise bar grip surface, wherein the cut includes opposed inner walls extending from the outer surface to the inner surface, wherein the distance between the opposed walls is substantially less than the inner tubular width, wherein the tubular member is formed of an elastic material such that the cut can be forced apart from a closed position to an open position by a user in order to removeably secure the tubular member on the exercise bar, the material being biased to return the cut to the closed position when no longer forced apart, wherein at least one strap aperture extends into the thickness, the at least one strap aperture being disposed remote from the cut.
2. The gripping apparatus of claim 1, wherein the tubular member has a generally circular cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the longitudinal length.
3. The gripping apparatus of claim 1, wherein the tubular member has a non-circular shape perpendicular to the longitudinal length.
4. The gripping apparatus of claim 1, wherein the tubular member includes more than one tubular layer, wherein upon installation on the exercise bar an inner surface of a first layer engages the exercise bar, wherein at least one second layer is removeably secured to and substantially surrounds the first layer.
5. The gripping apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:
- an elongate flexible strap, the strap extending into the strap aperture.
6. The gripping apparatus of claim 5, wherein the strap includes a retention member for securing to a wrist of the user.
7. The gripping apparatus of claim 6, wherein a size of the retention member is adjustable for customizing to a user.
8. The gripping apparatus of claim 6, wherein the strap position is adjustable relative to the tubular member, wherein a distance between the tubular member and the retention member is selectively adjustable.
9. A gripping apparatus for an exercise bar grip surface, the apparatus comprising:
- an elongate flexible strap, the strap including a retention member for removeably securing to a wrist of a user, the strap including an extension portion, the extension portion extending away from the retention member; and
- a tubular member for mounting on the exercise bar grip surface, the tubular member having a longitudinal length, wherein the tubular member is open at opposed ends of the longitudinal length, the tubular member having an inner passage defined by at least one wall, the tubular member including a cut passing through the wall and extending across the longitudinal length, wherein a portion of the strap is secured to the tubular member, whereby an amount of the extension portion between the retention member and the tubular member is selectively adjustable.
10. The gripping apparatus of claim 9, wherein the retention member includes a loop for receiving the wrist.
11. The gripping apparatus of claim 9, wherein retention member includes an adjustable wrist band for snuggly securing to the wrist.
12. The gripping apparatus of claim 9, wherein the tubular member includes a strap aperture, wherein at least a portion of the strap extension portion passes through the strap aperture.
13. The gripping apparatus of claim 9, wherein the cut forms a gap in the tubular member, wherein opposed inner walls of the tubular member form the gap, the opposed inner walls being spaced apart from one another.
14. The gripping apparatus of claim 13, wherein the tubular member inner passage includes a width sized for mounting on the exercise bar, the distance between opposed walls being substantially smaller than the inner passage width.
15. The gripping apparatus of claim 9, wherein the tubular member has a generally circular cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the longitudinal length.
16. The gripping apparatus of claim 9, wherein the tubular member includes an outer surface forming a first cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the longitudinal length, the tubular member including an inner surface having a second cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the longitudinal length, wherein the first and second cross-sectional shapes are substantially different shapes.
17. A method of performing exercise using a gripping apparatus on an exercise bar grip surface, the method comprising:
- placing a first end of an elongate strap on a wrist, the strap extending from the first end to an opposed second end, the strap adjustably secured to a tubular member disposed between the first and second ends, the tubular member having a longitudinal length, wherein the tubular member is open at opposed ends of the longitudinal length, the tubular member having an inner passage defined by at least one wall, the tubular member including a cut passing through the wall and extending across the longitudinal length, wherein the strap passes through an aperture in the at least one wall;
- applying the tubular member to the exercise bar by passing a portion of the exercise bar through the cut, thereby placing the exercise bar portion substantially inside the tubular member inner passage;
- wrapping a first extension portion of the strap around an outer portion of the tubular member; and
- gripping the wrapped first extension portion while moving the exercise bar.
18. The method of claim 17, further comprising:
- adjusting the position of the tubular member with respect to the strap by sliding the strap through the tubular member aperture.
19. The method of claim 17, further comprising:
- securing a second extension portion of the strap to a wrist band, the wrist band fixedly secured to the strap first end, the second extension portion being disposed along the strap length closer to the second end.
20. The method of claim 17, further comprising:
- securing the strap second end to a central portion of the wrist disposed between the first end and the tubular member.
Type: Application
Filed: May 4, 2009
Publication Date: Nov 5, 2009
Inventor: Michael N. Fishman (Great Neck, NY)
Application Number: 12/435,202
International Classification: A63B 71/00 (20060101);