Figure Eight Strap

Abstract

An improved lifting assist device is provided that includes a flexible fabric strap with apposing looped ends attached to the main body of the strap. The strap which allows users with limited hand strength and or function to grasp and lift objects. The device maintains a permanently attached loop at both ends allowing for easy attachment to any device or user. With the addition of Velcro, the straps also serve as wrist supporters and lifting gloves.

Description

PREVIOUS FILING

The application emanates from a provisional filing dated Oct. 20, 2009, application No. 61253408

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to devices for assisting weightlifters. More specifically, the invention relates to wrist straps for transfer of forces developed during weightlifting from the weightlifter's fingers, hands, and forearms to his wrists thereby relating to those of his upper arms and torso.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Such lifting straps have heretofore been employed, generally in the form of nylon, canvas or similar heavy fabric straps in which one end is sewn back upon itself to form a small loop. The other end, (the tail), of such a strap inserts through this small loop creating a girth-hitch. This girth-hitch secures about the user's wrist. The tail-end is then wrapped around the barbell. The weightlifter keeps the strap in place around the weight bar by squeezing the wrapped tail against the bar, causing friction. The strap then transfers some of the load to the lifter's wrists and thereby, the upper arms and torso, although significant hand strength and function are still needed. The use of such a strap is difficult as only one hand can be used to wrap the tail-end around the barbell. Multiple wraps may be necessary depending upon the load to be lifted, (the heavier the weight, the greater the need for friction, ie. the number of wraps around the barbell), and upon the length of the tail of the strap. Further, the user must then grasp the barbell as well as the thickness of the strap, (which is significant since multiple wraps may be in place). The user then must hold the strap in place by squeezing it against the barbell during the lift or movement.

A need has therefore existed for improved weightlifting straps.

The Figure 8 Strap is an improvement over existing straps designed for weightlifting.

Existing straps are similar but lack Loop B, (FIG. 1 Callout-2), but instead simply have a tail. This tail is then wrapped around a barbell or chin-up bar, etc. The user then grasps the wrapped tail as well as the barbell. Friction of the strap against the barbell takes some of the load off of the lifter's fingers, hands, and forearms, (as the user must maintain pressure on the wraps). The Figure 8 Strap transfers all of the load from the user's fingers, hands, and forearms to the wrist, (where the girth-hitch and Loop B reside). In fact, users of the Figure 8 Strap can grasp and lift items with limited finger, hand, or forearm strength. Users can grasp and lift barbells, suitcases, buckets, wheelbarrows etc. without actually even closing their hands as the vast majority of the load is transferred to the wrists.

Existing straps rely upon friction for their attachment to a load whereas Figure 8 Straps allow for a mechanical attachment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the invention is to provide an improved heavy duty durable weightlifting strap. A related object is to provide such a strap which gives a weightlifter the ability to lift heavier weights by eliminating the weak-link, (fingers, hands, and forearms). The related object can be used in industry as a work-aid for duties requiring grabbing and lifting and by persons with hand disabilities and or hand weakness. By means of strategically placed Velcro, (FIGS. 1,2,3, and 4, Callout-3). Figure 8 Straps can be safely secured around the wrists when not actually being used during exercise, (ie between sets or during a break at work). Further, when the straps are secured in this alternate configuration, (around the wrist but not an object), they serve as wrist supporters and lifting gloves, as they provide padding for pushing movements.

A fabric material belt with the overall dimensions of approximately 46″×1 & ½″. One end is folded back upon itself and stitched forming a 2″ loop opening, Loop A., (FIG. 1 Callout-1). The other end is folded back upon itself and stitched forming an 8″ loop opening, Loop B, (FIG. 1 Callout-2). (The overall length of the strap after the loops are stitched into place is approximately 28″.) Modest increases or decreases in the finished length of the strap would allow for Small, Medium, and Large sizes for various sized users. (Depending upon the direction with which Loop B inserts through Loop A, Figure 8 Straps can be configured for the left or right hand.)

Loop B inserts through Loop A creating a girth-hitch. This girth-hitch then secures around the user's wrist, (just like previously designed straps), (FIG. 2). The element between Loop A and Loop B then bites around any object, (FIG. 2 Callout-4), the user might want to grasp, lift, or pull against. The user then slips his hand through Loop B, (FIG. 3 Callout-2). (The girth-hitch and Loop B are now around the user's wrist.) (FIG. 3). The user then rotates his hand, (in either direction), around the elements of the strap and grasps said elements (FIG. 4). (The user does not actually grasp the object but merely the elements of the strap.).

I have invented a labor-saving device which allows users with limited hand strength and or function to grasp and lift objects and which allows weightlifters to handle much heavier weights than they would be able to while using existing weightlifting straps.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1:

Callout-1 Loop A
Callout-2 Loop B
Callout-3 Visible Velcro
Callout-4 Velcro on underside of Loop B

FIG. 2:

Callout-1 Loop A
Callout-2 Loop B
Callout-3 Visible Velcro
Callout-4 Object/Barbell
Callout-5 User's left hand (all drawings are of the left hand)

FIG. 3:

Callout-1 Loop A
Callout-2 Loop B
Callout-3 Visible Velcro
Callout-4 Object/Barbell

FIG. 4:

Callout-1 Loop A
Callout-2 Loop B
Callout-3 Visible Velcro
Callout-4 Object/Barbell
Callout-5 User's left hand (all drawings are of the left hand)

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1:

Strap, (not in use).

FIG. 2:

Girth-hitch secured to user's left wrist

Element biting the object/barbell

FIG. 3:

Girth-hitch secured to user's left wrist

Loop B secured to user's left wrist

Element biting the object/barbell

FIG. 4:

Girth-hitch secured to user's left wrist

Loop B secured to user's left wrist

Element biting the object/barbell

User's left hand grasping remaining elements of the strap

Strap in use.

Claims

1. A figure eight strap adapted to encircle the wrist of a weightlifter and to encircle around any object to be lifted or pulled against and to transferring the load to the weightlifter's wrists as the object is lifted or pulled against.

Said support device comprising:

A flexible fabric strap whereas both ends of the strap are permanently attached to the main body of the strap to form a loop at each end.

Said one end loop and said other end loop of said main body are unencumbered and free to slide relative to each other when said support device is in an encircling position on the wrist of a weightlifter or user whereby the weight of said weight bar causes tightening of said loop end member about the wrist of the weightlifter.

2. A figure eight strap according to claim 1 wherein each end of the strap are permanently affixed to the main body of the strap forming two independently attached loops.

3. A figure eight strap according to claim 1 wherein the device is comprised of two differently sized loops embodied on each end of the strap,

4. A figure eight strap according to claim 1 wherein the length of the strap is great enough to be fit on an adult wrist, looped around a barbell, back upon the wrist, and to allow for the rotation of the hand so that the hand may grasp the elements of the strap.