Hand Positioning Strap System for Athletic Training

Abstract

A first, fix length, strap, a second strap made from an elastic material, and the two end loops and hook and loop fastener for attaching them around the wrist of a wearer. Constructed from a single, inelastic strap, where on each opposing end a second partial strap length is sewn to provide a split end of two equal lengths. On each end of the split ends, a hook and fastener material is attached to allow the split ends to be removable attached to form a loop, which can then be worn around a wearer's wrist. A second strap attached to the device made from an elastic or stretchable material and shorter in length that the first, inelastic strap. In a stretched position the elastic second strap is stretched and creates a tension force to pull the extended first strap back to a shortened position.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to sports equipment. More specifically, the present invention relates a device for maintaining the wrists and arms in a desired position during sports training.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many devices for assisting athletes maintain a desired form with respect to hand, arm, elbow, foot, knee, ankle, and legs are well known. Many devices have been developed to assist athletes in perfecting various balances by arm/wrist and leg/foot spacing during an athletic motion or movement.

However, there are no known devices for perfecting arm and wrist position when it comes to gymnastics training, which requires the gymnast/athlete to engage in the different movements and series of movements required of the sport, which are unique to gymnastics training.

Therefore, what is needed is a device that assists a gymnast in keeping their arms and wrists together or in a desired position, which also allows them a free range of motion when desired to complete other movements or to engage in a series of movements as part of a full or partial routine during practice, without a need to continually attached and remove the device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is an adjustable hook and loop strap system for athletic training. The device is comprised of a strap, and a pair of loops located on opposing ends of the strap, one for each opposing appendage, where they can be readily secured by wrapping them around and tightening them to the arms or wrists of a wearer, using hook and loop fastener material.

The system of components can be used in multiple different ways for training acrobatic, gymnastics, dance, and cheerleading skills.

The adjustable straps are further defined by a second strap which can be used to provide a tension, elastic, or stretching force to allow movement of the wrists, instead of a single inelastic strap which would provide a fixed range of motion and not allow for some movement of the wrists.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein a form a part of the specification, illustrate the present invention and, together with the description, further serve to explain the principles of the invention and to enable a person skilled in the pertinent art to make and use the invention.

FIG. 1 is a picture of one known prior art device, which has several shortcomings in comparison to the present invention.

FIGS. 2-4 are pictures of the adjustable straps illustrating the first, fix length, strap, a second strap made from an elastic material, and the two end loops and hook with loop fastener for attaching them around the wrist or arm of a wearer.

FIGS. 5-11 are pictures of an alternative embodiment where additional elastic loops are added to allow the wrist to be placed inside them as well, where the elastic over the wrist area allows for a semi-fixed way if desired.

FIGS. 12-16 are pictures that illustrate the present invention being worn by a user in increasing stages of expansion/stretch until the hook and loop fastener around one of the wrists is forced apart and one wrist freed from the device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following detailed description of the invention of exemplary embodiments of the invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings (where like numbers represent like elements), which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific exemplary embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, but other embodiments may be utilized and logical, mechanical, electrical, and other changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined only by the appended claims.

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it is understood that the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and techniques known to one of ordinary skill in the art have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure the invention. Referring to the figures, it is possible to see the various major elements constituting the apparatus of the present invention.

Now referring to Figures, the various embodiments of a hand positioning strap system for athletic training are shown. In a first embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2-4, the hand positioning strap system for athletic training device is comprised of a first, fix length, inelastic strap 101, and a second, elastic strap 102 made from an elastic material. The first, fix length, inelastic strap 101 is defined by a center section 120 and two opposing ends sections 121 and 122 that are used to create/form two expansion sections 123 and 124, and two ends loops 103 and 104 with hook and loop fasteners 105 and 106 for attaching each of the two end loops 103 and 104 that fit around the wrist or arm of a wearer as shown in FIGS. 2-4.

In this embodiment, the second, elastic strap 102 is affixed to the first, fix length, inelastic strap 101 by sewing at three locations. The first locations the two straps are sewn together at the center of each straps length 120. Then, each opposing end 121 and 122 of the second, elastic strap 102 is sewn to the first, fix length, inelastic strap 101 so that the first, fix length, inelastic strap is longer than the second, elastic strap 102 such that when the second, elastic strap 102 is stretched to is maximum, the second, elastic strap 102 is as long as the first, fix length, inelastic strap 101.

The hand positioning strap system for athletic training is ideally constructed from a single, fixed length, inelastic strap 101, where on each of the opposing end sections 116 and 117, defined as the ends of the single, fixed length, inelastic strap 101 that extend in opposite directions from the center attachment point 120 of the second strap 102 to the single, fixed length, inelastic strap 101, and a second partial strap length made from the same material as the single, fixed length, inelastic strap 101 is sewn to the opposing ends 116 and 117 of the single, fixed length, inelastic strap 101, creating a split end of two equal lengths on each opposing end of the single, fixed length, inelastic strap 101.

On each end of the split ends 107 and 108 and partial ends 116 and 117, a hook and fastener material is attached to allow the split ends 107 and 108 and partial ends 116 and 117 to be removable attached to form a loop on each end 103 and 104, which can then be worn around a wearer's wrist, arm, or leg and ankle.

In an alternative embodiment, illustrated in FIGS. 5-11, the second strap 113 is increased in length and now not only defines a single center area for extension 125, but extends to match the end of the single, fixed length, inelastic strap 101. FIGS. 5-11 are pictures of an alternative embodiment where the shorter second strap 112 now extends to the ends of the single, fixed length, inelastic strap 101, resulting in the creation of a single center area for extension 125 and a pair of elastic loops 114 and 115 to allow the wrist to be placed inside them as in the first embodiment but where the elastic second strap 113 extending over the wrist area, when connected to the partial straps of the split ends 107 and 108 via the hook and loop fasteners 105 and 106 creates and allows for a semi-fixed way of creating wrist loops.

In this embodiment, the second strap 113 is still made from an elastic or stretchable material and shorter in length that of the first, inelastic strap 101. The second strap 113 is attached to the first strap 101 in a manner that provides for the shortening of the first strap 101 while the second elastic strap 113 is in a resting or un-stretched position, but in a stretched position, where the first strap 101 is extended to its maximum extended position, the elastic second strap 113 is stretched and creates a tension force to pull the extended first strap 101 back to a shortened position.

This attachment is generally down by the straps being sewn 121 and 122 an equal distance from their centers, toward each opposing end where each opposing end 121 and 122 of the second, elastic strap 102 is sewn to the first, fix length, inelastic strap 101 so that the first, fix length, inelastic strap is longer than the second, elastic strap 102 such that when the second, elastic strap 102 is stretched to is maximum, the second, elastic strap 102 is as long as the first, fix length, inelastic strap 101.

The hook and loop fasteners 105 and 106 are used at the ends of the straps 116 and 117 and on the split ends 109 and 110 and 111 and 112 to forma loop on each end 103 and 104, which can then be worn around a wearer's wrist, arm, or leg and ankle. This embodiment provides a wearer with a secure connection to the hand positioning strap system for athletic training 100, while also providing a break point where the securing loops can be broken and the arm and wrist freed, if a sufficient force is applied to overcome the hook and loop fasteners 105 and 106. This is especially important for new users of the device or those just learning certain routines or movements as it is not uncommon for an athlete in practice or learning new motions or routines to make mistakes or lose balance and require the use of their arms and hands to avoid injury or falls.

A device that provides unbreakable loops of fixed material loops that do not allow a wearer to break free or extend their arms beyond the restricted range of motion can lead to injury. The only known similar prior art device 100 fails in this respect as it is constructed using a fix loop that can be adjust for tension around the wrist by sliding the center section through a loop end as shown in FIG. 1, but does not allow for a break free of the wrists from the loops, but keep them restrained. Once placed on a wearer's arms or wrist, this is extremely dangerous as the wearer can not break free in order to avoid a fall or injury.

Additionally, the prior art also fails to teach a device that allows for some limited range of motion. The prior art device teaches a double loop ended device made from an inelastic material. This does not allow any feedback to be provided to a wearing during use.

During a typical gymnastic routing, it is desired for the gymnast to keep their arms and wrists together and/or at a certain distance from the body. The device of the present invention allows a coach to adjust the amount of tension, to help train a gymnast to keep their arms and wrists together.

The present invention, through its use of an elastic second strap in both disclosed embodiments provides a wearer with immediate and instant feedback when the arms or wrist begin to separate and are subjected to the elastic strap forces pulling them back to the proper position, and then providing a fixed range of motion feeling if/when the arms or wrist reach a maximum range of motion. If the maximum range of motion is reached, the present invention then also provides a “break free” safety feature, which allows a wearer to break the hook and loop fastening system of the loops securing the arm or wrist if/as needed by the wearer to use the arms, wrist, and hands to prevent injury if falling or loosing balance.

FIGS. 12-16 are pictures that illustrate the present invention being worn by a user in increasing stages of expansion/stretch until the hook and loop fastener around one of the wrists is forced apart and one wrist freed from the device.

In an alternative embodiment, additional elastic loops 109 and 110 can be added to the present invention for wrists or arms to be placed in.

In yet another alternative embodiment, a soft padding on the inside of loops where the user/wearer's wrists go can be incorporated for added comfort.

The system of components can be used in multiple different ways for training acrobatic, gymnastics, dance, and cheerleading skills.

Thus, it is appreciated that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variation in size, materials, shape, form, function, and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the above description are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Furthermore, other areas of art may benefit from this method and adjustments to the design are anticipated. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the examples given.

Claims

1. A hand positioning strap device for athletic training comprising:

a first, fix length, inelastic strap;

a second strap made from an elastic material;

the second, elastic strap is affixed to the first, fix length, inelastic strap by sewing at three locations; the first location, the two straps are sewn together at the center of each straps length; the other locations, the straps are sewn together at each opposing end of the second, elastic strap, the second elastic strap is sewn to the first, fix length, inelastic strap so that the first, fix length, inelastic strap is longer than the second, elastic strap such that when the second, elastic strap is stretched to is maximum, the second, elastic strap is as long as the first, fix length, inelastic strap; the first, fix length, strap extends to form two end loops with hook and loop fasteners for attaching each of the two end loops around the wrist or arm of a wearer;

a second partial strap length made from the same material as the single, inelastic strap is sewn to the opposing ends of the single, inelastic strap, creating a split end of two equal lengths; and

each of the partial strap end pairs having corresponding hook and loop fasteners for attaching them around the wrist or arm of a wearer.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein

the second strap is sewn to the strap on opposing ends and in the middle, providing for two expansions areas were the first inelastic strap is longer than the second elastic strap.

3. The device of claim 3, wherein

the second strap is made from an elastic or stretchable material and shorter in length than the first, inelastic strap.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein

the second strap is attached to the first strap in a manner that provides for the shortening of the strap while the second elastic strap is in a resting or un-stretched position, but in a stretched position, where the first strap is extended to its maximum extended position, the elastic second strap is stretched and creates a tension force to pull the extended first strap back to a shortened position.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein

the hook and loop fasteners used at the ends of the straps on the split ends provides a wearer with a secure connection to the elastic device, while also providing a break point where the securing loops can be broken and the arm and wrist freed, if a sufficient force is applied to overcome the hook and loop fastener.

In an alternative embodiment, additional elastic loops 109 and 110 can be added to the present invention for wrists or arms to be placed in.

In yet another alternative embodiment, a soft padding on the inside of loops where the user/wearer's wrists go can be incorporated for added comfort.

6. The device of claim 1, further comprising

additional elastic loops for wrists or arms to be placed in.

7. The device of claim 1, further comprising

a soft padding on the inside of loops.

8. A hand positioning strap device for athletic training comprising:

a first, fix length, inelastic strap;

a second strap made from an elastic material;

the second strap is sewn to the strap on opposing ends, providing for a single expansion areas were the first strap is longer than the second strap;

the straps are sewn an equal distance from their centers, toward each opposing end where each opposing end of the second, elastic strap is sewn to the first, fix length, in elastic strap so that the first, fix length, inelastic strap is longer than the second, elastic strap such that when the second, elastic strap is stretched to is maximum, the second, elastic strap is as long as the first, fix length, inelastic strap;

the first, fix length, strap extends to form two end loops with hook and loop fasteners for attaching each of the two end loops around the wrist or arm of a wearer;

the second strap, extending to the opposing ends of the first, fix length, inelastic strap from sewing attachment point, providing for a expansion areas were the first strap is longer than the second strap when the two ends loops around the wrist or arm of a wearer;

a second partial strap length made from the same material as the single, inelastic strap is sewn to the opposing ends of the single, inelastic strap, creating a split end of two equal lengths; and

each of the partial strap end pairs having corresponding hook and loop fasteners for attaching them around the wrist or arm of a wearer.

9. The device of claim 8, wherein

the second strap is sewn to the strap, providing for one central expansion area were the first inelastic strap is longer than the second elastic strap.

10. The device of claim 8, wherein

the second strap is made from an elastic or stretchable material and shorter in length than the first, inelastic strap.

11. The device of claim 8, wherein

the second strap is attached to the first strap in a manner that provides for the shortening of the strap while the second elastic strap is in a resting or un-stretched position, but in a stretched position, where the first strap is extended to its maximum extended position, the elastic second strap is stretched and creates a tension force to pull the extended first strap back to a shortened position.

12. The device of claim 8, wherein

the hook and loop fasteners used at the ends of the straps on the split ends provides a wearer with a secure connection to the elastic device, while also providing a break point where the securing loops can be broken and the arm and wrist freed, if a sufficient force is applied to overcome the hook and loop fastener.

13. The device of claim 8, wherein for each of the two end loops around the wrist or arm of a wearer,

the second strap is attached to the first strap in a manner that provides for the shortening of the strap while the second elastic strap is in a resting or un-stretched position, but in a stretched position, where the first strap is extended to its maximum extended position, the elastic second strap is stretched and creates a tension force to pull the extended first strap back to a shortened position.

14. The device of claim 13, wherein for each of the two end loops around the wrist or arm of a wearer,

the second elastic strap provides a break point where the securing loops can be broken and the arm and wrist freed, if a sufficient force is applied to overcome the hook and loop fastener when the extended first strap of the wrist loop is stretched to its limit.

15. The device of claim 8, further comprising

additional elastic loops for wrists or arms to be placed in.

16. The device of claim 8, further comprising

a soft padding on the inside of loops.