CA2266754C - Ergonomic handgrip - Google Patents
Ergonomic handgrip Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2266754C CA2266754C CA002266754A CA2266754A CA2266754C CA 2266754 C CA2266754 C CA 2266754C CA 002266754 A CA002266754 A CA 002266754A CA 2266754 A CA2266754 A CA 2266754A CA 2266754 C CA2266754 C CA 2266754C
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- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- hand
- thumb
- generally
- handgrip
- base
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
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Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B25—HAND TOOLS; PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS; MANIPULATORS
- B25G—HANDLES FOR HAND IMPLEMENTS
- B25G1/00—Handle constructions
- B25G1/10—Handle constructions characterised by material or shape
- B25G1/102—Handle constructions characterised by material or shape the shape being specially adapted to facilitate handling or improve grip
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63C—SKATES; SKIS; ROLLER SKATES; DESIGN OR LAYOUT OF COURTS, RINKS OR THE LIKE
- A63C11/00—Accessories for skiing or snowboarding
- A63C11/22—Ski-sticks
- A63C11/222—Ski-stick handles or hand-straps
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62K—CYCLES; CYCLE FRAMES; CYCLE STEERING DEVICES; RIDER-OPERATED TERMINAL CONTROLS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR CYCLES; CYCLE AXLE SUSPENSIONS; CYCLE SIDE-CARS, FORECARS, OR THE LIKE
- B62K21/00—Steering devices
- B62K21/26—Handlebar grips
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Walking Sticks, Umbrellas, And Fans (AREA)
- Steering Devices For Bicycles And Motorcycles (AREA)
Abstract
An ergonomic handgrip for use as a fitness grip and also for use with a wide variety of devices and equipment such as ski poles and bicycle handlebars by being incorporated into the handle portion thereof. In a basic illustrated form, the grip has an elongated base with a central axis and opposed ends, the upper of which ends includes a thumb support. The front face is sculptured or contoured for finger reception, so that, when gripped, the thumb is supported in a bent position and the hand and wrist are in a neutral position. In such neutral position the hand is not cocked or hyperextended, but rather the hand is generally aligned with the forearm. Further, the end of the base opposite the thumb support, i.e., the lower end, is reduced in size to allow disproportionately more contraction of the lowermost two fingers, and primarily the lowermost or little finger. When the grip is used as a standalone handgrip or when another element does not pass through the lower end thereof, the lower end includes a thickened inverted arcuate section having a central bore, the arcuate section being spaced in from the edges of the lower end. A preferred version includes an elongated recess within the base on the side directed toward the palm of the hand. The grip can also be employed by being incorporated into the handle or shaft of a hammer or mallet.
Description
1 TITLE OF THE INVENTION: ERGONOMIC HANDGRIP
3 This application pertains to handgrips as an exercise 4 device, and as they may be incorporated into other apparatuses such as hand tools to achieve a more stress free utilization of 6 such other apparatuses.
8 The human body is interactive on a structural level. The 9 major concerns in the construction of the devices of this invention are on the structural level, because the physical 11 actions in one part of the body cari affect the rest of the body.
12 Prior art grips fail to consider this key factor.
13 It is well recognized that the musculature of the human body 14 operates utilizing the principles of mechanical levers. A
determining factor of muscular efficiency is the stability of the 16 connecting points of the muscles. If the muscles do not have 17 stable connecting points, muscle action will displace the body 18 rather than create the desired limb movement. It is also well 19 recognized that the vast majority of the muscles in the human body are designed to function in aL linear direction and not in 21 a spiral direction. If the skeletal frame is misaligned when 22 muscular action occurs, the body wi:Ll be displaced. This reduces 23 muscular efficiently and increases the probability of injury.
24 It is also important to note that the shoulders and the hips are interactive: if one is displaced the other will follow suit.
26 An illustration of this is presented in the forward reaching 27 motion. With the thumb extended, upon full-extension of the arm 28 the shoulder is displaced to an unstable position. Pulling the 29 hand back from an unstable shoulder position will displace the shoulder even further, which disallows the proper use of the 31 chest, arm and abdominal muscles. When the same task is carried 32 out with the thumb bent, the shoulcier displaces very little and 33 remains stable. During this pul.ling action the muscles of 34 primary use are the biceps, triceps, pectorals, and the abdominal as noted earlier conventional handgrips have not taken these 36 considerations sufficiently into account.
37 It is one object of the invention to provide a new ergonomic 38 handgrip that fully considers the interactivity of the various 39 aspects of the human body.
It is another object to provide grips which enhance the 1 ability of the user to resist destabilizing stress forces.
2 It is a third object to provide a low cost ergonomic 3 handgrip which can be incorporated into various pieces of 4 athletic equipment and into tool handles as well.
It is yet another object to provide handgrips which activate 6 the use of the triceps and deltoid muscles.
7 It is a yet further object to provide handgrips which 8 inhibit pronation of the hand, and which stabilize the wrist.
9 Other objects of the inventioii will in part be obvious and will in part appear hereinafter.
11 The invention accordingly comprises the device possessing 12 the features, properties and the rEalation of elements which are 13 exemplified in the following detailed disclosure and the scope 14 of the application of which will 'be indicated in the appended claims.
16 For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the 17 invention reference should be made to the following detailed 18 description, taken in conjunction w_Lth the accompanying drawings.
2 Introduction 3 The grips of this invention may and usually are used in 4 mirror image pairs, one for the left hand and one for the right hand. Both units are depicted in the drawings, though the right-6 hand unit will be more thoroughly described.
7 Figure 1 is a lower left side perspective view of the right 8 grip.
9 Figure 2 is a left elevational view of the right grip.
Figure 3 is a top plan view thereof.
11 Figure 4 is a right side elevation of the right grip.
12 Figure 5 is a rear view.
13 Figure 6 is a bottom plan view.
14 Figure 7 is a front view of the right grip.
Figure 8 is a left perspective view of the left grip.
16 Figure 9 is front view of the right hand grip in the right 17 hand of a user.
18 Figure 10 is a right side view of the right grip in the 19 right hand of a user.
Figure 11 is a left side view of the right grip in the right 21 hand of a user.
22 Figure 12 is a top view of the right hand grip in the right 23 hand of a user.
24 Figure 13 is a front view of a conventional prior art hand grip being held in the right hand of a user.
26 Figure 14 is a top view of the grip of Figure 13 being held 27 in the right hand.
28 Figure 15 is side elevational view of the device of this 29 invention mounted on a ski pole to be used as the gripping portion.
31 Figure 16 is a side elevational view showing the 32 incorporation of the hand grip of this invention into a water ski 33 hand grip or other pulling grip.
34 . Figure 17 is a front elevational view of the grip of this invention mounted on a hammer hand:Le.
36 Figure 18 is a perspective view of a rider on a road bike 37 wherein the grips of this invention are disposed at the 38 respective termini of the handlebars.
39 Figure 19 is a side elevational view showing the device of this invention incorporated into a tow handle of a water ski tow 1 line.
2 An ergonomic handgrip useable by itself as a fitness grip 3 and to aid one's balance while walking or running, or which 4 handgrip can be adapted for use on a bicycle handlebar set, ski poles and as the handgrip of water ski tow ropes among other 6 devices and equipment such as a hammer handle.
7 The grip has an elongated base with four surfaces portions, 8 the front being the first portion, the second is the surface that 9 is covered by the interior of the hand behind the rearmost digits, the third portion being the face that is directed 11 opposite the plural recess front portion; the fourth portion 12 includes a shelf for the support of' the user's thumb, at the top 13 thereof, and the front first portion has a series of depressions 14 to accommodate the user's four fingers whereby when utilized there is disproportionately more control of the lowermost two 16 fingers and primarily of the little finger.
8 The human body is interactive on a structural level. The 9 major concerns in the construction of the devices of this invention are on the structural level, because the physical 11 actions in one part of the body cari affect the rest of the body.
12 Prior art grips fail to consider this key factor.
13 It is well recognized that the musculature of the human body 14 operates utilizing the principles of mechanical levers. A
determining factor of muscular efficiency is the stability of the 16 connecting points of the muscles. If the muscles do not have 17 stable connecting points, muscle action will displace the body 18 rather than create the desired limb movement. It is also well 19 recognized that the vast majority of the muscles in the human body are designed to function in aL linear direction and not in 21 a spiral direction. If the skeletal frame is misaligned when 22 muscular action occurs, the body wi:Ll be displaced. This reduces 23 muscular efficiently and increases the probability of injury.
24 It is also important to note that the shoulders and the hips are interactive: if one is displaced the other will follow suit.
26 An illustration of this is presented in the forward reaching 27 motion. With the thumb extended, upon full-extension of the arm 28 the shoulder is displaced to an unstable position. Pulling the 29 hand back from an unstable shoulder position will displace the shoulder even further, which disallows the proper use of the 31 chest, arm and abdominal muscles. When the same task is carried 32 out with the thumb bent, the shoulcier displaces very little and 33 remains stable. During this pul.ling action the muscles of 34 primary use are the biceps, triceps, pectorals, and the abdominal as noted earlier conventional handgrips have not taken these 36 considerations sufficiently into account.
37 It is one object of the invention to provide a new ergonomic 38 handgrip that fully considers the interactivity of the various 39 aspects of the human body.
It is another object to provide grips which enhance the 1 ability of the user to resist destabilizing stress forces.
2 It is a third object to provide a low cost ergonomic 3 handgrip which can be incorporated into various pieces of 4 athletic equipment and into tool handles as well.
It is yet another object to provide handgrips which activate 6 the use of the triceps and deltoid muscles.
7 It is a yet further object to provide handgrips which 8 inhibit pronation of the hand, and which stabilize the wrist.
9 Other objects of the inventioii will in part be obvious and will in part appear hereinafter.
11 The invention accordingly comprises the device possessing 12 the features, properties and the rEalation of elements which are 13 exemplified in the following detailed disclosure and the scope 14 of the application of which will 'be indicated in the appended claims.
16 For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the 17 invention reference should be made to the following detailed 18 description, taken in conjunction w_Lth the accompanying drawings.
2 Introduction 3 The grips of this invention may and usually are used in 4 mirror image pairs, one for the left hand and one for the right hand. Both units are depicted in the drawings, though the right-6 hand unit will be more thoroughly described.
7 Figure 1 is a lower left side perspective view of the right 8 grip.
9 Figure 2 is a left elevational view of the right grip.
Figure 3 is a top plan view thereof.
11 Figure 4 is a right side elevation of the right grip.
12 Figure 5 is a rear view.
13 Figure 6 is a bottom plan view.
14 Figure 7 is a front view of the right grip.
Figure 8 is a left perspective view of the left grip.
16 Figure 9 is front view of the right hand grip in the right 17 hand of a user.
18 Figure 10 is a right side view of the right grip in the 19 right hand of a user.
Figure 11 is a left side view of the right grip in the right 21 hand of a user.
22 Figure 12 is a top view of the right hand grip in the right 23 hand of a user.
24 Figure 13 is a front view of a conventional prior art hand grip being held in the right hand of a user.
26 Figure 14 is a top view of the grip of Figure 13 being held 27 in the right hand.
28 Figure 15 is side elevational view of the device of this 29 invention mounted on a ski pole to be used as the gripping portion.
31 Figure 16 is a side elevational view showing the 32 incorporation of the hand grip of this invention into a water ski 33 hand grip or other pulling grip.
34 . Figure 17 is a front elevational view of the grip of this invention mounted on a hammer hand:Le.
36 Figure 18 is a perspective view of a rider on a road bike 37 wherein the grips of this invention are disposed at the 38 respective termini of the handlebars.
39 Figure 19 is a side elevational view showing the device of this invention incorporated into a tow handle of a water ski tow 1 line.
2 An ergonomic handgrip useable by itself as a fitness grip 3 and to aid one's balance while walking or running, or which 4 handgrip can be adapted for use on a bicycle handlebar set, ski poles and as the handgrip of water ski tow ropes among other 6 devices and equipment such as a hammer handle.
7 The grip has an elongated base with four surfaces portions, 8 the front being the first portion, the second is the surface that 9 is covered by the interior of the hand behind the rearmost digits, the third portion being the face that is directed 11 opposite the plural recess front portion; the fourth portion 12 includes a shelf for the support of' the user's thumb, at the top 13 thereof, and the front first portion has a series of depressions 14 to accommodate the user's four fingers whereby when utilized there is disproportionately more control of the lowermost two 16 fingers and primarily of the little finger.
2 FIGURES 1 through 8 show in detail a basic handgrip 10 which 3 embodies the present invention, in its first embodiment, 4 unadapted for application to other devices or apparatuses. The grip has an elongated base, with f'our faces, left, right, front 6 and rear all of which are roundeci as they intersect the next 7 adjacent face as well as upper and lower ends. In this unadapted 8 format it is intended for use by runners, joggers and walkers, 9 by holding, preferably a pair as is described infra.
The illustrated grip 10 includes an elongated base or 11 section 12 which has a longitudinal central axis and opposed ends 12 14, 16. The grip 10 has a sculptured or contoured front surface 13 to accommodate the hand of the use:r. The contours of the grip 14 10 generally conform to the matching contours of the gripping hand so that the user has a comfortable feeling when the grip is 16 being held and so that the portioris of the hand are positioned 17 and supported as noted above. For convenience, the grip 10 will 18 be described as extending generally upright, although its 19 orientation might vary for different applications, when incorporated therein.
21 With reference to Fig. 3, more particularly, as shown the 22 illustrated grip 10 is formed at a first or upper end 14 with a 23 thumb support 18 that includes a generally upwardly facing thumb 24 support surface or ledge 20 spaced down from the top edge and which surface 20 extends outwardly to one side of the base 12 and 26 slightly downwardly arcuately to the rear to a junction with the 27 rear surface. The thumb support 18 also includes a generally 28 upstanding locating surface or support 22 that extends generally 29 transversely to the support surface 20 at the forward/sideward direction or angle noted above. The locating surface 22 engages 31 the side of the gripping thumb. The resulting semi-conical 32 configuration of the surfaces 20, 22 of the thumb support 18 33 combine to locate and maintain the gripping thumb at an inward 34 angle in the desired comfortable, bent position. The area 21 rests in the space between the thumb and the index finger when 36 the unit is gripped as per FIGURE 12 which shows the desired 37 position of a right hand wrapped around the illustrated grip 10 38 as viewed from the upper end 14 of the grip. Note preferred 39 elongated recess 33 per FIGURE 10 used to ensure a good hand fit, by receiving the flesh overlaying the forward end of the 1 metacarpal bones.
2 Figure 10 shows a right hand and FIGURE 11 shows a right 3 hand wrapped around the grip 10 as viewed from the left and right 4 of the hand. They show that the harid is not significantly tilted either toward the thumb or the little finger. Thus, the hand and 6 wrist are in a generally neutral position when the hand grasps 7 the grip 10.
8 As seen, grip 10 has a general:Ly forwardly facing front edge 9 portion 24 having individual indentations or grooves 26 with each accommodating one of the fingers of the gripping hand. This 11 forward edge portion 24's grooves 26 are disposed slightly 12 rearwardly in descending order. Thus it engages so as to 13 position and support the first joint (closest to the palm) of 14 each of the fingers. This in turn tends to determine the alignment of the knuckles and faciliLtates aligning those knuckles 16 in a generally straight line as viewed from the back of the hand.
17 As shown best in Figure 11, a generally rearwardly facing 18 area or surface 28 of the grip is designed to engage so as to 19 locate and support the palm area of the hand which is generally intermediate the fingers and the wrist. In particular, there is 21 a slight depression 30 in the rear surface 28 to accommodate the 22 portion of the palm adjacent to and. just forwardly of the thumb.
23 There is also a lower depression 33 to accommodate the heel of 24 the hand.
The right side surface 32 of the grip 10 between the forward 26 and the rearward edge portions 24, 28, which engages the palm of 27 the hand adjacent to the fingers, is suitably contoured and 28 selectively recessed to comfortably receive the joints between 29 the fingers and the bones of the hand and to allow the grip to be squeezed without misaligning the:knuckles as discussed above.
31 In particular, there is a specific upper recess or depression 34 32 to accommodate the joint between the first finger and the second 33 metacarpal of the hand. Further, the side palm engaging surface 34 34 has a lower recess 36 to accommodate the heel of the hand, i.e., the joint between the little finger and the adjacent 36 metatarsal. This last accommodation is particularly significant 37 as it contributes and facilitates the extended or increased 38 contraction of the little finger relative to the other fingers 39 as described above. In this connection, at the forwardly facing edge portion 28 of the grip, the lowermost groove 26A for the 1 little finger is enlarged to facilitate the additional 2 contraction. Elongated recess 33 is on the right face of the 3 grip and is adapted to receive the flesh adjacent to the forward 4 end of the metacarpal bones of index and middle fingers.
The left or opposite side surface extends in a generally 6 upright plane that is at a slicfht sideward angle from the 7 forwardly facing edge portion 24, to provide a comfortable 8 positioning and resting stop for the ends of the gripping 9 fingers. In this connection, the underside of the thumb support 18 is formed with a smooth angled undersurface 40 to provide a 11 comfortable support and resting place for the end of the first 12 finger of the gripping hand. This surface 40 extends rearwardly 13 at a slight outward angle outwardly from the forwardly facing 14 edge portion 24 in a concave fashion..
The lower end 16 of the grip 10 is provided with an enlarged 16 end portion 42 which serves as a~guide and limit stop for the 17 hand when it reaches for and engages the grip. It is seen that 18 the lower end 16 of this device is configured differently when 19 employed as either a hand grip, or when the device is mounted at the terminus of a shaft, as contrasted with when an element of 21 structure such as a section of the water ski tow handle of Figure 22 15 or the shaft of the ski pole of Figure 16. In these latter 23 instances, the lower end 16 has a iElat bottom surface. But when 24 lower end 16 has no element passing therethrough, it includes a thickened arcuate portion 44 with a central horizontal bore 46, 26 said thickened portion being spaced inwardly from both side 27 surfaces of the device. In appearance portion 44 taken in 28 conjunction with the bore resembles an inverted arch of a 29 narrower dimension than the balance of the lower end 16. The presence of the thickened portion 44 permits the passage of a 31 string, rope or lace therethrough for either easy on wrist 32 carrying of both the hand grips 7L0 and the hammer 370 or for 33 attachment of another element be it a ribbon for decoration or 34 a string or rope for tieing a water vessel, or gloves or something else to the lower end of a bicycle's handlebars.
36 The grip 10 of this invention will accommodate the hands of 37 most adult males and females as there is minimal difference in 38 the width of most adult human hands, and it is the width that 39 rests on this device. Of course, it can be made proportionately smaller to accommodate the needs of certain women and children 1 who have quite small hands.
2 As has been noted earlier the grip of this invention can be 3 used during physical fitness exercises as is discussed herein.
4 The variant with the flat lower erid can be incorporated in the handle of a water ski towline among other items.
6 Thus Figure 16 shows the ergonomic handgrip of Figures 1 and 7 2 but with a flat lower end, incorporated into a pulling grip or 8 handle 100 that may be used for various activities where the 9 holder is pulled. The handle 100 includes a grip portion 110 which is essentially the same as the illustrated handgrip 11 discussed above. The grip portion 110 has an elongated base 112 12 and a longitudinal axis. An exterision portion 150 is attached 13 to the first or upper end 114 of the base 112 adjacent to the 14 thumb shelf 118. The extensioin portion 150 is generally collinear with the base 112 aloncf the longitudinal axis. It 16 should be noted that positioning the thumb shelf 118 off to one 17 side of the base axis allows this collinear arrangement. The 18 illustrated handle 100 also has a second extension portion 152 19 connected to the other end 116 of the base 112. A generally U-shaped yoke 154 is integrally connected to the extension portions 21 150, 152. More particularly, the yoke 154 has two legs 156, 158.
22 The leg 156 is connected to the extension portion 150 and the leg 23 158 is connected to the extension portion 152. A connector 24 element 160 is connected to the yoke 154 at the junction of the yoke legs 156, 158. The connector element 160 may be connected 26 to any mechanism or structure for applying a pulling force as by 27 rope 161 per Figure 19. Examples would be an exercise machine 28 or a lawn mower engine (for startup). In such instances, the 29 user does the pulling but when the connected element is a tow line, the user is to be pulled as by a boat.
31 As can be seen in Figure 16, the base 112 is used in an 32 inclined position tilted forward:ly. Good results have been 33 achieved with the tilt being in the range between about true 34 vertical and about 17 degrees forward from the vertical, in that users find this position to be extremely comfortable and not 36 leading to fatigue. Note the presence of the elongated recess 37 in the side of the base.
38 From an ergonomic point of view, when the user employs the 39 tow rope of Figure 16 the hand and the wrist stay in a neutral position, and the triceps and deltoid (shoulder area) are 1 activated which allows the biceps, the pectorals, and abdominal, 2 and the leg muscles to be utilized efficiently. There is very 3 little body lean; the torso and the shoulder girdle are stable 4 platforms from which to use the: arm and the chest muscle efficiently. The muscle tension in the legs occurs down the 6 middle of the thighs rather than the outside. This means that 7 the knees are much more stable and less susceptible to injury.
8 Figure 15 shows the illustrated handgrip of Figures 1 and 9 4 incorporated into ski pole handles 500. The grip 510 of the ski pole handle 500 is employed with a somewhat reduced forward 11 tilt as compared to the grip of FiLgures 1 and 4. In a working 12 prototype model of the ski poles, t.he forward angle was about 85 13 degrees from a generally horizontal reference plane H. The angle 14 at which the grip intersects the ski pole may vary, but at about an 87-degree angle from the generally horizontal reference plane 16 H good results were obtained. The shaft 512 may be disposed 17 offset rearwardly along the lower edge 516, or centered as shown 18 in FIGURE 15.
19 These good results are defined as follows:
1. Hand pressure is evenly distributed.
21 2. The thumb is placed in bent position on top of the grip, 22 which creates stability in the thumb joints.
23 3. During a weight shift from one ski to the other the hips 24 and shoulders move in unison, maintaining balance and keeping the center of gravity over the skis.
26 4. Muscular action in the legs occurs along the middle of 27 the thighs, using the quadriceps evenly. This keeps the knees 28 in a stable position to thereby reduce the probability of injury.
29 In order to mount a grip of this invention into a ski pole, one bores the flat bottom or lowei- end to receive the shaft of 31 the ski pole. The natural incliilation would be to align the 32 central axis with the length of the shaft. It has been found, 33 however, that better results in terms of hand comfort is 34 concerned, are obtained by tilting the grip slightly forwardly.
See Figure 15.
36 When so disposed, the grip tends to promote improved 37 alignment and stabilization of the parts of the user's body. In 38 particular, shoulders, hips and legs have greater stability and 39 efficiency of movement. All of this makes for better skiing.
1 The grips of this invention can be used as the gripping 2 portion of hand tools such as axes, hammers and mauls. Figure 3 17 shows the handgrip of this invention incorporated into the 4 handle 300 of a hand tool, more particularly, a hammer 370. In the handle the sideward offset of t:he thumb ledge 318 allows the 6 adjacent end 314 of the grip 310 to be attached or connected to 7 an extension shaft 350, with the base 312 and the extension shaft 8 350 being generally co-extension along the axis of the base. The 9 inverted arch 344 of lower section 316 can be used for attachment to a belt carryall or clip. Persons such as telephone repair 11 persons do this with frequency.
12 While Figure 17 shows the p:referred embodiment with the 13 inverted arch at the lower end, it is readily seen that the less 14 preferred version with the smooth lower end such as 16 or 116, and such as within the sign of this invention even though not 16 specifically illustrated.
17 From a marketing perspective it may seem less desirable to 18 have both a left-handed and right-handed hammer, but the doubling 19 of product inventory should be overcome by increased sales due to the extreme comfort and stabilit.y in the hand enjoyed by users 21 of such a hammer, maul or other similar instrument.
22 The grips of this invention can also be utilized as the 23 handgrips of bicycle handlebars. Thus, in Figure 18, rider 600 24 has his hands holding two grips 610 on the generally horizontal cross handle bar 602 of a road-type bicycle. The rider's body 26 is tilted forward and the grips depend rearwardly downward. For 27 mountain bikes the angle of the grips is preferably adjustable.
28 Note the presence of inverted arch section 612 just below the 29 little finger of the rider's right: hand.
Whereas in the ski pole, the bore is made in the lower end 31 for insertion of the pole's shaft, for adaption to a bicycle, the 32 insertion is via the upper end.
33 While it is believed that a frictional engagement will be 34 sufficient for both the ski pole mounting and the bicycle handle bar mounting a suitable adhesive may be applied for a permanent 36 mounting of the grip to the substrate.
37 The ergonomic bicycle grips of Figure 18 offer a number of 38 advantages, including the following to the rider. First, the 39 elbows drop to a lower position more in direct alignment with the shoulder, and the shoulders and back are not as arched.
1 (Therefore the hips are not as displaced). This creates less 2 stress on the neck and back. In addition, muscle action occurs 3 along the midline of the thighs, rather than the outside.
4 The hips are not displaced, from a neutral position, allowing the knee to move in a vertical line rather than an oval.
6 There is less stress on the knees and a more efficient use of the 7 leg muscles.
1 It is seen that in its unadapted form for use as a handgrip 2 for runners, walkers and exercisers that the grip is the same on 3 the front, two side and rear faces, and is modified only at the 4 top and/or bottom end surfaces when adapted for use in other devices or apparatuses as discussed herein. Thus the grip has 6 an elongated base with four faces, left, right, front and rear 7 all of which are rounded as they intersect the next adjacent face 8 to readily permit the hand to wrap around the grip in both the 9 unadapted and adapted formats, the hand is accommodated as follows, when engaged. The thumb is bent, and rests upon the 11 curvature of the shelf support. Preferably at least the small 12 finger is contracted relatively more than the other fingers of 13 the gripping hand. Further the grip is designed to engage the 14 gripping thumb and fingers to position and support them to facilitate desired generally neutral positioning of the hand 16 relative to the associated foreaLrm. In this regard it is 17 desirable that the hand be generally aligned with the adjacent 18 forearm. It is important that the wrist not be cocked or 19 hyperextended. In particular, the back of the hand should be generally co-planner with the adjacent surface of the forearm 21 within limits of no more than about 5-7 degrees either way, to 22 significantly increase the stability of the hand. It is also 23 desirable to limit, to the exterit possible, excessive ulnar 24 deviation(toward the little finger) or excessive radial deviation (toward the thumb). The knuckles are arranged generally in 26 linear alignment with one another (although the knuckle of the 27 little finger may be misaligned to some extent due to the greater 28 contraction of that finger. The contours of the grip generally 29 conform to the matching contours of the gripping hand so that the user has a comfortable feeling when the grip is being held, such 31 that the portions of the hand are positioned and supported as 32 noted.
1 Since certain changes may be made in the above device 2 without departing from the scope of the invention herein 3 involved, it is intended that all matter contained in the above 4 description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.
The illustrated grip 10 includes an elongated base or 11 section 12 which has a longitudinal central axis and opposed ends 12 14, 16. The grip 10 has a sculptured or contoured front surface 13 to accommodate the hand of the use:r. The contours of the grip 14 10 generally conform to the matching contours of the gripping hand so that the user has a comfortable feeling when the grip is 16 being held and so that the portioris of the hand are positioned 17 and supported as noted above. For convenience, the grip 10 will 18 be described as extending generally upright, although its 19 orientation might vary for different applications, when incorporated therein.
21 With reference to Fig. 3, more particularly, as shown the 22 illustrated grip 10 is formed at a first or upper end 14 with a 23 thumb support 18 that includes a generally upwardly facing thumb 24 support surface or ledge 20 spaced down from the top edge and which surface 20 extends outwardly to one side of the base 12 and 26 slightly downwardly arcuately to the rear to a junction with the 27 rear surface. The thumb support 18 also includes a generally 28 upstanding locating surface or support 22 that extends generally 29 transversely to the support surface 20 at the forward/sideward direction or angle noted above. The locating surface 22 engages 31 the side of the gripping thumb. The resulting semi-conical 32 configuration of the surfaces 20, 22 of the thumb support 18 33 combine to locate and maintain the gripping thumb at an inward 34 angle in the desired comfortable, bent position. The area 21 rests in the space between the thumb and the index finger when 36 the unit is gripped as per FIGURE 12 which shows the desired 37 position of a right hand wrapped around the illustrated grip 10 38 as viewed from the upper end 14 of the grip. Note preferred 39 elongated recess 33 per FIGURE 10 used to ensure a good hand fit, by receiving the flesh overlaying the forward end of the 1 metacarpal bones.
2 Figure 10 shows a right hand and FIGURE 11 shows a right 3 hand wrapped around the grip 10 as viewed from the left and right 4 of the hand. They show that the harid is not significantly tilted either toward the thumb or the little finger. Thus, the hand and 6 wrist are in a generally neutral position when the hand grasps 7 the grip 10.
8 As seen, grip 10 has a general:Ly forwardly facing front edge 9 portion 24 having individual indentations or grooves 26 with each accommodating one of the fingers of the gripping hand. This 11 forward edge portion 24's grooves 26 are disposed slightly 12 rearwardly in descending order. Thus it engages so as to 13 position and support the first joint (closest to the palm) of 14 each of the fingers. This in turn tends to determine the alignment of the knuckles and faciliLtates aligning those knuckles 16 in a generally straight line as viewed from the back of the hand.
17 As shown best in Figure 11, a generally rearwardly facing 18 area or surface 28 of the grip is designed to engage so as to 19 locate and support the palm area of the hand which is generally intermediate the fingers and the wrist. In particular, there is 21 a slight depression 30 in the rear surface 28 to accommodate the 22 portion of the palm adjacent to and. just forwardly of the thumb.
23 There is also a lower depression 33 to accommodate the heel of 24 the hand.
The right side surface 32 of the grip 10 between the forward 26 and the rearward edge portions 24, 28, which engages the palm of 27 the hand adjacent to the fingers, is suitably contoured and 28 selectively recessed to comfortably receive the joints between 29 the fingers and the bones of the hand and to allow the grip to be squeezed without misaligning the:knuckles as discussed above.
31 In particular, there is a specific upper recess or depression 34 32 to accommodate the joint between the first finger and the second 33 metacarpal of the hand. Further, the side palm engaging surface 34 34 has a lower recess 36 to accommodate the heel of the hand, i.e., the joint between the little finger and the adjacent 36 metatarsal. This last accommodation is particularly significant 37 as it contributes and facilitates the extended or increased 38 contraction of the little finger relative to the other fingers 39 as described above. In this connection, at the forwardly facing edge portion 28 of the grip, the lowermost groove 26A for the 1 little finger is enlarged to facilitate the additional 2 contraction. Elongated recess 33 is on the right face of the 3 grip and is adapted to receive the flesh adjacent to the forward 4 end of the metacarpal bones of index and middle fingers.
The left or opposite side surface extends in a generally 6 upright plane that is at a slicfht sideward angle from the 7 forwardly facing edge portion 24, to provide a comfortable 8 positioning and resting stop for the ends of the gripping 9 fingers. In this connection, the underside of the thumb support 18 is formed with a smooth angled undersurface 40 to provide a 11 comfortable support and resting place for the end of the first 12 finger of the gripping hand. This surface 40 extends rearwardly 13 at a slight outward angle outwardly from the forwardly facing 14 edge portion 24 in a concave fashion..
The lower end 16 of the grip 10 is provided with an enlarged 16 end portion 42 which serves as a~guide and limit stop for the 17 hand when it reaches for and engages the grip. It is seen that 18 the lower end 16 of this device is configured differently when 19 employed as either a hand grip, or when the device is mounted at the terminus of a shaft, as contrasted with when an element of 21 structure such as a section of the water ski tow handle of Figure 22 15 or the shaft of the ski pole of Figure 16. In these latter 23 instances, the lower end 16 has a iElat bottom surface. But when 24 lower end 16 has no element passing therethrough, it includes a thickened arcuate portion 44 with a central horizontal bore 46, 26 said thickened portion being spaced inwardly from both side 27 surfaces of the device. In appearance portion 44 taken in 28 conjunction with the bore resembles an inverted arch of a 29 narrower dimension than the balance of the lower end 16. The presence of the thickened portion 44 permits the passage of a 31 string, rope or lace therethrough for either easy on wrist 32 carrying of both the hand grips 7L0 and the hammer 370 or for 33 attachment of another element be it a ribbon for decoration or 34 a string or rope for tieing a water vessel, or gloves or something else to the lower end of a bicycle's handlebars.
36 The grip 10 of this invention will accommodate the hands of 37 most adult males and females as there is minimal difference in 38 the width of most adult human hands, and it is the width that 39 rests on this device. Of course, it can be made proportionately smaller to accommodate the needs of certain women and children 1 who have quite small hands.
2 As has been noted earlier the grip of this invention can be 3 used during physical fitness exercises as is discussed herein.
4 The variant with the flat lower erid can be incorporated in the handle of a water ski towline among other items.
6 Thus Figure 16 shows the ergonomic handgrip of Figures 1 and 7 2 but with a flat lower end, incorporated into a pulling grip or 8 handle 100 that may be used for various activities where the 9 holder is pulled. The handle 100 includes a grip portion 110 which is essentially the same as the illustrated handgrip 11 discussed above. The grip portion 110 has an elongated base 112 12 and a longitudinal axis. An exterision portion 150 is attached 13 to the first or upper end 114 of the base 112 adjacent to the 14 thumb shelf 118. The extensioin portion 150 is generally collinear with the base 112 aloncf the longitudinal axis. It 16 should be noted that positioning the thumb shelf 118 off to one 17 side of the base axis allows this collinear arrangement. The 18 illustrated handle 100 also has a second extension portion 152 19 connected to the other end 116 of the base 112. A generally U-shaped yoke 154 is integrally connected to the extension portions 21 150, 152. More particularly, the yoke 154 has two legs 156, 158.
22 The leg 156 is connected to the extension portion 150 and the leg 23 158 is connected to the extension portion 152. A connector 24 element 160 is connected to the yoke 154 at the junction of the yoke legs 156, 158. The connector element 160 may be connected 26 to any mechanism or structure for applying a pulling force as by 27 rope 161 per Figure 19. Examples would be an exercise machine 28 or a lawn mower engine (for startup). In such instances, the 29 user does the pulling but when the connected element is a tow line, the user is to be pulled as by a boat.
31 As can be seen in Figure 16, the base 112 is used in an 32 inclined position tilted forward:ly. Good results have been 33 achieved with the tilt being in the range between about true 34 vertical and about 17 degrees forward from the vertical, in that users find this position to be extremely comfortable and not 36 leading to fatigue. Note the presence of the elongated recess 37 in the side of the base.
38 From an ergonomic point of view, when the user employs the 39 tow rope of Figure 16 the hand and the wrist stay in a neutral position, and the triceps and deltoid (shoulder area) are 1 activated which allows the biceps, the pectorals, and abdominal, 2 and the leg muscles to be utilized efficiently. There is very 3 little body lean; the torso and the shoulder girdle are stable 4 platforms from which to use the: arm and the chest muscle efficiently. The muscle tension in the legs occurs down the 6 middle of the thighs rather than the outside. This means that 7 the knees are much more stable and less susceptible to injury.
8 Figure 15 shows the illustrated handgrip of Figures 1 and 9 4 incorporated into ski pole handles 500. The grip 510 of the ski pole handle 500 is employed with a somewhat reduced forward 11 tilt as compared to the grip of FiLgures 1 and 4. In a working 12 prototype model of the ski poles, t.he forward angle was about 85 13 degrees from a generally horizontal reference plane H. The angle 14 at which the grip intersects the ski pole may vary, but at about an 87-degree angle from the generally horizontal reference plane 16 H good results were obtained. The shaft 512 may be disposed 17 offset rearwardly along the lower edge 516, or centered as shown 18 in FIGURE 15.
19 These good results are defined as follows:
1. Hand pressure is evenly distributed.
21 2. The thumb is placed in bent position on top of the grip, 22 which creates stability in the thumb joints.
23 3. During a weight shift from one ski to the other the hips 24 and shoulders move in unison, maintaining balance and keeping the center of gravity over the skis.
26 4. Muscular action in the legs occurs along the middle of 27 the thighs, using the quadriceps evenly. This keeps the knees 28 in a stable position to thereby reduce the probability of injury.
29 In order to mount a grip of this invention into a ski pole, one bores the flat bottom or lowei- end to receive the shaft of 31 the ski pole. The natural incliilation would be to align the 32 central axis with the length of the shaft. It has been found, 33 however, that better results in terms of hand comfort is 34 concerned, are obtained by tilting the grip slightly forwardly.
See Figure 15.
36 When so disposed, the grip tends to promote improved 37 alignment and stabilization of the parts of the user's body. In 38 particular, shoulders, hips and legs have greater stability and 39 efficiency of movement. All of this makes for better skiing.
1 The grips of this invention can be used as the gripping 2 portion of hand tools such as axes, hammers and mauls. Figure 3 17 shows the handgrip of this invention incorporated into the 4 handle 300 of a hand tool, more particularly, a hammer 370. In the handle the sideward offset of t:he thumb ledge 318 allows the 6 adjacent end 314 of the grip 310 to be attached or connected to 7 an extension shaft 350, with the base 312 and the extension shaft 8 350 being generally co-extension along the axis of the base. The 9 inverted arch 344 of lower section 316 can be used for attachment to a belt carryall or clip. Persons such as telephone repair 11 persons do this with frequency.
12 While Figure 17 shows the p:referred embodiment with the 13 inverted arch at the lower end, it is readily seen that the less 14 preferred version with the smooth lower end such as 16 or 116, and such as within the sign of this invention even though not 16 specifically illustrated.
17 From a marketing perspective it may seem less desirable to 18 have both a left-handed and right-handed hammer, but the doubling 19 of product inventory should be overcome by increased sales due to the extreme comfort and stabilit.y in the hand enjoyed by users 21 of such a hammer, maul or other similar instrument.
22 The grips of this invention can also be utilized as the 23 handgrips of bicycle handlebars. Thus, in Figure 18, rider 600 24 has his hands holding two grips 610 on the generally horizontal cross handle bar 602 of a road-type bicycle. The rider's body 26 is tilted forward and the grips depend rearwardly downward. For 27 mountain bikes the angle of the grips is preferably adjustable.
28 Note the presence of inverted arch section 612 just below the 29 little finger of the rider's right: hand.
Whereas in the ski pole, the bore is made in the lower end 31 for insertion of the pole's shaft, for adaption to a bicycle, the 32 insertion is via the upper end.
33 While it is believed that a frictional engagement will be 34 sufficient for both the ski pole mounting and the bicycle handle bar mounting a suitable adhesive may be applied for a permanent 36 mounting of the grip to the substrate.
37 The ergonomic bicycle grips of Figure 18 offer a number of 38 advantages, including the following to the rider. First, the 39 elbows drop to a lower position more in direct alignment with the shoulder, and the shoulders and back are not as arched.
1 (Therefore the hips are not as displaced). This creates less 2 stress on the neck and back. In addition, muscle action occurs 3 along the midline of the thighs, rather than the outside.
4 The hips are not displaced, from a neutral position, allowing the knee to move in a vertical line rather than an oval.
6 There is less stress on the knees and a more efficient use of the 7 leg muscles.
1 It is seen that in its unadapted form for use as a handgrip 2 for runners, walkers and exercisers that the grip is the same on 3 the front, two side and rear faces, and is modified only at the 4 top and/or bottom end surfaces when adapted for use in other devices or apparatuses as discussed herein. Thus the grip has 6 an elongated base with four faces, left, right, front and rear 7 all of which are rounded as they intersect the next adjacent face 8 to readily permit the hand to wrap around the grip in both the 9 unadapted and adapted formats, the hand is accommodated as follows, when engaged. The thumb is bent, and rests upon the 11 curvature of the shelf support. Preferably at least the small 12 finger is contracted relatively more than the other fingers of 13 the gripping hand. Further the grip is designed to engage the 14 gripping thumb and fingers to position and support them to facilitate desired generally neutral positioning of the hand 16 relative to the associated foreaLrm. In this regard it is 17 desirable that the hand be generally aligned with the adjacent 18 forearm. It is important that the wrist not be cocked or 19 hyperextended. In particular, the back of the hand should be generally co-planner with the adjacent surface of the forearm 21 within limits of no more than about 5-7 degrees either way, to 22 significantly increase the stability of the hand. It is also 23 desirable to limit, to the exterit possible, excessive ulnar 24 deviation(toward the little finger) or excessive radial deviation (toward the thumb). The knuckles are arranged generally in 26 linear alignment with one another (although the knuckle of the 27 little finger may be misaligned to some extent due to the greater 28 contraction of that finger. The contours of the grip generally 29 conform to the matching contours of the gripping hand so that the user has a comfortable feeling when the grip is being held, such 31 that the portions of the hand are positioned and supported as 32 noted.
1 Since certain changes may be made in the above device 2 without departing from the scope of the invention herein 3 involved, it is intended that all matter contained in the above 4 description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.
Claims (21)
1. An ergonomic handgrip comprising:
a) an elongated base having a central longitudinal axis and having first and second opposed ends, and b) a thumb support adjacent to the first end of the base, the thumb support including a support surface that extends in a plane generally transversely to the axis of the base and extends to one side of the axis, and wherein said thumb support also includes a lateral support surface that is located at the inside of the thumb support surface and extends generally transversely to the thumb support surface, said lateral surface extending in a plane generally parallel to the longitudinal axis, c) a generally forwardly directed portion contoured for engaging user's hand by having a series of generally transversely extending finger-receiving grooves extending at least partially around the base and spaced apart longitudinally of the base, said grooves being positioned longitudinally of the base so that when the handgrip is held by the hand of the user, a ledge is positioned relative to the thumb so that the thumb rests upon the ledge in a bent rather than an extended position, the groove for the little finger being sufficiently reduced in dimension so that when the handgrip is held by the hand of the user, the little finger received in such groove is caused to contract substantially more than the remainder of the fingers of that hand, and d) a thickened arcuate portion with a central horizontal bore, said thickened portion being spaced in from both side edges of the second end which is the lower end.
a) an elongated base having a central longitudinal axis and having first and second opposed ends, and b) a thumb support adjacent to the first end of the base, the thumb support including a support surface that extends in a plane generally transversely to the axis of the base and extends to one side of the axis, and wherein said thumb support also includes a lateral support surface that is located at the inside of the thumb support surface and extends generally transversely to the thumb support surface, said lateral surface extending in a plane generally parallel to the longitudinal axis, c) a generally forwardly directed portion contoured for engaging user's hand by having a series of generally transversely extending finger-receiving grooves extending at least partially around the base and spaced apart longitudinally of the base, said grooves being positioned longitudinally of the base so that when the handgrip is held by the hand of the user, a ledge is positioned relative to the thumb so that the thumb rests upon the ledge in a bent rather than an extended position, the groove for the little finger being sufficiently reduced in dimension so that when the handgrip is held by the hand of the user, the little finger received in such groove is caused to contract substantially more than the remainder of the fingers of that hand, and d) a thickened arcuate portion with a central horizontal bore, said thickened portion being spaced in from both side edges of the second end which is the lower end.
2. The handgrip of claim 1 wherein the elongated base has a generally sidewardly directed portion having an elongated recess contoured for engaging and supporting the areas of the inside of the gripping hand where the fingers join to the palm, and a generally rearwardly directed portion contoured for engaging and supporting an intermediate palm area of the gripping hand.
3. The handgrip of claim 1 wherein the elongated base has an enlarged portion at the lower end of said base.
4. The handgrip of claim 1 wherein said forwardly directed portion includes individual indentations for each finger, and wherein a recess for the lowermost finger is disproportionately larger to facilitate extended contraction of that finger when gripping.
5. The handgrip of claim 2 wherein the generally rearwardly face portion includes a recess for receiving the palm area around the second metacarpal of the gripping hand, and wherein the generally sidewardly facing portion includes recessed portions for receiving palm areas of the gripping hand around the finger-bone-to-metacarpal joints.
6. The handgrip of claim 1 wherein the base has a reduced circumference adjacent the lower end to allow extended contraction of the small finger relative to the other fingers.
7. A pair of the handgrips of claim 1 each in combination with an elongated ski pole usable in a generally upright orientation with a first end uppermost, each handgrip being attached at its second end to said first end of the associated ski pole, but wherein the lower end has a generally flat bottom surface, and one side of said handgrip;
namely, the side facing the palm, has an elongated recess therein.
namely, the side facing the palm, has an elongated recess therein.
8. A pair of the handgrips of claim 1 in combination with a bicycle handlebar that is disposed generally horizontally, each said handgrip being disposed through its upper end to said handlebars' termini.
9. A device for use with a pulling force comprising the handgrip of claim 1 having an extension section attached to the first end of said base and being generally collinear with said base along said axis, and an extension section attached to the lower end thereof, both of which extensions are connected to a U-shaped yoke designed for being acted upon by pulling forces, the device further including a connector element connected to said yoke and disposed for being connected to a pulling force apparatus on an apparatus to be pulled from, wherein the lower end of said handgrip has a generally flat bottom surface, and one side of a said handgrip; namely, the side facing the palm has an elongated recess therein.
10. A tool used for striking, such as a hammer, having a head portion and a handle, which handle has a top and a bottom, the top being connected to the head portion, and the bottom having the handgrip of claim 1 disposed thereon, said handle's bottom being disposed through the upper end of said handgrip into the elongated base of said handgrip.
11. An elongated handgrip, when disposed generally upright, comprising:
an elongated body having a longitudinal generally central axis, the body having an upper end and a lower end, the body having a generally smooth contoured outer surface comprising a series of elongated surface portions that extend generally upright and parallel to the axis and are arranged circumferentially around the axis to engage a hand of the user with the palm and the fingers of the hand wrapped around the body surface and with the thumb uppermost, said surface portions comprising first, second, third and fourth portions, said first elongated surface portion being contoured for engaging the innermost digits of the fingers of the users hand, said first surface portion having a series of longitudinally spaced apart recesses for each receiving one of said digits, said second elongated surface portion being contoured for engaging the portion of the palm of the user's hand generally aligned with the knuckle joints, said second surface portion having an elongated recess extending generally upright and parallel to said axis for receiving and generally aligning at least the top two knuckles of the user's hand, said third elongated surface portion being contoured for engaging the remaining portions of the user's palm including the thumb pad, said third surface portion being generally at a right angle to said second surface portion, and being wider over at least most of its height than said first surface portion, said fourth surface portion being contoured for engaging the end two digits of the fingers of the user's hand in bent encircling condition, said fourth surface portion being angled so that it is generally further from the second surface portion where the second surface portion meets the third surface portion than it is from the second surface portion where the second surface portion meets the first surface portion and the portion of said body's upper end that is generally opposite from said second surface portion being contoured with a thumb positioning and supporting ledge that extends generally transversely to the central axis, said thumb supporting ledge facing generally upwardly, the thumb supporting ledge commencing at an upper end of the third surface portion, then sloping upwardly to provide a support for the intermediate digit of the thumb so that the digit extends slightly upwardly, then sloping back downwardly to provide a support for the outermost digit of the thumb whereby that digit extends back downwardly, whereby the thumb is supported with both joints bent;
the thumb support ledge also being inclined downwardly as it extends radially away from the central axis to support the bent thumb so that the inside of the thumb is rotated toward the palm of the hand, said lower end having a thickened arcuate portion with a central horizontal bore, said thickened portion being spaced in from both side edges of the lower end.
an elongated body having a longitudinal generally central axis, the body having an upper end and a lower end, the body having a generally smooth contoured outer surface comprising a series of elongated surface portions that extend generally upright and parallel to the axis and are arranged circumferentially around the axis to engage a hand of the user with the palm and the fingers of the hand wrapped around the body surface and with the thumb uppermost, said surface portions comprising first, second, third and fourth portions, said first elongated surface portion being contoured for engaging the innermost digits of the fingers of the users hand, said first surface portion having a series of longitudinally spaced apart recesses for each receiving one of said digits, said second elongated surface portion being contoured for engaging the portion of the palm of the user's hand generally aligned with the knuckle joints, said second surface portion having an elongated recess extending generally upright and parallel to said axis for receiving and generally aligning at least the top two knuckles of the user's hand, said third elongated surface portion being contoured for engaging the remaining portions of the user's palm including the thumb pad, said third surface portion being generally at a right angle to said second surface portion, and being wider over at least most of its height than said first surface portion, said fourth surface portion being contoured for engaging the end two digits of the fingers of the user's hand in bent encircling condition, said fourth surface portion being angled so that it is generally further from the second surface portion where the second surface portion meets the third surface portion than it is from the second surface portion where the second surface portion meets the first surface portion and the portion of said body's upper end that is generally opposite from said second surface portion being contoured with a thumb positioning and supporting ledge that extends generally transversely to the central axis, said thumb supporting ledge facing generally upwardly, the thumb supporting ledge commencing at an upper end of the third surface portion, then sloping upwardly to provide a support for the intermediate digit of the thumb so that the digit extends slightly upwardly, then sloping back downwardly to provide a support for the outermost digit of the thumb whereby that digit extends back downwardly, whereby the thumb is supported with both joints bent;
the thumb support ledge also being inclined downwardly as it extends radially away from the central axis to support the bent thumb so that the inside of the thumb is rotated toward the palm of the hand, said lower end having a thickened arcuate portion with a central horizontal bore, said thickened portion being spaced in from both side edges of the lower end.
12. An ergonomic elongated handgrip for being held in a hand of a user, which handgrip when disposed generally upright and gripped with the thumb of the user's hand prevents pronation of the first metacarpal and the thumb, and which handgrip comprises:
a) an elongated base having a central longitudinal axis and upper and lower opposed ends, and a series of generally transversely extending finger receiving grooves, each of which extends partially around said base, said grooves being spaced apart longitudinally on said base, the circumference of said base increasing upwardly from the lowermost groove to the uppermost groove, the base's reduced circumference allowing greater contraction of the small finger of the gripping hand at a joint between the phalanges and metacarpals, than the contraction of the comparable joints of the other three fingers of the gripping hand, on said base and b) a thumb support adjacent to said upper end of said base, said thumb support extending generally transverse to the axis of said base to one side of the axis having a slightly arcuate surface so as to position and support the thumb of the gripping hand in a bent position to one side of the axis with a bend in both joints of the thumb.
a) an elongated base having a central longitudinal axis and upper and lower opposed ends, and a series of generally transversely extending finger receiving grooves, each of which extends partially around said base, said grooves being spaced apart longitudinally on said base, the circumference of said base increasing upwardly from the lowermost groove to the uppermost groove, the base's reduced circumference allowing greater contraction of the small finger of the gripping hand at a joint between the phalanges and metacarpals, than the contraction of the comparable joints of the other three fingers of the gripping hand, on said base and b) a thumb support adjacent to said upper end of said base, said thumb support extending generally transverse to the axis of said base to one side of the axis having a slightly arcuate surface so as to position and support the thumb of the gripping hand in a bent position to one side of the axis with a bend in both joints of the thumb.
13. The handgrip of claim 12 wherein said base has a generally sidewardly directed portion contoured for engaging so as to position and support the areas of the inside of the gripping hand generally aligned with the knuckle joint, said generally sidewardly directed portion including an elongated generally upright recess for receiving at least the knuckle joints of the first and index fingers of the hand so as to maintain said joints generally aligned with one another.
14. The handgrip of claim 12 wherein said base also has:
a) a generally sidewardly directed portion, an elongated inward contour for engaging a hand, so as to position and support the areas of the inside of the digits of the fingers of the gripping hand where the fingers join to the palm, and a generally rearwardly directed portion, contoured for engaging a hand, so as to position and support an intermediate palm area.
a) a generally sidewardly directed portion, an elongated inward contour for engaging a hand, so as to position and support the areas of the inside of the digits of the fingers of the gripping hand where the fingers join to the palm, and a generally rearwardly directed portion, contoured for engaging a hand, so as to position and support an intermediate palm area.
15. An ergonomic handgrip for being held in a hand of a user comprising:
a) an elongated base having an upper and lower end, b) a slightly arcuate thumb locating and supporting ledge adjacent to said upper end of said base, and extending outwardly from, c) a series of generally transversely extending finger-receiving grooves extending at least partially around said base and spaced apart longitudinally of said base, said grooves being positioned longitudinally on said base so that when said handgrip is held by the hand of the user, said ledge is positioned relative to the thumb on the hand so that the thumb rests upon said ledge in a bent position with a bend in bath joints of the thumb rather than an extended position, said groove for the small finger of the hand being sufficiently reduced in circumference beyond what is required to accommodate the shorter length of the small finger relative to the lengths of the remaining fingers of the hand so that when said handgrip is held by the hand of the user, the small finger received in said groove contracts substantially more than the remainder of the fingers of the hand.
a) an elongated base having an upper and lower end, b) a slightly arcuate thumb locating and supporting ledge adjacent to said upper end of said base, and extending outwardly from, c) a series of generally transversely extending finger-receiving grooves extending at least partially around said base and spaced apart longitudinally of said base, said grooves being positioned longitudinally on said base so that when said handgrip is held by the hand of the user, said ledge is positioned relative to the thumb on the hand so that the thumb rests upon said ledge in a bent position with a bend in bath joints of the thumb rather than an extended position, said groove for the small finger of the hand being sufficiently reduced in circumference beyond what is required to accommodate the shorter length of the small finger relative to the lengths of the remaining fingers of the hand so that when said handgrip is held by the hand of the user, the small finger received in said groove contracts substantially more than the remainder of the fingers of the hand.
16. An elongated handgrip, when disposed generally upright, comprising:
an elongated body having a longitudinal generally central axis, the body having an upper end and a lower end, the body having a generally smooth contoured outer surface comprising a series of elongated surface portions that extend generally upright and parallel to the: axis and are arranged circumferentially around the axis to engage a hand of a user with the palm and the fingers of the hand wrapped around the body surface and with the thumb uppermost, said surface portions comprising first, second, third and fourth portions, said first elongated surface being contoured for engaging the innermost digits of the fingers of a user's hand, said surface portion having a series of longitudinally spaced apart recesses for each receiving one of said digits, said second elongated surface portion being sidewardly directed and being contoured for engaging the portion of the palm of the user's hand generally aligned with the knuckle joints, said second surface portion having an elongated recess extending generally upright and parallel to said axis for receiving and generally aligning at least the top two knuckles of a user's hand;
said third elongated surface portion being rearwardly directed and being contoured for engaging the remaining portions of a user's palm including the thumb pad, said third surface portion being generally at a right angle to said second surface portion, and being wider over at least most of its height than said first surface portion, said fourth portion being contoured for engaging the end two digits of the fingers of a user's hand in bent encircling condition, said fourth surface portion being angled so that it is generally further from the second surface portion where it meets the third surface portion than it is from the second surface portion where it meets the third surface portion, the area of said body's upper end that is generally opposite from said second surface portion, being contoured with a thumb positioning and supporting ledge that extends generally transversely to the central axis, said thumb supporting ledge facing generally upwardly, the thumb supporting ledge commencing at the upper end of the third surface portion, then sloping upwardly to provide a support for the intermediate digit of the thumb whereby that digit extends slightly upwardly, then sloping back downwardly to provide a support for the outermost digit of the thumb so that the digit extend: back downwardly, whereby the thumb is supported with both joints bents;
the lower end having a smooth. surface generally horizontal to the central axis of said handgrip.
an elongated body having a longitudinal generally central axis, the body having an upper end and a lower end, the body having a generally smooth contoured outer surface comprising a series of elongated surface portions that extend generally upright and parallel to the: axis and are arranged circumferentially around the axis to engage a hand of a user with the palm and the fingers of the hand wrapped around the body surface and with the thumb uppermost, said surface portions comprising first, second, third and fourth portions, said first elongated surface being contoured for engaging the innermost digits of the fingers of a user's hand, said surface portion having a series of longitudinally spaced apart recesses for each receiving one of said digits, said second elongated surface portion being sidewardly directed and being contoured for engaging the portion of the palm of the user's hand generally aligned with the knuckle joints, said second surface portion having an elongated recess extending generally upright and parallel to said axis for receiving and generally aligning at least the top two knuckles of a user's hand;
said third elongated surface portion being rearwardly directed and being contoured for engaging the remaining portions of a user's palm including the thumb pad, said third surface portion being generally at a right angle to said second surface portion, and being wider over at least most of its height than said first surface portion, said fourth portion being contoured for engaging the end two digits of the fingers of a user's hand in bent encircling condition, said fourth surface portion being angled so that it is generally further from the second surface portion where it meets the third surface portion than it is from the second surface portion where it meets the third surface portion, the area of said body's upper end that is generally opposite from said second surface portion, being contoured with a thumb positioning and supporting ledge that extends generally transversely to the central axis, said thumb supporting ledge facing generally upwardly, the thumb supporting ledge commencing at the upper end of the third surface portion, then sloping upwardly to provide a support for the intermediate digit of the thumb whereby that digit extends slightly upwardly, then sloping back downwardly to provide a support for the outermost digit of the thumb so that the digit extend: back downwardly, whereby the thumb is supported with both joints bents;
the lower end having a smooth. surface generally horizontal to the central axis of said handgrip.
17. The handgrip of claim 11 wherein the thumb support surface is inclined downwardly as it extends radially away from the central axis to support the thumb so that the inside of the thumb is rotated toward the palm of the hand.
18. The handgrip of claim 16 wherein the thumb support surface is inclined downwardly as it extends radially away from the central axis to support the thumb so that the inside of the thumb is rotated toward the palm of the hand.
19. An ergonomic handgrip for being held in a hand of a user comprising:
an elongated base having a central longitudinal axis and upper and lower opposed ends, said base having a reduced circumference adjacent said lower end to allow greater contraction of the small finger of the gripping hand at the joint between the phalanges and metacarpals than the contraction of the comparable joints of the other three fingers of the gripping hand, said base, when disposed generally upright, also having an enlarged circumference at said upper end; and a generally forwardly directed portion contoured for engaging so as to position and support the areas of the palm of the inside of the gripping hand where the fingers join to the palm, said forwardly directed portion includes four individual indentations one for each finger, said indentation for the small finger of the gripping hand being disproportionately larger than said indentations for the other fingers of the gripping hand to facilitate greater contraction of the small finger than the two uppermost fingers of the gripping hand when gripping, said indentation for the ring finger of the gripping hand being disproportionately larger than said indentations for the two uppermost fingers of the gripping hand to facilitate greater contraction of the ring finger than the two uppermost fingers of the gripping hand when gripping:
a generally sidewardly directed portion contoured for engaging so as to position and support the areas of the inside of the gripping hand where the fingers join to the palm; and a generally rearwardly directed portion contoured for engaging so as to position and support the intermediate palm area of the gripping hand;
a thumb support adjacent to said upper end of said base, said thumb support including a support surface extending generally transversely to the axis of said base and extending to one side of the axis and adapted to position and support the thumb of a gripping hand in a bent position to one side of the axis with a bend in both joints of the thumb, and an enlarged portion below said little finger indentation.
an elongated base having a central longitudinal axis and upper and lower opposed ends, said base having a reduced circumference adjacent said lower end to allow greater contraction of the small finger of the gripping hand at the joint between the phalanges and metacarpals than the contraction of the comparable joints of the other three fingers of the gripping hand, said base, when disposed generally upright, also having an enlarged circumference at said upper end; and a generally forwardly directed portion contoured for engaging so as to position and support the areas of the palm of the inside of the gripping hand where the fingers join to the palm, said forwardly directed portion includes four individual indentations one for each finger, said indentation for the small finger of the gripping hand being disproportionately larger than said indentations for the other fingers of the gripping hand to facilitate greater contraction of the small finger than the two uppermost fingers of the gripping hand when gripping, said indentation for the ring finger of the gripping hand being disproportionately larger than said indentations for the two uppermost fingers of the gripping hand to facilitate greater contraction of the ring finger than the two uppermost fingers of the gripping hand when gripping:
a generally sidewardly directed portion contoured for engaging so as to position and support the areas of the inside of the gripping hand where the fingers join to the palm; and a generally rearwardly directed portion contoured for engaging so as to position and support the intermediate palm area of the gripping hand;
a thumb support adjacent to said upper end of said base, said thumb support including a support surface extending generally transversely to the axis of said base and extending to one side of the axis and adapted to position and support the thumb of a gripping hand in a bent position to one side of the axis with a bend in both joints of the thumb, and an enlarged portion below said little finger indentation.
20. In the handgrip of claim 19 wherein the sidewardly directed portion contoured to position and support the areas of the inside of the gripping hand, has an elongated recess contoured for such purpose.
21. The handgrip of claim 15 further including an enlarged portion below the lowermost of said longitudinally positioned grooves.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002266754A CA2266754C (en) | 1999-03-23 | 1999-03-23 | Ergonomic handgrip |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002266754A CA2266754C (en) | 1999-03-23 | 1999-03-23 | Ergonomic handgrip |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2266754A1 CA2266754A1 (en) | 2000-09-23 |
| CA2266754C true CA2266754C (en) | 2008-08-05 |
Family
ID=29588616
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002266754A Expired - Fee Related CA2266754C (en) | 1999-03-23 | 1999-03-23 | Ergonomic handgrip |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2266754C (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US20210268633A1 (en) * | 2020-02-28 | 2021-09-02 | Walmart Apollo, Llc | Electronic shelf label removal tool |
Families Citing this family (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB2466987A (en) * | 2009-01-19 | 2010-07-21 | George Say | A gripping device for use with a drumstick or other item having a shaft |
| CN108180407A (en) * | 2017-12-27 | 2018-06-19 | 贵州大学 | A kind of the elderly's lighting device |
-
1999
- 1999-03-23 CA CA002266754A patent/CA2266754C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US20210268633A1 (en) * | 2020-02-28 | 2021-09-02 | Walmart Apollo, Llc | Electronic shelf label removal tool |
| US11717948B2 (en) * | 2020-02-28 | 2023-08-08 | Walmart Apollo, Llc | Electronic shelf label removal tool |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2266754A1 (en) | 2000-09-23 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |
Effective date: 20180323 |