GB2587338A

GB2587338A - Lifting strap

Info

Publication number: GB2587338A
Application number: GB1913420.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Macdonald James; Edward Jackson David
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2019-09-17
Filing date: 2019-09-17
Publication date: 2021-03-31
Also published as: GB201913420D0

Abstract

A strap 10 of flexible material for use in weightlifting or carrying of heavy objects such as stretchers. The strap 10 comprises an elongate body 12 having a first end 14 and a second end 16, a mid-portion 17, a first side 18 and a second side 20. A loop 22 of material at said first end 14 has an aperture 24 formed thereby and a securing member 26 for securing first side 18 to second side 20 comprises a first portion 28 on said first side 18 and a second portion 30 on said second side 20. The securing member 26 may comprise a mechanical coupling having one or more loops 32a and one or more hooks 34a. Loop 22 may be made from a resiliently stretchable or elastic material. Loop 22 may be attached to strap 10 by a first end 22a of loop 22 attached between a first edge 42 and middle portion 46 of first end 14 and a second end 22b being attached at a middle portion 36. Inner diameter D of loop 22 may be less than width W of strap 10. Loop 22 may be secured to strap 10 by stitches 50.

Description

LIFTING STRAP

Field

The present invention relates to a lifting aid and relates particularly but not exclusively to components known as lifting straps. Such lifting straps assist users in the lifting of heavy objects, for example, stretcher-bearers carrying a patient or an injured person on a stretcher during an emergency, war, or following a serious accident and in the weight training and bodybuilding.

Background

A lifting or loading strap is used by a person, or lifter, to facilitate lifting of a heavy object. Such an object may otherwise be lifted with a natural grip between the lifter's hands and the object. The natural grip is relied upon to transfer the load to the lifter's arms. The natural grip can be affected by the strength of the lifter's hands and fingers and the coefficient of friction on the surface of the object. In some cases, the lifter's natural grip may be insufficient to transfer the load of the object to his or her arms, for example, a patient on a stretcher may be dropped by a stretcher-bearer. The natural grip of the lifter is reinforced through use of a lifting strap, tied around the lifter's wrists and secured to the object to be lifted, which also provides a safety measure.

Lifting straps provide an additional and direct load transfer pathway from the load or object to the lifter's arms. This pathway connects the lifter's wrists to the object while circumventing the lifter's hands and fingers. This reduces the sole reliance otherwise placed on the lifter's natural grip as the mechanism for load transfer to the lifter's arms, however, several problems are introduced.

Lifting straps are known in weight training and bodybuilding. For example, a lasso-loop lifting strap involves a weight-lifter inserting his or her hand through a loop on a first end of a first load-bearing strap and a tail forming a second end of the load-bearing strap is then wrapped around a weight-lifting bar, typically composed of a steel alloy, until the lifter's hand is brought proximate to the weight-lifting bar. The portion of the strap between the weightlifter's wrist and the weight-lifting bar is slack to allow movement of the weight-lifter's hand when gripping around the bar but taut once this grip is established. The weight-lifter's hand is placed around the weight-lifting bar over said second end of the strap securing the strap and enhances the lifter's natural grip. Where the grip is lost or if the lifter lets go of the weight-lifting bar, the bar would rotate out of the tail forming said second end of the load-bearing strap and drop to the ground.

One solution to this is found in alternative lifting straps known in the art include lifting straps stitched into a figure 8 pattern. These lifting straps have two loops, a first loop for the lifter's hand and a second loop for the for weight-lifting bar. Unlike with the lasso-loop lifting straps, if the lifter lets go of the weight-lifting bar then the weight-lifting bar is caught by the second loop and is prevented from dropping to the ground. The weight-lifting bar remains relatively close to the lifter's hand.

Lifting straps are made from materials that exhibit sufficiently high tensile strength to withstand deformation under applied load. Lifting straps are commonly made from woven material, leather or nylon. Lifting straps are therefore strong, durable and stiff and when tightly secured to the lifter's wrists can dig into the lifter's skin causing discomfort and injury.

Lifting straps facilitate the lifting of heavy objects through the provision of a direct load transfer pathway that circumvents the natural grip of the lifter. This direct load transfer pathway can mean that the entire load being lifted is constantly borne by the portions of the lifter's wrist to which the lifting strap is secured. The lifting strap does not therefore assist the natural grip of the lifter since the load-bearing position is completely shifted from the lifter's hands to the lifter's wrists.

Lifting straps that circumvent the lifter's natural grip may result in the loss of an otherwise much needed indication of the lifter's lifting capability. This may lead the lifter to lift more than what he or she is capable of lifting, again causing significant injury.

In the case of heavy objects being dropped there is little shock-absorbing capability provided by lifting straps. The impact caused to the lifter's wrist as the lifting strap prevents the object from falling to the ground can also cause significant injury to the lifter.

If the lifting strap is improperly placed on the wrist by a novice user or otherwise, or the lifting strap slips past the wrist bones and towards the hand, the ligaments that stabilise the carpel bones can get stretched. This leads to wrist pain and degenerative changes leading to more chronic conditions.

It would be desirable to have a lifting strap that reduces discomfort and the chance of injury to the lifter in view of the abovementioned problems. It would be desirable to have a lifting strap that better assists a user's load-carrying capability, enhances the user's natural grip and provides some elasticity.

Known lifting straps as described above are designed primarily for use by athletes undertaking weight training. These straps hang loose when not in use and thus are a safety hazard due to the danger they may become caught for example in or on any machinery present in the work place. Therefore, ideally such straps must be removed and carried or placed in a pocket when not being used. This is time consuming and there is the additional danger of such an item being dropped and becoming lost.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a convenient solution to provide a lifting strap suitable for use both in the gym and in a work environment where intermittent or frequent lifting of heavy objects is required. The invention being worn by the user in a storage configuration when not in use that is both comfortable for the user and provides safe and secure storage for the lifting strap whilst keeping the lifting strap conveniently available for deployment when required. In this "stowed" position the strap is wrapped around the wrist of the user and, thereby, also provides support for the wrist which will help reduce fatigue.

Statement of Invention

It is the object of the invention to provide an improved lifting strap According to the present invention, there is provided a strap of flexible material having a length (L), a width (VV), a longitudinal axis (X) and an elongate body having a first end and a second end, a mid-portion, a first side and a second side. The strap comprises a loop of material at said first end having an aperture formed thereby. The strap further comprises a securing member for securing said first side to said second side comprising a first portion on said first side and a second portion on said second side.

The securing member may comprise a mechanical coupling (MC). The mechanical coupling may have a first member on said first portion. The mechanical coupling may have a second member on said second portion.

The first member may comprise one or more loops. The second member may comprise one or more hooks. The loop may comprise resiliently stretchable material. The loop may comprise elastic material.

The strap may include a first edge, a second edge and a middle portion each extending substantially parallel to longitudinal axis (X). The loop may comprise a length (L) of material having a first end attached to the first end between the first edge and the middle portion. The loop may comprise a second end attached to the first end at said middle portion.

The loop may have an inner diameter (D) which is less than the width (VV) of the strap, thereby to grip the strap when placed through said loop.

The elongate body may comprise a woven structure The elongate body may comprise a substantially non-stretchable material.

The first portion of the securing member may comprise a patch extending along a portion of the mid-portion of said elongate body. The second portion of said securing member may comprise a patch towards the second end of said elongate body.

The resilient loop 22 may be secured to the strap by means of stitches which are resilient or resistant to breaking within the load carrying capacity anticipated for a human being. Alternatively, the resilient loop may be secured to the strap by means of a breakable mechanism. Such a breakable mechanism may comprise a loop and hook type separable joining mechanisms and may comprise material known as Velcro TM. the breakable mechanism may be between an end of the loop and the strap or both ends of the loop and the strap.

Brief Description of Drawings

Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings having like-reference numerals, in which: Figure 1 shows the lifting strap laid flat; Figure 2 shows the lifting strap with the second end passed through the loop of the first end ready to be used; Figure 3 shows the lifting strap worn around the user's wrist in preparation for use Figure 4 shows the lifting strap wrapped around the user's wrist; Figure 5 shows the lifting strap worn by the user stored about a user's wrist; Figure 6 shows the lifting strap wrapped around a load in preparation for lifting; Figure 7 shows the lifting strap gripped by the user in the correct manner for lifting; and Figure 8 illustrates an alternative arrangement in which the loop is centrally located.

to Specific Description

The examples discussed herein are by way of example only and demonstrate features of the invention.

Figure 1 shows a lifting strap 10 laid flat with a first side 18 and a second side 20. The second side 20 positioned uppermost. The strap extends along a longitudinal axis X and a width W and comprises an elongate body 12 having a first end 14 and a second end 16 and a mid-portion 17. In a preferred embodiment the elongate body 12 of the strap 10 comprises a woven structure, in alternative embodiments the strap may comprise a strip of polymer material, leather or another' suitable material. In said preferred embodiment the elongate body 12 comprises a substantially non-stretchy or inextensible material.

At the first end 14 the strap 10 comprises a loop 22. The loop 22 comprises a resilient material that may be a resiliently stretchable material. In a preferred embodiment said resilient material is an elastic material but it will be understood any suitable resilient material can be used.

The strap 10 includes a first edge 42 and a second edge 44 and a middle portion 46 that each extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis X of the strap 10. The loop 22, attached at the first end 14 has a length L2 of material having a first end 22a and a second end 22b. In a preferred embodiment the first end 22a of the loop 22 is attached to the first end of the strap 14 between the first edge 42 and the middle portion 46 and the second end 22b of the loop 22 is attached to the first end 14 of the strap at the middle portion 46. In an alternative embodiment the first and second end 22a, 22b of the loop 22 may be attached at the first edge 42 and second edge 44 respectively, both in the middle portion Or at any functional position at the first end 14 of the strap 10.

The length L2 may provide the loop 22 with a diameter 0 of less than the width W of the strap 10 when the resilient material of the loop 22 is in an un-extended state, to grip the elongate body 12 of the strap 10 when it is passed through the loop 22. It will be understood that the length L2 and thus diameter 0 will increase as the resilient material of the loop 22 is placed under load to an extended state dependent on the load placed on the strap 10. In a preferred embodiment Diameter 0 is less than the width W in the extended state, in an alternative embodiment the Diameter D is greater than the width VV.

In figure 2 the second end 16 has been passed through the aperture 24 of the loop 22 in the manner in which the strap is worn by the user as shown in figure 3. The second end 16 hanging in preparation to be secured to a load. In figure 3 the second side 20 is shown facing the user's wrist but it will be understood that it is possible to wear the strap with either the first or second side 18,20 facing the wearer's wrist.

The strap 10 comprises a securing member 26 for securing said first side 18 to said second side 20. The securing member 26 comprising a first portion 28 on the first side 18 and a second portion 30 on the second side 20. In a preferred embodiment the securing member 26 comprises a mechanical coupling (MC), it will be understood that in an alternative embodiment a non-mechanical fixing may be used. The first portion 28 of the securing member 26 may comprise a patch extending along a portion of the mid-portion 17 of the elongate body 12 and the second portion 30 of the securing member 26 may comprise a patch towards the second end 16 of the elongate body 12 of the lifting strap 10. The first and second portions 28, 30 of the securing member may each be any shape but in the preferred embodiment are a quadrilateral situated in the middle portion 46 of the strap extending substantially or fully to the first edge -42 and second edge 44. The first portion 28 comprises a patch extending along a portion of the mid-portion 17 of said elongate body 12. The second portion 30 is situated substantially towards the second end 16 and may extend along the mid-portion 17. In a preferred embodiment the first portion 28 extends substantially the length of the elongate body 12 to allow user's wrists and lifting points of different sizes to be accommodated but it will be understood that the first portion 28 and the second portion 30 can be situated at any suitable point such that in use, said second portion 30 meets the first portion 28 to allow the securing member 26 to carry out its function.

The mechanicai coupling may have a first member 32 on the first portion 28 and a second member 34 on the second portion 30. In a preferred embodiment said first member 32 may comprise one or more loops 32a and the second member 34 may comprise one or more hooks 34a. It will be understood that in an alternative embodiment the loops 32a and hooks 34a may be in the alternative position or any other suitable temporary or semi-permanent mechanical coupling may be specified.

The lifting strap may be stored around the user's wrist when not in use as shown in figure 5.

The procedure to do so can be seen in figures 3 and 4 the second end 16 is passed through the aperture 24 of the loop 22. The loose second end 16 is then wrapped around the wrist and the securing member 26 acts to secure the first side 18 to the second side 20 securing the lifting strap 10 in position around the user's wrist. Thus, the user is able to continue non-lifting lifting tasks whilst keeping the lifting strap secure and safe from any danger of being io caught in machinery whilst still being ready for use.

When the lifting strap 10 is required for lifting the elongate body 12 is unwound from around the user's wrist if in the storage configuration and prepared for lifting as it is in figure 3. The elongate body 12 is wrapped around the handle or lifting point 100 of the item to be lifted in the opposing direction to the user's fingers and secured in position using the securing member 26 as shown in figure 6. The strap may be further secured by the grip of the user's hand as in haute 7 friction between the strap and the users fingers preventing each from releasing hold on the handle or lifting point 100. A proportion of the load is transferred into the user's wrist and the grip strength required by the user reduced.

In use the strap 10 may be used by an athlete training in the gym to augment grip strength or by a technician or labourer who is required to lift in the course of work to both augment grip strength and reduce fatigue. To prepare the strap for use the second end 16 of the strap is passed through the loop 22 of the first end 14 to form a convolution through which the user's wrist can pass. This step can be undertaken in preparation for wearing, off the body, as in figure 2 and then placed around the wrist or directly around the user's wrist as in figure 3.

Note that in the case of the preferred embodiment comprising the first portion 28 of the securing member 26 extending along the mid portion 17 of the first side 18 and the second member 30 of the securing member 26 comprising a patch towards the second end 16 of the elongate body 12 when around the wrist the strap is orientated with the second side 20 adjacent the wrist of the wearer. Thereby allowing the patch 34a at the second end 16 to secure the first side 18 to the second side 20 and thus securing the strap in position around the user's wrist. in alternative embodiment comprising a different securing mechanism 26 the strap may be orientated ill either direction for example if the first portion and the second portion of the securing member extend from the second end 16 along the mid portion 17 of the elongate body 12.

Further in the case of the preferred embodiment comprising the loop 22 having a first end 22a attached at the first side 42 of the elongate body 12 and the loop 22 having a second end 22b attached at the mid portion 46 of the strap the first edge 42 of the strap 10 is adjacent the users hand. In alternative embodiments if the first and second ends 22a: 22b of the loop 22 are symmetrically attached to the first end 14 of the strap 10 the strap may be orientated in either direction.

Once prepared as above the user may choose to use the strap directly or store the strap 10 around the wrist.

To store the strap 10 the loose second end 16 of the elongate body 12 is wrapped around the wrist of the user to secure the loose length of said elongate body 12 as shown in figure 4. The securing member 26 secures the first side 18 to the second side 20 of the strap 10 to secure the strap 10 safely around the user's wrist as in figure 5. This keeps the strap handy for use without taking it off and on, thereby saving time. This also removes the requirement for storage in a pocket where the strap 10 may fah out and become lost. Furthermore, the chance of the loose end of the strap becoming caught in machinery when left hanging loose is removed during storage.

To lift a load the strap 10 is unwrapped from around the wrist if being stored or donned directly to achieve the position shown in figure 3. The loose second end 16 of the elongate body 12 is wrapped Or wound around the lifting point of the load in the opposite direction to that the user's fingers are grasping said load as shown in figure 6.

In the preferred embodiment the first portion 30 of the securing member 26 may hold the elongate member 12 of the strap 10 around the lifting point of the load. In all embodiments the users grasp can be moved over the strap 10 to further secure the elongate body 12 in position around the load. Friction between the strap and the fingers prevents the lifting strap unwinding due to the opposing direction of the strap and the fingers.

The grip of the user is augmented as a portion of the load is transferred through the strap directly to the users forearm. The user grasping the strap in the opposite direction to which it is wound around the lifting point of the load further augments the grip strength of the user as there is friction between the users fingers and the strap to prevent it slipping.

The resilient loop 22 provides a cushioning effect against the wrist of the user improving comfort and reducing the chance of injury to the sensitive small bones of the wrist and hand in normal use. Should the user release the load due to the body signalling impending injury due to fatigue, position or actual injury the load will fail a short distance, before the strap 10 becomes taught at a new angle. At this point the elastic will extend and reduce the shock loading on the joints and said afore-mentioned wrist bones whilst allowing the load to unwind the strap, remove the load on user and releasing the load.

The resilient loop 22 may be secured to the strap 10 my means of simple stitches 48 which are resilient or resistant to breaking within the load carrying capacity anticipated for a human being or may he secured by a breakable mechanism 50 the breaking load of which is selected to be below a pre--determined load capacity such as to limit overloading the user's wrist. One example of a breakable mechanism 50 is Velcro TM or such similar loop and hook type separable joining mechanisms. When such a breakable mechanism is used, it may be applied between either end of the loop 22a, 22b and the strap 10 or both ends of the loop 22a, 22b and the strap 10.

It will be appreciated that the securing member may be deleted from the device if so desired as the strap may be used without needing to be secured around the user's wrist when not in use. it will also be appreciated that the loop is preferably of elastic material or has elastic properties such as to allow for the easy accommodation of the strap when passed therethrough as well as for allowing a certain degree of give in the strap when in use.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1 A strap (10) of flexible material having a length (L), a width (W), a longitudinal axis (X) and an elongate body (12) having a first end (14) and a second end (16), a mid-portion (17), a first side (18) and a second side (20) further comprising: a) a loop (22) of material at said first end (14) having an aperture (24) formed thereby; b) a securing member (26) for securing said first side (18) to said second side (20) comprising a first portion (28) on said first side (18) and a second portion (30) on said second side (20).
2 A strap (10) as claimed in claim 1 and wherein said securing member (26) comprises a mechanical coupling (MC) having a first member (32) on said first portion (28) and a second member (34) on said second portion (30).
3 A strap (10) as claimed in claim 2 and wherein said first member (32) comprises one or more loops (32a) and said second member (34) comprises one or more hooks (34a).
4. A strap (10) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 and wherein said loop (22) comprises resiliently stretchable material.
5. A strap (10) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 and wherein said loop (22) comprises elastic material.
6 A strap (10) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5 and wherein the strap (10) includes a first edge (42), a second edge (44) and a middle portion (46) each extending substantially parallel to longitudinal axis X and wherein said loop (22) comprises a length (L2) of material having a first end (22a) attached to the first end (14) between the first edge (42) and the middle portion (46) and a second end (22b) attached to the first end (14) at said middle portion (36).
7 A strap (10) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6 and wherein said loop (22) has an inner diameter (D) which is less than the width (W) of the strap (10), thereby to grip the strap 00) when placed through said loop (22).
8. A strap (10) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7 and wherein said elongate body (12) comprises a woven structure.
9. A strap (10) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8 and wherein said elongate body (12) comprises substantially non-stretchable material.
10. A strap (10) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9 and wherein the first portion (28) of the securing member (26) comprises a patch extending along a portion of the mid-portion (17) of said elongate body (12) and said second portion (30) of said securing member (26) comprises a patch towards the second end (16) of said elongate body (12).
11. A strap (10) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10 and in which the resilient loop (22) is secured to the strap (10) my means of stitches (50) which are resilient or resistant to breaking within the load carrying capacity anticipated for a human being.
12. A strap (10) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10 and in which the resilient loop (22) is secured to the strap (10) my means of a breakable mechanism (50).
13. A strap (10) as claimed in claim 12 in which the breakable mechanism (50) comprises a loop and hook type separable joining mechanisms.
14. A strap (10) as claimed in claim 13 and in which the breakable mechanism (50) is between an end of the loop (22a, 22b) and the strap (10) or both ends of the loop (22a, 22b) and the strap (10).