US20220232959A1

US20220232959A1 - Grip reinforcement apparatus

Info

Publication number: US20220232959A1
Application number: US17/156,463
Authority: US
Inventors: Scott Aughney
Original assignee: Slapstrap LLC
Current assignee: Slapstrap LLC
Priority date: 2021-01-22
Filing date: 2021-01-22
Publication date: 2022-07-28

Abstract

The present invention extends to wrist straps for gripping, namely, in the form of a grip reinforcement apparatus. A wrist portion includes a cushion with a flap that improves comfort and protection for a user. A grip portion includes a slip resistant exterior surface that improves ease of use and the frictional connection with an object being gripped. A main strap that forms a loop, a portion of the wrist portion, and a portion of the grip portion from a singular unitary piece of webbing balances cost-effectiveness and durability, while a bistable spring within a grip portion also improves ease of use.

Description

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to the field of manual devices and, more particularly, it relates to a grip reinforcement apparatus worn around the wrist of a user to provide grip support when grasping objects.

2. Background and Relevant Art

Humans, by virtue of their anatomy, have always used their hands to accomplish various tasks. One task humans use their hands for is to grip various physical objects to, for example, lift, push, pull, hold, or otherwise maintain a grasp on such objects. More specific contexts in which humans use their hands in this manner include weightlifting (e.g., powerlifting), physical therapy and rehabilitation (e.g., using a walking cane), or performing manual labor (e.g., using hand-held tools). However, human hands have certain physical limitations such that it can be too difficult to lift, push, pull, hold, or otherwise maintain a grip on certain objects solely by using the hands. Accordingly, various approaches have been developed to support and improve the grip that humans have above and beyond using their hands alone.
One general approach to supporting and improving the grip of the human hand has been to provide a wrist strap that fits around the wrist of a user and then extends a certain length to be wrapped or otherwise secured on the object the user is trying to grip. For example, the grip augmentation straps of U.S. Pat. No. 10,695,603 to Keith Lamping, issued Jun. 30, 2020, as well as the prior art discussed therein, describe various wrist straps that purportedly support and improve a user's grip. However, the disclosure of the '603 Patent exhibits various problems with previous approaches to designing wrist straps that strengthen the grip of a user.
One problem with prior conventional wrist straps for gripping is inadequate frictional connection with the object being gripped. For example, the '603 Patent illustrates wrist straps that oftentimes slip or otherwise move when attached to an object being gripped. The portions of such wrist straps that attach to an object to be gripped are usually made of textile webbing, plastic, or metal that exhibit an undesirable lack of friction in the grip on the objects.
Another problem with prior conventional wrist straps for gripping is a lack of comfort and protection. As an example, the '603 Patent illustrates wrist straps that are uncomfortable to use and provide poor protection against injury. A particular example is FIG. 1 of the '603 Patent which shows a classic lifting strap that goes around the wrist of a user and then extends to wrap around a bar or other object. This simplistic approach fails to take into account the comfort and protection of the user, as use of such wrist straps oftentimes causes abrasions, blisters, or other injury to the wrist or hand of the user. The '603 Patent also shows lifting straps with open-ended hooks, some of which are rigid (e.g., FIGS. 3 and 4 of the '603 Patent), while others are flexible (e.g., FIGS. 5 and 6 of the '603 Patent). Such designs are likewise uncomfortable for users because the open-ended hooks cause discomfort in the form of a lack of control and feedback over the object being grasped. Moreover, open-ended hook designs can fail to protect a user from injury in the form of abrasions, blisters, or pinches, among others, not to mention injuries that can arise from unexpectedly dropping or otherwise mishandling the object being gripped.
Yet another problem with prior conventional wrist straps for gripping is that such straps do not desirably balance cost-effectiveness and durability. More specifically, some of the wrist straps disclosed in the '603 Patent have characteristics of poor durability coupled with an inexpensive cost to manufacture, whereas others have characteristics of good durability, but at an expensive cost to manufacture.
Furthermore, an additional problem with prior conventional wrist straps for gripping is that such straps are cumbersome to use. The '603 Patent discloses various wrist straps that typically require the user to use their free hand to secure their other hand that is attempting to use the strap to grip an object (e.g., FIGS. 1 and 2 of the '603 Patent).
In view of problems such as those noted above, and others, it would be useful to provide a wrist strap for gripping in the form of a grip reinforcement apparatus that provides improved frictional connection with the object being gripped, greater comfort and protection of users, a balance of cost-effectiveness and durability, and better ease of use. Therefore, conventional wrist straps for gripping have various limitations that are desirable to overcome.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Examples extend to wrist straps for gripping, namely, in the form of a grip reinforcement apparatus. A grip reinforcement apparatus includes a loop at an end of the grip reinforcement apparatus and another end of the grip reinforcement apparatus sized to fit through the loop. The grip reinforcement apparatus also includes a wrist portion and a grip portion. The loop, wrist portion, and/or grip portion are at least partially flexible such that the grip reinforcement apparatus can either be extended elongated from the end to the another end of the grip reinforcement apparatus or the grip reinforcement apparatus can be looped by threading the another end through the loop. The wrist portion can also include a cushion. The grip portion can include an exterior surface intended to contact a grippable object. The grip portion is also at least partially flexible such that it can be extended or curled. Additionally, the grip reinforcement apparatus has a top side and a bottom side, as well as a first edge and a second edge.
In one aspect, the loop and wrist portion include a main strap having a first end and a second end, the main strap attached back onto itself to form the loop at the end of the grip reinforcement apparatus. The main strap can be attached back onto itself by one or more fasteners to form the loop. Furthermore, the wrist portion can include a cushion that includes a cushion strap having a first cushion strap end and a second cushion strap end, the cushion strap attached to the bottom side of the grip reinforcement apparatus. The cushion strap can be attached to the main strap by one or more fasteners proximate the first cushion strap end and the second cushion strap end, respectively. Moreover, the grip portion can include a grip strap having a first grip strap end and a second grip strap end, the grip strap attached to the bottom side of the grip reinforcement apparatus. The grip strap can further include a slip resistant exterior surface. Additionally, the grip portion of the grip reinforcement apparatus can include a portion of the main strap to enclose a bistable spring between the main strap and the grip strap of the grip portion. The bistable spring can be extended or curled, as the user desires, to thereby cause the grip portion to be either extended or curled. Also, the main strap, cushion strap, and grip strap can be attached to one another by one or more fasteners, such as widthwise and/or lengthwise fasteners.
In another aspect, the wrist portion can include a cushion that includes a cushion strap having a flap formed proximate the second cushion strap end such that when the grip reinforcement apparatus is looped (e.g., around the wrist of a user) the flap overlaps the loop. Additionally, when the grip reinforcement apparatus is extended the flap can instead overlap the grip portion (e.g., when elongated and not worn around the wrist of a user).
In yet another aspect, the loop, at least a portion of the wrist portion, and at least a portion of the grip portion can be formed by the main strap with a singular unitary piece of webbing.
In a further aspect, the wrist portion can include a main strap with an interior portion of the main strap attached back onto the main strap between an exterior portion of the main strap and the cushion by one or more fasteners. Further, the interior portion of the main strap can be attached between the exterior portion of the main strap and the grip strap.
This Brief Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Brief Summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.
Additional aspects, features, and advantages will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice. The aspects, features, and advantages may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. These and other aspects, features, and advantages will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by practice as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to describe the manner in which the above-recited aspects, advantages, and features can be obtained, a more particular description will be rendered by reference to specific implementations thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only some implementations and are not therefore to be considered limiting in scope, the implementations will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1A illustrates an example view of a top side of a grip reinforcement apparatus in an extended state;

FIG. 1B illustrates an example view of a bottom side of the grip reinforcement apparatus of FIG. 1A in an extended state;

FIG. 1C illustrates an example view of a right side of the grip reinforcement apparatus of FIG. 1A in an extended state, a left side of the grip reinforcement apparatus of FIG. 1A being a mirror image;

FIG. 1D illustrates an example view of an end of the grip reinforcement apparatus of FIG. 1A in an extended state;

FIG. 1E illustrates an example view of another end of the grip reinforcement apparatus of FIG. 1A in an extended state;

FIG. 1F illustrates an example perspective view of the grip reinforcement apparatus of FIG. 1A in a looped state with a grip portion in an extended state;

FIG. 1G illustrates an example perspective view of the grip reinforcement apparatus of FIG. 1A in a looped state with a grip portion in a curled state;

FIG. 1H illustrates an example view of the grip reinforcement apparatus of FIG. 1A worn by a user in a looped state with a grip portion in an extended state;

FIG. 1I illustrates an example view of the grip reinforcement apparatus of FIG. 1A worn by a user in a looped state with a grip portion in a curled state; and

FIG. 1J illustrates an example view of the grip reinforcement apparatus of FIG. 1A in use by a user lifting a grippable object.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Examples extend to wrist straps for gripping, namely, in the form of a grip reinforcement apparatus.
One or more aspects provide improved frictional connection with the object being gripped, greater comfort and protection of users, a balance of cost-effectiveness and durability, and better ease of use.
In general, a grip reinforcement apparatus includes a loop at an end of the grip reinforcement apparatus and another end of the grip reinforcement apparatus sized to fit through the loop. The grip reinforcement apparatus also includes a wrist portion and a grip portion. The loop, wrist portion, and/or grip portion are at least partially flexible such that the grip reinforcement apparatus can either be extended elongated from the end to the another end of the grip reinforcement apparatus or the grip reinforcement apparatus can be looped by threading the another end through the loop. The wrist portion can also include a cushion (e.g., a cushion strap) to provide greater comfort and protection to a user. The grip portion can include an exterior surface (e.g., a slip resistant exterior surface) intended to contact a grippable object, thereby improving the frictional connection between the grip reinforcement apparatus and the grippable object. The grip portion is also at least partially flexible such that it can be extended or curled. Additionally, the grip reinforcement apparatus has a top side and a bottom side, as well as a first edge and a second edge.
In one aspect, the loop and wrist portion include a main strap having a first end and a second end, the main strap attached back onto itself to form the loop at the end of the grip reinforcement apparatus. The main strap can be attached back onto itself by one or more fasteners to form the loop. Furthermore, the wrist portion can include a cushion that includes a cushion strap having a first cushion strap end and a second cushion strap end, the cushion strap attached to the bottom side of the grip reinforcement apparatus. The cushion strap can be attached to the main strap by one or more fasteners proximate the first cushion strap end and the second cushion strap end, respectively. Moreover, the grip portion can include a grip strap having a first grip strap end and a second grip strap end, the grip strap attached to the bottom side of the grip reinforcement apparatus. The grip strap can further include a slip resistant exterior surface, thereby providing an improved frictional connection with an object being gripped. Additionally, the grip portion of the grip reinforcement apparatus can include a portion of the main strap to enclose a bistable spring between the main strap and the grip strap of the grip portion. The bistable spring can be extended or curled, as the user desires, to thereby cause the grip portion to be either extended or curled, thereby improving the ease of use of the grip reinforcement apparatus, as a user can secure the grip portion of the grip reinforcement apparatus on one hand onto an object to be gripped without the assistance of another hand of the user. Also, the main strap, cushion strap, and grip strap can be attached to one another by one or more fasteners, such as widthwise and/or lengthwise fasteners. Such fasteners can improve the durability and cost-effectiveness of the grip reinforcement apparatus.
In another aspect, the wrist portion can include a cushion that includes a cushion strap having a flap formed proximate the second cushion strap end such that when the grip reinforcement apparatus is looped (e.g., around the wrist of a user) the flap overlaps the loop. Additionally, when the grip reinforcement apparatus is extended the flap can instead overlap the grip portion (e.g., when elongated and not worn around the wrist of a user). Accordingly, such a flap formed on the cushion can provide greater comfort and protection to users by, for example, preventing abrasive contact between the wrist of a user and the loop.
In yet another aspect, the loop, at least a portion of the wrist portion, and at least a portion of the grip portion can be formed by the main strap with a singular unitary piece of webbing. Such a design provides improved cost-effectiveness and durability by reducing the number of straps or webbing required in the manufacture of the grip reinforcement apparatus, as well as reducing the number of weak points where the grip reinforcement apparatus may wear out or otherwise fail.
In a further aspect, the wrist portion can include a main strap with an interior portion of the main strap attached back onto the main strap between an exterior portion of the main strap and the cushion by one or more fasteners. Further, the interior portion of the main strap can be attached between the exterior portion of the main strap and the grip strap. Thus, the interior portion of the main strap on the wrist portion improves the comfort, protection, and durability of the grip reinforcement apparatus by providing cushioning to the wrist of a user and securing the main strap to the grip strap at multiple points.
FIG. 1A illustrates an example view of a top side of a grip reinforcement apparatus 100 in an extended state. As depicted, grip reinforcement apparatus 100 includes a main strap 110. Main strap 110 is made of webbing, but other materials are also suitable. Main strap 110 has a loop 112 at an end of the grip reinforcement apparatus 100 and a first end 114 at another end of the grip reinforcement apparatus 100. Grip reinforcement apparatus 100 also includes a cushion strap 120. Cushion strap 120 is made of neoprene, but other materials are suitable. Cushion strap 120 includes a first cushion strap end 122 and a second cushion strap end 124. Furthermore, grip reinforcement apparatus 100 includes one or more fasteners that attach main strap 110 back onto itself to form loop 112 and attach main strap 110 to cushion strap 120. In particular, in this aspect, grip reinforcement apparatus 100 includes a plurality of fasteners, for example, in the form of one or more widthwise fasteners and one or more lengthwise fasteners. More specifically, grip reinforcement apparatus 100 includes a first widthwise fastener 130 a, a second widthwise fastener 130 b (i.e., a fastener), a third widthwise fastener 132 (i.e., an additional fastener), a fourth widthwise fastener 134 (i.e., a further fastener), and a fifth widthwise fastener 136, all of which run laterally across grip reinforcement apparatus 100. Grip reinforcement apparatus 100 also includes a first lengthwise fastener 140 and a third lengthwise fastener 144, both of which run longitudinally proximate a first edge of grip reinforcement apparatus 100, and a second lengthwise fastener 142 and a fourth lengthwise fastener 146, both of which run longitudinally proximate a second edge of grip reinforcement apparatus 100. The first edge and the second edge can be alternatively referred to as the left side and the right side of grip reinforcement apparatus 100, respectively.
As FIG. 1A illustrates, cushion strap 120 is wider than main strap 110. For example, cushion strap 120 can be two inches in width, whereas main strap 110 can be one-and-a-half inches in width. As another example, cushion strap 110 can be two inches in width, whereas main strap 110 can be one inch in width. In alternative embodiments, cushion strap 120 and main strap 110 can have different dimensions, with cushion strap 120 being wider than main strap 110. Preferably, cushion strap 120 is between twenty-five percent and one-hundred percent wider than main strap 110, inclusively. Providing cushion strap 120 with a width greater than that of main strap 110 provides greater comfort and protection to a user by, for example, protecting the wrist of a user from the edges of main strap 110.
FIG. 1B illustrates an example view of a bottom side of the grip reinforcement apparatus 100 of FIG. 1A in an extended state. As depicted, grip reinforcement apparatus 100 includes main strap 110 forming loop 112 and cushion strap 120 attached to main strap 110, as previously discussed above. More specifically, FIG. 1B depicts cushion strap 120 attached to main strap 110 (i.e., on the bottom side of grip reinforcement apparatus 100) by second widthwise fastener 130 b proximate the first cushion strap end 122 and by third widthwise fastener 132 proximate second cushion strap end 124. FIG. 1B also depicts that grip reinforcement apparatus 100 includes grip strap 150. Grip strap 150 includes a first grip strap end 152 and a second grip strap end 154. Grip strap 150 is attached to main strap 110 (i.e., on the bottom side of grip reinforcement apparatus 100) by fifth widthwise fastener 136 proximate the another end of grip reinforcement apparatus 100. Grip strap 150 is also attached to main strap 110 by third lengthwise fastener 144 proximate the first edge of grip reinforcement apparatus 100 and by fourth lengthwise fastener 146 proximate the second edge of grip reinforcement apparatus 100.
Also, FIG. 1B illustrates that grip strap 150 is separate from main strap 110 and therefore, grip strap 150 can be made of different material from main strap 110, preferably material that provides improved frictional connection with an object being gripped such as woven rubber webbing, a rubber exterior surface, or other suitable material. In at least one embodiment, the woven rubber webbing of grip strap 150 can include one or more strips of a higher friction exterior surface running longitudinally along the exterior surface of grip strap 150. For example, grip strap 150 can have five longitudinal strip portions on the exterior surface of grip strap 150, with two of those longitudinal strip portions having a woven rubber exterior surface and the remaining three of those longitudinal strip portions without a woven rubber surface. As a more specific example, the five longitudinal strip portions on the exterior surface of grip strap 150 can be arranged such that the two longitudinal strip portions having woven rubber exterior surfaces are separated by the three longitudinal strip portions not having woven rubber surfaces. This can be accomplished in a alternating fashion with a first longitudinal strip portion without woven rubber exterior surface proximate the first edge of grip reinforcement apparatus 100, a second longitudinal strip portion without woven rubber exterior surface proximate the second edge of grip reinforcement apparatus 100, a third longitudinal strip portion without woven rubber exterior surface running down the middle of grip strap 150, and then the fourth and fifth longitudinal strip portions having woven rubber exterior surfaces positioned between the first and third longitudinal strip portions and the second and third longitudinal strip portions, respectively. The one or more higher friction exterior surfaces provided on the grip portion of grip reinforcement apparatus 100, namely grip strap 150, offers an improved frictional connection to an object being gripped by a user, thereby reducing slippage and unwanted movement, as well as better comfort, protection, and ease of use by improving the feedback and control felt by a user when gripping an object using grip reinforcement apparatus 100.
FIG. 1C illustrates an example view of a right side of the grip reinforcement apparatus 100 of FIG. 1A in an extended state. As depicted, grip reinforcement apparatus 100 includes main strap 110 forming loop 112. Loop 112 is formed by folding main strap 110 over itself at the end of grip reinforcement apparatus 100 and then attaching main strap 110 back onto itself. More specifically, first widthwise fastener 130 a and second widthwise fastener 130 b attach main strap 110 back onto itself to form loop 112. Additionally, main strap 110 includes an interior portion 116 and a second end 118. Interior portion 116 is positioned between the top side of grip reinforcement apparatus 100 (e.g, an exterior portion of main strap 110) and the bottom side of grip reinforcement apparatus 100 (e.g., cushion strap 120). Interior portion 116 is attached back onto main strap 110 by first widthwise fastener 130 a, second widthwise fastener 130 b, third widthwise fastener 132, and fourth widthwise fastener 134. Stated differently, fourth widthwise fastener 134 (i.e., a further fastener) therefore attaches together the exterior portion of main strap 110, interior portion 116, and grip strap 150 such that second end 118 of main strap 110 is between the exterior portion of the main strap 110 and grip strap 150. Also, as depicted in FIG. 1C, third widthwise fastener 132 (i.e., additional fastener) attaches together the exterior portion of main strap 110, interior portion 116, and cushion strap 120 such that at least a portion of interior portion 116 is between the exterior portion of main strap 110 and cushion strap 120. Interior portion is also attached back onto main strap 110 by first lengthwise fastener 140 and second lengthwise fastener 142. Moreover, second end 118 of main strap 110 is positioned between the top side of grip reinforcement apparatus 100 (e.g, an exterior portion of main strap 110) and the bottom side of grip reinforcement apparatus 100 (e.g., grip strap 120 proximate first grip strap end 152).
FIG. 1C also illustrates that grip reinforcement apparatus 100 includes cushion strap 120 having a flap formed proximate second cushion strap end 124. As depicted, cushion strap 120 is attached to main strap 110 by second widthwise fastener 130 b proximate first cushion strap end 122. Cushion strap 120 is also attached to main strap 110 by third widthwise fastener 132 proximate the flap formed at second cushion strap end 124.
Also, as FIG. 1C illustrates, interior portion 116 is longer than cushion strap 120 from proximate first and second widthwise fasteners 130 a and 130 b to proximate third widthwise fastener 132. More specifically, interior portion 116 has a length greater than the length of the portion of cushion strap 120 such that it forms a void between interior portion 116 and cushion strap 120 when the grip reinforcement apparatus 100 is extended or elongated. However, when grip reinforcement apparatus 100 is worn by a user in a looped state, this void is eliminated as the circumference of interior portion 116 when looped is greater than the circumference of cushion strap 120 when looped. As an example, interior portion 116 can be seven-and-a-quarter inches in length, whereas cushion strap 120 can be five-and-a-half inches in length. As another example, interior portion 116 can be seven-and-a-quarter inches in length, whereas cushion strap 120 can be seven inches in length. In alternative embodiments, interior portion 116 and cushion strap 120 can have different dimensions, with interior portion 116 being longer than cushion strap 120. Preferably, interior portion 116 is between three percent and thirty-three percent longer than cushion strap 120, inclusively. Providing interior portion 116 with a length greater than that of cushion strap 120 provides greater comfort to a user by, for example, providing a better fit around the wrist of a user.
FIG. 1C also illustrates that loop 112 has a circumference that is larger than the width of grip reinforcement apparatus 100. More specifically, loop 112 has a circumference greater than the width of the another end of grip reinforcement apparatus 100. For example, loop 112 can be five inches in circumference, whereas the another end of grip reinforcement apparatus 110 can have a width of one-and-a-half inches. In alternative embodiments, the circumference of loop 112 and the width of grip reinforcement apparatus 100, particularly the grip portion such as defined by main strap 110 and grip strap 150, can have different dimensions, with the circumference of loop 112 being greater so that the grip portion of grip reinforcement apparatus 100 can fit through loop 112 when in a looped state. Preferably, the circumference of loop 112 is between two-and-a-half and four times larger than the width of grip reinforcement apparatus 100, inclusively. This provides improved ease of use when putting the grip reinforcement apparatus 100 into a looped state, as well as improved frictional impingement of the grip portion of grip reinforcement apparatus 100 by loop 112 when in a looped state used to grip an object.
FIG. 1C further illustrates that grip reinforcement apparatus 100 includes grip strap 150 attached to main strap 110 by third widthwise fastener 132, fourth widthwise fastener 134, and fifth widthwise fastener 136. Grip strap 150 is also attached to main strap 110 by third lengthwise fastener 144 and fourth lengthwise fastener 146. A bistable spring (not visible) is enclosed by main strap 110 and grip strap 150 extending along a length of grip strap 150. Bistable springs are forms of bistable structures that have two stable equilibrium states, such as mechanical shapes. Thus, bistable springs can be resting in either or two states, extended (e.g., elongated) or curled (e.g., coiled). Oftentimes bistable springs are stabilized by different curvature axes. Bistable springs are typically elongated straps made of metal, such as stainless steel. However, bistable springs can also be made from other materials alternative to metal, such as plastic. Bistable springs can also be coated in fabric, rubber, or plastic. An example of a bistable spring is a slap bracelet.
FIG. 1D illustrates an example view of an end of the grip reinforcement apparatus 100 of FIG. 1A in an extended state. As depicted, grip reinforcement apparatus 100 includes main strap 110 forming loop 112 with cushion strap 120 attached to main strap 110, the cushion strap 120 having first cushion strap end 122 and second cushion strap end 124.
FIG. 1E illustrates an example view of another end of the grip reinforcement apparatus 100 of FIG. 1A in an extended state. As depicted, grip reinforcement apparatus includes main strap 110 having first end 114. Main strap 110 is attached to cushion strap 120 and grip strap 150. Cushion strap 120 includes second cushion strap end 124 having a cushion strap edge 124. Grip strap 150 has a slip resistant exterior surface 150 a and second grip strap end 154. Grip strap 150 is made of webbing with at least a partially woven rubber webbing surface, but other materials are suitable as well. Accordingly, slip resistant exterior surface 150 a is the woven rubber surface of the woven rubber webbing that forms grip strap 150. In alternative embodiments, the entire exterior surface of grip strap 150 need not be a slip resistant exterior surface 150 a. For example, only a portion of the exterior surface of grip strap 150 can be the slip resistant exterior surface 150 a, to the extent that it improves the frictional connection with an object being gripped.
Accordingly, in one aspect and given the foregoing discussion of FIGS. 1A-1E, a grip reinforcement apparatus includes a loop (e.g., loop 112), a wrist portion (e.g., the portion of grip reinforcement apparatus 100 that wraps around the wrist of a user, such as the portions of main strap 110 and cushion strap 120), and a grip portion (e.g., the portion of grip reinforcement apparatus 100 that wraps around a grippable object, such as the portions of main strap 110 and grip strap 150 that enclose a bistable spring). For example, a wrist portion is illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1F by the portion of grip reinforcement apparatus 100 that spans the length of cushion strap 120 and a portion of the length of main strap 110 (e.g., the portion of grip reinforcement apparatus 110 from proximate first widthwise fastener 130 a or second widthwise fastener 130 b to proximate third widthwise fastener 132 or fourth widthwise fastener 134). As another example, a grip portion is illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1F by the portion of grip reinforcement apparatus 100 that spans the length of grip strap 150 and a portion of the length of main strap 110 that encloses a bistable spring (e.g., the portion of grip reinforcement apparatus 110 from proximate third widthwise fastener 132 to proximate fifth widthwise fastener 136).
Moreover, in one aspect, a grip reinforcement apparatus 100 can be either extended elongated from an end to another end of the grip reinforcement apparatus or looped by threading the another end through the loop. Additionally, a grip portion of a grip reinforcement apparatus 100 can be either extended elongated from an end of the grip portion to another end of the grip portion or curled (e.g., by curling of a bistable spring enclosed within the grip portion). The grip portion of grip reinforcement apparatus 100 can either curl towards the palm of the hand of a user when used to grip an object, or alternatively, it can curl away from the palm of the hand of a user when used to grip an object.
FIG. 1F illustrates an example perspective view of the grip reinforcement apparatus 100 of FIG. 1A in a looped state with a grip portion in an extended state. As depicted, grip reinforcement apparatus 100 includes main strap 110 forming loop 112 and having first end 114, interior portion 116, and second end 118. Grip reinforcement apparatus 100 also includes cushion strap 120 attached to main strap 110 proximate first cushion strap end 122 and second cushion strap end 124 such that the flap proximate second cushion strap end 124 overlaps loop 112 when grip strap 150 slides through loop 112 until an edge of loop 112 meets a fastener proximate second cushion strap end 124 that forms the flap (i.e., third widthwise fastener 132). This overlapping of the flap over loop 112 happens once an object is gripped by a user using grip reinforcement apparatus 100. The overlapping of the flap of cushion strap 120 over loop 112 provides improved comfort and protection to a user. Grip reinforcement apparatus 100 further includes grip strap 150 attached to main strap 110, the grip strap 150 having first grip strap end 152 and second grip strap end 154. As FIG. 1F illustrates grip reinforcement apparatus 100 is looped by threading the another end of grip reinforcement apparatus 100 through loop 112. FIG. 1F further illustrates grip reinforcement apparatus 100 includes an extended grip portion. More specifically, the portion of grip reinforcement apparatus 100 that encloses a bistable spring, namely a portion of main strap 110 and grip strap 150, is extended (i.e., the bistable spring is in a stable extended state such that grip strap 150 and a portion of main strap 110 are likewise in a stable extended state).
FIG. 1G illustrates an example perspective view of the grip reinforcement apparatus 100 of FIG. 1A in a looped state with a grip portion in a curled state. As depicted, grip reinforcement apparatus 100 includes main strap 110 forming loop 112 and having first end 114, interior portion 116, and second end 118. Grip reinforcement apparatus 100 also includes cushion strap 120 attached to main strap 110 proximate first cushion strap end 122 and second cushion strap end 124. Grip reinforcement apparatus 100 further includes grip strap 150 attached to main strap 110, the grip strap 150 having first grip strap end 152 and second grip strap end 154. As FIG. 1G illustrates grip reinforcement apparatus 100 is looped by threading the another end of grip reinforcement apparatus 100 through loop 112. FIG. 1G further illustrates grip reinforcement apparatus 100 includes a curled grip portion. More specifically, the portion of grip reinforcement apparatus 100 that encloses a bistable spring, namely a portion of main strap 110 and grip strap 150, is curled (i.e., the bistable spring is in a stable curled state such that grip strap 150 and a portion of main strap 110 are likewise in a stable curled state).
FIG. 1H illustrates an example view of the grip reinforcement apparatus 100 of FIG. 1A worn by a user 160 in a looped state with a grip portion in an extended state. As depicted, grip reinforcement apparatus 100 includes main strap 110 forming loop 112 and having first end 114. Grip reinforcement strap 100 also includes cushion strap 120 having first cushion strap end 122 and second cushion strap 124. Moreover, grip reinforcement apparatus 100 is worn by user 160 in preparation for gripping a grippable object by looping at least a portion of grip reinforcement apparatus 100 around the wrist of user 160 and threading another end of grip reinforcement apparatus 100 through the loop 112. With the grip portion of grip reinforcement apparatus 100 extended, user 160 is ready to slap the grip portion onto a grippable object in order to grip it.
FIG. 1I illustrates an example view of the grip reinforcement apparatus 100 of FIG. 1A worn by a user 160 in a looped state with a grip portion in a curled state. As depicted, grip reinforcement apparatus 100 includes main strap 110 forming loop 112 and having first end 114. Grip reinforcement strap 100 also includes cushion strap 120 having first cushion strap end 122 and second cushion strap 124. Moreover, grip reinforcement apparatus 100 is worn by user 160 to grip a grippable object by looping at least a portion of grip reinforcement apparatus 100 around the wrist of user 160 and threading another end of grip reinforcement apparatus 100 through the loop 112. With the grip portion of grip reinforcement apparatus 100 curled, user 160 can grip a grippable object.
FIG. 1J illustrates an example view of the grip reinforcement apparatus 100 of FIG. 1A in use by a user 160 lifting a grippable object 170. As depicted, one or more grip reinforcement apparatuses 100 can be worn by a user 160 to lift a grippable object 170. Accordingly, the grip of the user 160 is improved and supported. More specifically, the bistable spring (not visible) within the grip portion of grip reinforcement apparatus 100 provides better ease of use by allowing the user 160 to loop two grip reinforcement apparatuses 100 around each wrist and then slap the grip portion of each onto the grippable object 170 without having to use one hand or the other to support wrapping the grip portion of either of the grip reinforcement apparatuses 100 around the grippable object 170.
The presently described aspects may be implemented in other specific forms without departing from its spirits or essential characteristics. The described aspects are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

Claims

What is claimed:

1. A grip reinforcement apparatus comprising:

a main strap having a first end and a second end, the main strap attached back onto itself to form a loop at an end of the grip reinforcement apparatus;

a cushion strap having a first cushion strap end and a second cushion strap end, the cushion strap attached to a bottom side of the grip reinforcement apparatus; and

a grip strap having a first grip strap end and a second grip strap end, the grip strap attached to the bottom side of the grip reinforcement apparatus.

2. The grip reinforcement apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

a flap formed proximate the second cushion strap end such that when the grip reinforcement apparatus is looped the flap overlaps the loop; and

a bistable spring at least partially enclosed by the grip strap.

3. The grip reinforcement apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

a slip resistant exterior surface on the grip strap; and

a bistable spring at least partially enclosed by the grip strap.

4. A grip reinforcement apparatus comprising:

a grip strap having a first grip strap end and a second grip strap end, the grip strap attached to the bottom side of the grip reinforcement apparatus, the grip strap having a slip resistant exterior surface.

5. The grip reinforcement apparatus of claim 4, further comprising:

a first widthwise fastener that attaches the main strap back onto itself to form the loop;

a second widthwise fastener that attaches the main strap to the cushion strap, the second widthwise fastener proximate the first widthwise fastener and the first cushion strap end;

a third widthwise fastener that attaches the main strap to the cushion strap, the third widthwise fastener proximate the second cushion strap end;

a fourth widthwise fastener that attaches the main strap to the grip strap, the fourth widthwise fastener proximate the third widthwise fastener; and

a fifth widthwise fastener that attaches the main strap to the grip strap, the fifth widthwise fastener proximate another end of the grip reinforcement apparatus.

6. The grip reinforcement apparatus of claim 5, further comprising:

a first lengthwise fastener that attaches the main strap to an interior portion of the main strap, the first lengthwise fastener proximate a first edge of the grip reinforcement apparatus;

a second lengthwise fastener that attaches the main strap to the interior portion of the main strap, the second lengthwise fastener proximate a second edge of the grip reinforcement apparatus;

a third lengthwise fastener that attaches the main strap to the grip strap, the third lengthwise fastener proximate the first edge of the grip reinforcement apparatus; and

a fourth lengthwise fastener that attaches the main strap to the grip strap, the fourth lengthwise fastener proximate the second edge of the grip reinforcement apparatus.

7. The grip reinforcement apparatus of claim 4, wherein the main strap is a singular unitary piece of webbing.

8. The grip reinforcement apparatus of claim 4, further comprising:

a flap formed proximate the second cushion strap end such that when the grip reinforcement apparatus is extended the flap overlaps the first grip strap end and when the grip reinforcement apparatus is looped the flap overlaps the loop;

wherein the slip resistant exterior surface of the grip strap comprises woven rubber webbing.

9. A grip reinforcement apparatus comprising:

a main strap having a first end and a second end, the main strap attached back onto itself by a fastener to form a loop at an end of the grip reinforcement apparatus;

a cushion strap having a first cushion strap end and a second cushion strap end, the cushion strap attached to the main strap by the fastener proximate the first cushion strap end and by an additional fastener proximate the second cushion strap end;

a grip strap having a first grip strap end and a second grip strap end, the grip strap attached to the bottom side of the grip reinforcement apparatus, the grip strap having a slip resistant exterior surface; and

a bistable spring enclosed between the main strap and the grip strap.

10. The grip reinforcement apparatus of claim 9, further comprising a flap formed proximate the second grip strap end such that when the grip reinforcement apparatus is extended the flap overlaps the first grip strap end and when the grip reinforcement apparatus is looped the flap overlaps the loop.

11. The grip reinforcement apparatus of claim 10, further comprising an interior portion of the main strap attached back onto the main strap between an exterior portion of the main strap and the cushion strap by the fastener and the additional fastener.

12. The grip reinforcement apparatus of claim 11, further comprising a further fastener, wherein the further fastener attaches together the exterior portion of the main strap, the interior portion of the main strap, and the grip strap such that the second end of the main strap is between the exterior portion of the main strap and the grip strap.

13. The grip reinforcement apparatus of claim 12, wherein the additional fastener attaches together the exterior portion of the main strap, the interior portion of the main strap, and the cushion strap such that at least a portion of the interior portion of the main strap is between the exterior portion of the main strap and the cushion strap.

14. The grip reinforcement apparatus of claim 9, wherein the cushion strap is wider than the main strap.

15. The grip reinforcement apparatus of claim 14, wherein the interior portion of the main strap is longer than the cushion strap.

16. The grip reinforcement apparatus of claim 15, wherein the cushion strap is between twenty-five percent and one-hundred percent wider than the main strap.

17. The grip reinforcement apparatus of claim 16, wherein the interior portion of the main strap is between three percent and thirty-three percent longer than the cushion strap.

18. The grip reinforcement apparatus of claim 9, wherein the slip resistant exterior surface of the grip strap comprises woven rubber webbing.

19. The grip reinforcement apparatus of claim 9, wherein the circumference of the loop is between two-and-a-half times and four times larger than the width of the grip reinforcement apparatus.

20. The grip reinforcement apparatus of claim 9, wherein the cushion strap comprises neoprene.