WO1999055426A1

WO1999055426A1 - Hand-at-rest grip for strength building

Info

Publication number: WO1999055426A1
Application number: PCT/US1999/007388
Authority: WO
Inventors: George T. Robinson
Original assignee: Robinson George T
Priority date: 1998-04-24
Filing date: 1999-04-23
Publication date: 1999-11-04
Also published as: AU3860899A

Abstract

A grip device (10), which can be selectively attached to a barbell (37) has a contour that is similar to the hand-at-rest position which allows the user to more effectively exercise and focus on a targeted muscle. The grip device (10) includes a finger section (12) and a palm section (14) connected together by a hinge section (16, 18, 20, 56). A clip (24) located on the finger section (12) includes a plurality of stations that selectively engage with a tab (52) on the palm section (14). A heel extension (26) of the palm section (14), along with the actual diameter of the device, forces the hand into the natural at-rest position thereby permitting the user to focus his or her energy more effectively on targeted muscles. An alternative embodiment (60) includes an aquatic resistant section (62) that allows the user to exercise in an aquatic environment.

Description

1

TITLE: HAND-AT-REST GRIP FOR STRENGTH BUILDING

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the priority of a U.S. provisional patent application serial no. 60/082,877 filed on April 24, 1998 and entitled "HAND-AT-REST GRIP FOR STRENGTH BUILDING", the entire contents and subject matter of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a grip for attachment to barbells or for use in an aquatic resistance exerciser in which the hand is forced to assume an at-rest position during resistance training. 2. Description of Related Art.

The prior art patent literature describes a number of devices for improving the grip on a barbell or the like, but not many of them are contoured. Note, for example, U.S. Patent 4,351,526 entided "DUMBBELLS" which shows a variety of different contoured grips, including strap members thereon, for selective attachments to the weights of a hand-held dumbbell. British Patent No. 20,994, accepted on November 14, 1913 and entitled "IMPROVEMENTS IN AND CONNECTED WITH DUMB BELLS", describes another contour grip barbell in which the hand portion is contoured and might even be spring-loaded for additional strength training.

Occasionally the prior art describes combination devices including contoured grips. See, for example, U.S. Patent 5,318,492 entitled "JOGGING WEIGHT WITH REPELLENT CHEMICAL" in which a contoured weight includes a chemical for repelling attackers such as robbers or animals.

A "GRIP FACILITATING HANDLE" is described in U.S. Patent

5,009,416 which can be employed for a variety of training or health purposes such as on crutches, on pushup stations, on dumb bells and the like. It also describes the possibility of maintaining a hand in the natural "at-rest" position so that a forceful grip is not necessary according to the particular endeavor being performed. A number of other 2 patents issued to the same inventor, Scott Caruthers, of Glen Burnie, Maryland, also relate to the subject matter and include patents no. 4,813,669; 5,302,165; 5,342,268; 5,346,450; and, 5,496,244. While the basic concept described in this patent is desirable, nevertheless, the grip is relatively complex and not as adaptable for the specific purposes set forth in this disclosure.

Contour grips for purposes other than grasping dumb bells are described in other parts of the patent literature. Note, for example, U.S. Patent 4,157,827 relating to a handgrip for a jump rope device as well as U.S. Patent 5,407,410 relating to a hand held aid for human locomotion. Similarly, the foreign patent art describes other contour devices for other purposes. In particular, note German Patent DE 40 04 826 Al.

While the prior art patent literature describes a variety of different features to aid in strength training, nevertheless, a simple, universally adaptable hand-at-rest grip that can be used for barbells and other related resistance training devices does not appear to be taught or suggested as set forth in further detail in this disclosure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly described, the invention comprises a grip apparatus (10) that forces the hand into a natural "at-rest" position so that a barbell (37) can be lifted with the maximum efficiency thereby isolating specific muscles of the human body. The grip apparatus (10) includes a finger section or half (12) connected to a palm section or half (14) by a hinge section (16, 18, 20 and 56). Finger section (12) and palm section (14) are preferably formed from resilient, high impact molded plastic materials. The finger section (12) includes four grooves (46) to accommodate the fingers of the user whereas the palm section (14) includes a heel extension or pad (26) to further distribute the weight of the barbell (36) being supported. A strap-like chp (24) extends from the finger section (12) and selectively engages a tab (52) on the palm section (16). Clip (24) includes two or three locking partitions (80) which allow the clip (24) to connect to the tab (52) at two or three different locations, thereby permitting the grip (10) to accommodate a variety of different size bars (36), typically in the range of 1" to 1 VS" in diameter, of the barbell (37). A resilient, spongy material (80) may be included in the hollow portions (44) and (50) of the finger section (12) and the palm section (14) respectively to improve the grip on the bar (36) of the barbell (37). A strap (40) can optionally be included with the grip (10) so that 3 the hand (30) can be inverted during the Hfting process without separating from the grip (10). According to an alternative aquatic embodiment (60), a grip (74) having a similar^' contour to the preferred grip (10) is attached to a resistance section (62). Therefore, the user can perform his or her exercise in an aquatic environment and more efficiently isolate the muscles that are being exercised.

These and other features of the present invention may be more fully understood by reference to the following drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 illustrates the preferred embodiment of a right hand grip shown in the closed position.

Fig. 2A is an end, cross-sectional view of the preferred grip according to Fig. 1 shown attached to the bar of a barbell.

Fig. 2B is a bottom plan view of the preferred grip shown in Fig. 2A. Fig. 3 A is an end view of the grip also illustrating it superimposed in phantom in the open position.

Fig. 3B is a side perspective view of the grip shown in Fig. 3A. Fig. 3C is a top view of the grip illustrated in Figs. 3A and 3B. Figs. 4A, 4B and 4C respectively illustrate the finger section or half of the preferred embodiment of the grip invention as shown in the side, end, and bottom views respectively.

Figs. 5A, 5B and 5C illustrate the palm section or half of the preferred embodiment of the invention as seen from the side, end and bottom respectively.

Fig. 6 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the grip invention in which the grip, having a contour similar to that illustrated in Fig. 1, is attached to a resistance device for exercising in an aquatic environment.

Fig. 7 is a partial, cross-sectional view of the alternative embodiment illustrated in Fig. 6 showing a hand gripping the aquatic resistance device.

Figs. 8A, 8B and 8C are partial cross-sectional views of the aquatic alternative embodiment illustrated in Figs. 6 and 7 as shown in side, end and bottom views respectively. 4

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

During the course of this description, like numbers will be used to identify like elements according to the different views that illustrate the invention.

The use of the weight training equipment for strengthening muscles is well known. Through the years, inventors of these devices have continually sought improved methods for isolating a targeted muscle to provide increased effectiveness to the user for each exercise repetition. An ongoing problem in this area of development is the fact that almost any exercise of the biceps, triceps, or deltoids requires a gripping and grasping action that further involves the conjunctive muscles of the arm. Whenever a weight lifter grips a bar, the conjunctive muscles stiffen thereby constricting the blood vessels in the arm. This constriction causes the weight lifter's blood pressure to rise which further limits his/her ability to devote full mental concentration to the exercise. As part of an ongoing study on the subject, Dr. Banks from Howard University has stated that the cumulative effect of this gripping action is to reduce the effectiveness of the exercise by as much as 30%.

U.S. Patent 5,009,416, previously discussed, discloses an exercise device intended for strengthening a user's targeted muscle, wherein the user may manipulate the device without the necessity of a forceful grip that employs the user's conjunctive muscles. This device, however, requires the user's thumb to rest on the same side of the device as the other fingers. This severely restricts the number and type of exercises that can be performed when the thumb is positioned on the other side of the fingers. In addition it is difficult to use the device such as just described to accommodate the wide variety of different bar sizes, typically ranging from 1" to 1 Vi" in diameter, that need to be gripped.

Accordingly, while a device such as described in U.S. Patent 5,009,416 successfully permits manipulation of a device without grasping, its utility can be significantly improved.

The preferred embodiment (10) of the present invention is illustrated in Figs. 1 - 5C. Preferred embodiment (10) comprises a finger section or half (12) connected to a palm section or half (14) by a hinge section. The hinge section comprises a thumb and hinge (16) including a pin (18) around which the hinge (16) rotates. A second, similar hinge (20) is located at the distal end of the grip (10) closest to where the little finger of the user normally rests. The two halves (12) and (14) define an opening (22) which normally 5 accepts the bar (36) of a barbell (37). Two pieces of resilient sponge like pad material (80) are located within openings to improve the grip on the bar (36) of the barbell (37) that passes therethrough. The tip of a locking chp (24) is also visible in Fig. 1. The palm section (14) includes a heel extension or pad (26) which helps to distribute weight on the heel of the palm of the user furthest from the thumb (32). This helps to keep the hand (30) in the natural "at-rest" position and makes the grip (10) significantly more comfortable and efficient. Four finger grooves (46) are located substantially around the periphery of the rounded surface (84) of the finger section (12) that are adapted to comfortably engage the finger, middle, ring and little finger of the hand of the user. Complimentary finger grooves (54) are located on the rounded surface (88) of the palm section (14) and are continuations of the grooves (46) in the finger section (12).

Figs. 2A and 2B illustrate a right-hand (30) gripping a barbell (37). The user's hand (30) includes a thumb (32) and four fingers (34). Barbell (37) includes a cylindrical bar section (36), having a diameter in the range of 1" to 1 VA ", and a pair of weights or bells (38) at the distal ends of bar (36). Optional strap (40) may be located over the back of the hand (30) or, alternatively, could be used for foot or leg exercises. Note that the hand (30) illustrated in Fig. 2A and 2B shows it in the natural "at-rest" position.

Figs. 3A, 3B and 3C, respectively, illustrate the grip invention (10) from end, side and plan views, respectively. Note in Fig. 3A how the finger section (12) open up from a closed (solid line) to an open position (42) (phantom line). Fig. 3 A also indicates how the finger section (12) includes two exterior surfaces, namely a rounded, contoured surface (82) and a relatively flat surface (84). Similarly, the palm section (14) includes a rounded, contoured section (86) and a relatively flat section (88) which is roughly coplanar with the flat portion (84) of the finger section (12) when the apparatus (10) is in the locked position as shown in Figs. 3 A - 3C.

Figs. 4A - 4C illustrate the finger half (12) of the preferred embodiment of the invention (10) as seen in the side, end and bottom plan views respectively. In Fig. 4B, the finger section (12) includes a partially hollow cavity (44) which accepts one of the resilient pads (80) as described with regard to Fig. 1. Fig. 4B also discloses the location of four molded ribs or partitions (48), a result of the molding process in which it further reinforces the strength of the grip (10). 6

Figs. 5A, 5B and 5C, respectively, illustrate the palm section (14) of the preferred embodiment of the invention (10) as seen from the side, end, and bottom plan views, respectively. Fig. 5B, in particular, illustrates the partially hollow portion (50) which, likewise, receives one of the two resilient, spongy pads (80) illustrated in Fig. 1. A clip engaging tab (52) is shown in Figs. 5B and 5C which selectively engages one of the several partitions (90) located on the clip (24) so that the opening (22) defined between the two halves (12) and (14) can assume two or three different diameters in the range of 1" (fully closed position) to 1 VA" (maximum closed position) according to the size of the bar (36) that passes between the two. The hinge pinhole (56) is seen in the end view of the palm half (14) in Fig. 5B. This is, of course, similar to the pinhole that accepts hinge pin (18) as illustrated in Fig. 1. Finally, the bottom plan view illustrated in Fig. 5C shows three molded partitions (58) which provide additional strength and rigidity to the palm section (12).

The approximate outside diameter/circumference of the grip apparatus (10) in the current production mode, referred to as the "Medium" size are as follows:

(a) The diameter/circumference at the smallest end, opposite the heel pad (26), when fully closed (around the smallest possible diameter bar or object) is approximately 6 ³λ". The diameter/circumference at the smallest end, opposite the heel pad (26), when fully opened and still engaged (around the largest possible diameter bar or object) is 7 V₈ ".

(b) The diameter/circumference at the largest end, i.e., the heel pad (26) and, when fully closed (around the smallest possible diameter bar or object) is approximately 8 1% ". The diameter/circumference at the largest end, i.e., the heel pad (26) and, when fully opened and still engaged (around the largest possible diameter bar or object) is 8 V₈ ".

(c) Larger or smaller size changes to the grip apparatus (10) (i.e., small and large) would reflect the following dimensional changes:

(i) for a large size - the dimensions in items (a) and (b) above, in each instance, would increase by %". (ii) for a small size - the dimensions in items (a) and (b) above, in each instance, would decrease by %". 7

The heel pad (26) of the grip apparatus (10) has several unique advantages over the prior art:

(a) The heel pad (26) disperses weight evenly across the bearing surface of the hand (30) which, simultaneously, increases the effective bearing surface of the grip apparatus (10) itself; and,

(b) The heel pad (26) alone dictates that the bar (36) (or any device upon which the grip apparatus (10) is applied) is properly positioned in the hand (30) with the device being perfectly perpendicular to the axis of the hand (30), i.e., at 90°. In contrast, prior art devices may be angular or at an uneven axis with respect to the hand (30).

An alternative aquatic embodiment (60) is illustrated in Figs. 6 - 8C. Aquatic embodiment (60) includes a grip section (74) similar in contour to that of the preferred embodiment (10). Grip (74) is attached to aquatic resistance housing (62) which substantially surrounds the handle grip (74). As illustrated in Fig. 6, a slot (64) is provided to accommodate a possible strap (72) seen in further detail in Fig. 8A. Handle (74) is attached to the resistance housing (62) by thumbscrews (68).

As illustrated in Fig. 7, the grip (74) includes a threaded aperture therein (66) which is adapted to receive the threaded section of the thumb screw (68) which engages with a nut (78) as seen in further detail in Fig. 8C. The resistant section (62) includes four concave portions (70). The aquatic embodiment (60) provides the same comfort and ease as the preferred embodiment (10) along with the use of the hand in an "at-rest" position so as to improve the efficiency of the device (60) in isolating the muscles to be exercised.

In summary, the invention (10) and (60) includes a number of improvements over the prior art when either taken individually or in combination. First of all, it provides a very comfortable and efficient grip for the hand in an "at-rest" position. Second, it significantly enlarges the gripping area of the hand. Third, it quickens, or expedites the weight resistance to targeted muscles. Fourth, it can come in a variety of sizes including, small, medium and large. Fifth, it is relatively easy to attach and detach to bars of varying diameters. Sixth, it adapts readily to most weight resistance machines found in public gymnasiums. Seventh, keeping the hand in an "at-rest" position produces less fatigue and, in turn, encourages people to continue their efforts in strength training. 8

Eighth, the goal of weight toning and building is to extract as much strength to targeted muscle groups as easily and efficiently as possible, and the present invention (10) and (60) performs that function economically, efficiently and effectively. Ninth, in practice a typical dumb bell (37) when gripped without the benefit of the grip apparatus (10) results in a bearing surface of the bar (36) in the hand (30) of approximately 4 square inches. Hence, a twenty-pound bar bell (37), without the use of the grip apparatus (10) will result in a force of five pounds per square inch. The same weight, with the grip apparatus (10) being utilized would result in a surface area of twenty square inches and a force of one pound per square inch on this increased bearing surface. This is a difference of approximately 500%. Tenth, the net effect of the above principle, combined with the open-hand technology, and applied to fitness exercise, is that the smaller gripping surface area (i.e., using a dumb bell (37) without the grip apparatus (10)) restricts blood flow, raises blood pressure and disrupts mental concentration. By using the grip apparatus (10), the opposite would be true. Eleventh, another very significant effect of the grip apparatus (10) is that the lever (the distance from the elbow to the center of the gripping device) for the average American male is thirteen inches without using the grip apparatus (10). When the grip apparatus (10) is utilized, this lever effect or distance is increased to an average of 14Vi". This becomes very significant because the user is now able to use a much lighter weight to achieve the exact same results as previously resulting from the heavier weight. While the invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiment thereof, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that various modifications can be made to the structure and function of the invention without departing from the spirit and scope thereof.

Claims

WE CLAIM:

1. A grip apparatus (10) for grabbing a bar (36), said apparatus (10) comprising: a finger grip section (12) for engaging the fingers (34) of a human hand

(30); a palm section (14) for contacting the palm of said hand (30); hinge means (16, 18, 20, 56) for pivotally attaching said finger grip section (12) and said palm section (14) to each other; and, locking means (24, 52) for selectively locking said finger grip section (12) and said palm section (14) together around said bar (36), wherein said grip apparatus (10) may be selectively attached to said bar (36), locked in position with respect thereto and used as a rip so that said bar (36) is more comfortably and effectively grasped by said hand (30).

2. The apparatus (10) of claim 1 wherein said locking means (24, 52) comprises: a chp (24) that extends from said finger section (12); and, a chp engaging tab (52) located on said palm section (14) for selectively engaging said chp (24).

3. The apparatus (10) of claim 2 further comprising: a heel pad means (26) extending from said palm section (14) for contacting that portion of the heel of the palm of said hand (30) opposite from the thumb (32) of said hand (30).

4. The apparatus (10) of claim 3 wherein said chp (24) includes a plurality of partitions (90) along said clip (24) for selectively engaging said clip engaging tab (52), wherein the grip apparatus (10) can be adjusted to fit around the bars (36) having diameters in the range of 1" to 1 ^l╬¢".

5. The apparatus (10) of claim 4 comprising: a partially hollowed cavity (44) located in said finger section (12); a resilient pad located inside said partially hollowed cavity (44); a partially hollowed cavity (50) located in said palm section (14); and, 10 a resilient pad (80) located within said partially hollowed cavity (50) of said palm section (14).

6. The apparatus (10) of claim 5 wherein said finger section (12) includes an exterior surface comprising: a rounded surface (84) including grooves (46) for engaging at least some of the fingers (34) of said hand (30); and, a relatively flat surface (82) for contacting the thumb (32) of said hand (30).

7. The apparatus (10) of claim 6 wherein said palm section (14) includes an exterior surface comprising: a rounded surface (88) for engaging the palm of said hand (30) and that portion of the heel of said palm opposite from said thumb (32), and, a relatively flat surface (86) which is substantially coplanar with the relatively flat surface (82) of said finger section (12) when said clip (24) engages said chp engaging tab (52).

8. The apparatus (10) of claim 7 wherein said finger section (12) and said palm section (14) are formed of molded plastic.

9. The apparatus (10) of claim 8 wherein said finger section (12) and said palm section (14) of said apparatus (10) are contoured to fit a right hand (30).

10. The apparatus (10) of claim 8 wherein said finger section (12) and said palm section (14) of said apparatus (10) are contoured to fit a left hand.

11. The apparatus (10) of claim 8 wherein said bar (36) is the bar of a conventional barbell (37).

12. The apparatus (10) of claim 8 further comprising: a strap (40) attached to said grip apparatus (10).

13. A grip apparatus (60) for use in water comprising: a grip section (74) for engaging the fingers (34) and thumb (32) of a user

(30), said grip section (74) further including a heel rest extension located on that portion of said grip opposite from where the thumb (32) of said hand (30) contacts said grip (74); and, an aquatic resistance housing means (62) attached to said grip (74) providing resistance when said apparatus (60) is used in water. 11

14. The aquatic grip apparatus (60) of said claim 13 further comprising: a plurality of concave faces (70) located on the exterior of said resistance housing (62).