WO2014203017A1

WO2014203017A1 - Ergonomic camera handgrip

Info

Publication number: WO2014203017A1
Application number: PCT/IB2013/001279
Authority: WO
Inventors: Theodoor Meeuwis BAAIJEN
Original assignee: Mteebee Inventions S.A.
Priority date: 2013-06-18
Filing date: 2013-06-18
Publication date: 2014-12-24

Abstract

A handgrip assembly for cameras and other optical devices, and for rigs supporting such devices, with a simplified construction comprising a member and a connector means which permits fixing the optical device through any suitable cooperative connector mechanism. The handgrip member has a specially curved section which provides several ergonomic and mechanical advantages plus improved operational security, both when in under or in top position in relation to the camera. The reduction of wrist strain is achieved by providing alternative gripping angles on the curved section, without the need for time-consuming adjustments of the grip angle through fastener or other mechanisms found on the straight handgrips of prior art.

Description

I. TITLE: "ERGONOMIC CAMERA HANDGRIP"

II. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention.

[001] The present invention relates to an ergonomic handgrip for a photographic camera, more precisely a handgrip for a motion or stills camera including a smartphone camera, or for a camera support rig. Certain embodiments of the handgrip may also be used to support other optical devices such as binoculars or spotting scopes.

2. Description of the Related Art.

[002] When set directly to a camera, the invention can be used as an under-handgrip connected to the tripod socket at the bottom of a camera, or as a top-grip or -handle that is either connected to the bottom of an inverted camera (with instant digital image conversion, or in post processing), or to a hotshoe on top of a camera. The same under or top positions can be used with cradles or holders for smartphones. The ergonomic camera handgrip can also be used with other devices such as binoculars, spotting scopes, lights or monitors, and with support rigs for optical devices.

[003] Cameras for photographic or video recording, including smartphone cameras, have become more compact, and even miniaturized, over the years. This has reduced gripping surfaces and decreases mechanical stabilization through closer hand positions and less mass inertia. Thus, camera handgrips set under or on top of a camera have gained interest as compact and affordable tools for gripping, stabilization and carrying. Additional advantages of these grips include prevention of accidental touching of camera controls, while in the case of under-grips, an extension for the hand is provided when a camera is used at the eye with a viewfinder or loupe for the camera screen, thus preventing uneconomic lifting of the arm whilst permitting a stable arm position with the elbow low and close to the body.

[004] For many viewing positions of the camera, a simple straight handgrip results in uncomfortable bending of the wrist. Thus, handgrip angle adjustment mechanisms have been designed in the past, which have several limitations in common:

• A more complex construction.

• The adjustments take time.

• With straight handgrips, the required gripping force is relatively high while undesirable effects may occur, such as in-hand rotation and slipping out of the hand when used for carrying.

Examples of patents for angle adjustment mechanisms of straight handgrips are:

[005] Hayashida US 5,081,478 (for an adjustably mounted camera grip) which discloses an adjustable straight grip for under and top use on a video camera. However, the adjustment mechanism has a complex build and a limited number of pre-determined positions. The present invention also combines top and under handgrip functions, but has a simple build and stepless variable gripping angles, by simply shifting the operator's hand over a curved part of the grip.

[006] Saxton US 7,494,291 (for a portable camera support), which discloses an adjustable straight grip for stills and video cameras. Although the rotational camera connector and grip rotation mechanisms in two orthogonal planes have a simpler construction than in the previously mentioned patent, each is controlled by a bolt or fastener which makes adjustments time consuming. Once the present invention is set in the right position with the camera connector, the curved grip section can simply be grasped at any desired angle, without the need for articulation mechanisms.

[007] Robalino US 5,585,849 (for an auxiliary handle for portable video camera), takes simplification to the next level by articulating a straight handgrip to a camera through a ball and socket joint, controlled by just one knob. However, it differs from the present invention because it has only one grasping angle in a certain adjustment position, while when in a parallel position to the camera, there is little space left to grasp it effectively. Because of its cylindrical form it requires a higher gripping force, as there a risk of sliding out of the hand especially when used as top handle, and of undesired in-hand rotation. Both disadvantages are not present on the invention, as explained in more detail below. Powell et al, US 5721997, discloses a multi-purpose handle for a video camera held with its lens in a substantially horizontal (landscape) orientation, consisting of three arms with rotation and telescoping mechanisms. The present invention is intended for video and stills cameras, has a much simpler construction, while allowing any lens/camera position, including portrait orientation.

Straight top handles, as of US 5721997 and the like, also cause a pendulum tendency of the camera hanging from it, around the axis of the top handle. Tenzer, Anti-sway camera stabilization device, US 20020122668 Al, discloses a transverse arm for a camera carried from a top handle, which when grasped by the second hand of the operator prevents the pendulum tendency. The handgrip of the invention has an intrinsic mechanical advantage which prevents camera sway.

[008] Straight handgrips are also the standard on a wide array of the DSLR video rigs, which emerged after the recent (2008) inclusion of HD video modules in photographic cameras with large sensors, which permit the so-called "film-look". Many rigs do not have adjustable handgrip angles, which causes unnecessary bending of the wrist, while the required gripping force is relatively high. Navarro, EP0919764, Position adjustable grip support for motion picture camera, discloses a camera rig having a support bar with straight handgrips which can be adjusted easily by the operator through a special clamping mechanism. Once the handgrip of the present invention is set in the right position with a cooperative camera connector, the curved grip section can simply be grasped at any desired angle, without the need for adjustments through articulation mechanisms, while the required gripping force is lower due to the specially curved form which prevents slipping through the hand.

[009] The present invention addresses the problems described in the previous art providing a simple solution, as described below. Compared to straight under or top handgrips, with or without adjustable angle, the benefits of the present curved handgrip during shooting and viewing, as well as during carrying, can be listed as follows: a) Reduction of strain on the wrist: i. By reducing the bending of the user^'s wrist. Once a rotational position for the handgrip as under-grip has been set through a cooperative camera connector, several gripping angles are available without any time-consuming or complicated adjustment mechanisms, by simply shifting the hand along the convex or concave side of the handgrip. Thus, bending of the wrist is prevented, and as the wrist stays lined, strain is reduced or absent. This principle also applies when the grip is used as a top handle, where the camera can be used with an ergonomically lined wrist in many more points of view than with a straight top handgrip set under a certain angle, especially with the - often used - horizontal angle. i. By better balancing of the rig. Particularly when using a handgrip under a camera, wrist strain can also occur due to imbalance. Ideally, the center of gravity of the camera should be above the center of the hand holding the grip. Often, the radial hand shifting option also permits finding the best balance, which means less strain on the wrist, by moving the hand toward a position under or close to the center of gravity of the camera and handgrip combination. Even when the center of gravity is under the camera's tripod mount, the hand can still be moved underneath, as most embodiments of the curved grip have a section that is set substantially perpendicular to the camera^'s tripod mount. This is often not the case with straight grips when set at an angle under the camera. duction of the required gripping force: i. By hook grasping. In handgrip ergonomics, several ways of grasping are distinguished (see Imrhan reference), the main being cylindrical grasping (like on a vertically positioned straight grip) and hook grasping (like on a horizontal handle of a suit case). In the first case, the fingers and thumb have to squeeze the grip firmly, while hook grasping permits holding a similar load with much less effort. With a curved handgrip, a considerable part of the grip is often in a completely or quasi-horizontal position. When the camera is used in low points of view, with the forearm held horizontally or pointing downward, these sections can thus be hold through the more ergonomic hook grasping method, as shown in Fig.2B. As shown in Fig. 3B, the under-handgrip can be used instantly, by mere inversion, as a top handle with hook grasping, for carrying and low video mode. i. By the "resting effect". Hook grasping does not apply in higher camera viewpoints (e.g. where the arm is in an upward angled position). However, the completely or quasi-horizontal portion of the grip is then resting on the palm and the thumb muscles of the user's hand, as shown in Fig. IB. In this text, this effect is called "resting effect". As with hook grasping, the resting effect permits a reduced gripping force. Alternatively, part of the grip may rest on the thumb, e.g. when a camera in portrait mode is supported by a grip that has its free end pointing downward, as shown in Fig. 4B.

In the case of straight grips with an adjustable grip angle, the hook grasping and resting options depend completely on the angle in which the grip is set, and these effects are reduced or absent in substantially or completely vertical positions of the grip. iii. By the "passive wrench" effect. Straight cylindrical grips easily rotate in the hand, while a specially curved cylindrical grip as the one of the invention, with both straight and more or less transverse parts fitting at the same time in the user's hand, provides resistance to turning. This mechanical advantage, in this text denominated "passive wrench effect", contributes to a more relaxed grasping, in practically all grasping angles. It also applies in top handle configurations as in Fig. 3B, where the effect decreases the pendulum tendency of the camera, thus reducing the need for firm squeezing. c) Improved operational security: i. By more efficient gripping. When used as under-grip, the hook grasping, resting and passive wrench effects increase the in-hand stability of the curved grip and thus the efficacy of the gripping force, resulting in improved operational security. With a directly set camera handgrip, these effects are considered optimal when a 50 to 90° curved section of a handgrip fits completely in the hand, for which a length of about four to five thumb widths is needed (about 10 to 12 cm), which requires a centerline defined by relatively short radii, in a range of 7 to 14 cm. ii. By the barb effect. When used as curved top grip, the free handgrip end has a barb effect, as on a fishhook, which acts as a mechanical prevention for slipping out of the hand. The barb effect is absent in a straight grip set on top of a camera, which makes its use as top handle less secure.

[010] Certain embodiments of the invention are obtained by the fabrication or assembly of two or more curved grips into composite handgrip frames with increased stabilization, versatility and ergonomics. In dual handgrip frames, the weight of the camera and accessories is distributed over both hands and arms, while the curved form of the grips likewise provides for varied grasping angles and hook grasping, resting or passive wrench effects, thus reducing wrist strain and the required gripping force. Due to the rounded form of the curved handgrips, a dual handgrip frame can also be used perpendicularly to the user's body, either held like a bow with two hands, or with the outer convex or concave part of one handgrip comfortably pressed to - and if necessary rolled over - a part of the body (leg, waist, chest, armpit, shoulder), while the opposite handgrip can be grasped ergonomically from many angles as described above for a single grip.

[Oi l] The invention can also be used as a more ergonomic substitute for the standard straight handgrips that are used in all kinds of support rigs for DSLR and mirror less cameras and smartphones, like steadicams, top handle rigs, shoulder rigs, and rectangular or U-frames with side handgrips. In some rigs, straight handgrips are set in a rotationally lockable connection to a rig frame, which mostly prevents unnecessary bending of the wrist. However, in these cases the specially curved grip still provides ergonomic advantages, as cylindrical grasping prevails with straight grips while hook grasping or resting effects are limited. Thus, substitution by curved grips results in an ergonomic benefit by reducing the required gripping force. In-hand rotation of straight grips is generally no problem in rigs with dual grips, however in single handgrip rigs, the passive wrench effect of the curved grip contributes to greater stability and a further reduction of the required gripping force.

[012] Several refinements to the basic handgrip version of the invention are possible, including an inner storage space with flex-covers, which may harbor the trigger of a remote camera control, screws, small tools; and additional connectivity for accessories.

III. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[013] One of the objects of the present invention is to provide a more ergonomic camera handgrip with a less complex construction than the ones mentioned as prior art, offering instantly variable gripping options for carrying and shooting, both in under and top position, without the need for time-consuming adjustments of the grip angle through fastener or other mechanisms. [014] Certain embodiments of the invention are obtained by the fabrication or assembly of two or more specially curved grips into more elaborate handgrip frames with increased stabilization, versatility and ergonomics.

[015] Another object of this invention is to provide a more ergonomic substitute for straight handgrips in all kinds of camera rigs.

[016] The invention can also be used with other devices such as binoculars, spotting scopes, lights or monitors.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[017] With the above and other related objects in view, the invention consists in the details of construction and combination of parts as will be more fully understood from the following description, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1A is an elevational side view of a basic handgrip member 100 showing curved section 101 extending over a 90-degree arc, with end 103 pointing away from the user, while supporting a camera C (in broken lines).

Figure IB represents the handgrip 100 of the previous figure in interaction with a user's hand (in broken lines).

Figure 2A is similar to the previous figure, with end 103 positioned towards the user.

Figure 2B shows the handgrip positioned as in the previous figure with a user's hand in hook grasping position.

Figure 3A shows an alternate embodiment with a handgrip 100' showing a curved section 101' extending over a 60-degree arc supporting a camera from its top.

Figure 3B shows a handgrip 100 with a user's hand in hook grasping position.

Figure 4A shows handgrip 100 supporting camera C in portrait position.

Figure 4B shows handgrip 100 in the same position as in the previous figure with the representation of a user's hand. Figure 5A shows camera C in landscape position with member 100 supporting it from below through extension member 108.

Figure 5B is similar to figure 5A but camera C is in portrait position.

Figure 6 A is a side view showing two handgrips 100 mounted to extension 108 and supporting camera C in landscape position.

Figure 6B is similar to figure 6 A with handgrips 100 rotated to permit a user to hold them from a different position.

Figure 7 A is a front view of a combination of four handgrips 100' that are slightly modified with respect to handgrip 100.

Figure 7B is a cross-sectional view taken along line CI :C2 in Figure 7 A.

Figure 8A is a side view of handgrip 123 showing several specifications related to the centerline.

Fig. 8B shows a side view of a curved handgrip of prior art.

V. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Figure 1A is a side view of a basic handgrip 100 shown in under-position with the free end 103 pointing away from the user. The handgrip has a specially curved section 101, set between straight end sections 102 and 103, the first having a male thread 104 as optional connector means for a rotationally lockable connection to the tripod socket of camera C, which is fixed by counternut 105 as optional cooperative connector mechanism. The arc of the curved section, in this case 90°, is defined by the angle A between radial lines set at the ends of the centerline CL of the curved section. Several alternative gripping angles at the convex side of the handgrip, preventing bending of the wrist when the camera point of view is changed, are indicated by arrows 106.

Figure IB shows the handgrip represented in the previous figure in interaction with a user's hand (in broken lines), showing the resting effect on the palm of the hand and the thumb muscles, with the passive wrench effect preventing in-hand rotation. Fig. 2A is similar to the previous figure with end 103 positioned towards the user. Several angles for hook grasping when the camera point of view is changed, now at the concave side of the grip, are indicated by arrows 107.

Fig. 2B shows the same handgrip as in the previous figure with a hand in hook grasping position, with the passive wrench effect preventing in-hand rotation.

Fig. 3A shows an alternate embodiment 100^' of the handgrip with a relatively longer straight end section 103'. The centerline CL of the curved section 101' extends over a 60 degree arc. It is shown as a top handle for camera C, for carrying or low mode video shooting, after a simple inversion of the under position as shown in Fig. 1. Several alternative gripping angles at the convex side of the handgrip, preventing bending of the wrist when the camera point of view is changed, are indicated by arrows 106.

Figure 3B shows a similar top-handgrip with a user's hand on hook-grasping position, where the curved section acts as a mechanical barb to prevent slipping out of the hand, and where the passive wrench effect prevents in-hand rotation and thus the pendulum effect of the camera When the hand relaxes, the barb effect of the top part of the handgrip prevents it from slipping out of the hand.

Fig. 4A shows a camera C in portrait position with handgrip 100 extending downward.

Figure 4B shows the handgrip of the previous figure with the representation of a user's right hand grasping camera C, where a part of the weight of the camera is resting on the thumb, and where the passive wrench effect prevents in-hand rotatioa Many other rotational positions of the handgrip are possible, both in right or left handed use.

Figure 5A shows camera C in landscape position with member 100 supporting it from below through extension member 108 and threaded male connector 109. The length of member 108 is selected to bring camera C to a user's eye level without requiring lifting his/her hand to an uncomfortable position. By inversion, the same set-up can be used as a top handle for extra- low camera positions, also called stunt bar.

Fig. 5B shows the previous set-up with an additional connector 110 mounted to extension 108, which can be used to mount a camera C in portrait mode. Alternatively, this support can be used in landscape mode with the free end of the extension padded so it can be hold by the user's second hand. In Fig. 6A y 6B, two handgrips 100 are connected by an extension 108 with an additional transversely set connector 110 for camera C in landscape position, thus forming a dual handgrip frame.

In Fig. 6A, the free grip ends are pointing downward, while Fig. 6B shows the grips pointing upward, for different camera points of view.

Fig. 7A shows a closed four-handgrip frame 111 composed of four handgrips 100", partly in direct connection and partly through extensions 113. One extension 113 is having a rotationally lockable clamp 114 with a rotationally lockable camera connector 115, for a two- axis rotation between the frame and the camera. Handgrips 100" are have some refinements with respect to basic handgrips 100, as they are provided with and inner storage space with flex-covers, through-slots 116 which can be used as strap guides, and threaded facets 117 to provide additional connectivity with accessories.

Fig. 7B shows a cross-section taken along section C1:C2 at the handgrip in Fig. 7A, with inner storage space 118 for small parts, switches for remote controls and tools, and double, self-closing flex-covers 119 (hatched area) which can be used as push-through cable holder. Facet 117 is part of a structural core element (grey area), where a centrally set female thread 121 can be used to connect accessories, while ridge 122 may provide one-screw non- rotational connections with compatible parts.

Fig. 8A shows a preferred embodiment 123 of the handgrip comprising a symmetric member 124 and two detachable or integrated cooperative connectors 125, e.g. of a clamp type. The centerline CL of the curved section has an arc length of about 12 cm between its ends El y E2, and represents a 75 degree arc of a circle with a radius of about 9 cm. The angle between the end planes P1 :P1 and P2:P2 of the curved section is 90 degrees and independent of the angle of the arc. At its minimum length El-M of about 10 cm, the arc has an angle of 63 degrees. The dotted lines CL +15% and CL -15% indicate the bandwidth for alternative centerlines around the given radius.

Fig. 8B shows a curved handgrip of prior art 126 under the Swedish Chameleon brand, with an integrated rod clamp 120 for a rod of a support rig. Between two relatively long straight sections (S1-S2 about 6 cm, S3-S4 about 4 cm), it has a relatively short curved section (S2- S3) with a centerline of about 4 cm, while still achieving an arc of about 50 degrees, due to a radius of only about 4.5 cm. [018] The present invention is an ergonomic handgrip for cameras and other optical devices such as binoculars or spotting scopes. This handgrip, e.g. 100 as shown in various figures, includes a member having at least one specially curved section 101 with ergonomic and mechanical advantages.

[019] In the specially curved section 101, a continuously and smooth curvilinear shape is required, as to provide easily accessible varied gripping angles for the user's hand to prevent wrist strain at many camera points of view. This is achieved by defining centerline of the curved section within a bandwidth of about +/- 15% from an arc with a radius from 8 to 12 cm, which allows for certain deviations from a perfect arc line, such as a facetted centerline or short straight sub-sections. Besides, to provide the additional ergonomic and mechanical effects which reduce the required gripping force, firstly the minimum length of the arc should be equal to the width of an average adult hand (about 10 cm), in this case from the end El of the centerline to the point M. Secondly, the arc El-M should extend for at least 50 degrees, while 60 degrees or slightly more is preferred. Thirdly, to prevent that a too sharp curve would complicate stable grasping, the arc El-M should be at most 75 degrees. This way, the ergonomically and mechanically critical curved section of the handgrip will fit well within the user^'s hand, while providing various gripping angles from the concave or the convex side. The relation between arc angle and the radius needed to attain a minimum arc length of the curved centerline is given in Table 1.

Table 1. Relation between arc angle, arc length and minimum radius of centerline (in cm).

A preferred embodiment showing these characteristics is shown in Fig. 8A, where in the case that connectors 125 are detachable, the curved section represents 100 % of the grip member. Similar connectors can also be integrated as straight sections of the handgrip member. Although the centerline of the curved section in Fig. 8 covers a 75 degree arc, its terminal planes are in this case set at 90 degrees to each other, while the same applies for the end planes of the member. This allows the connector interfaces to be at the same 90° angle, which facilitates use with accessories and combination with other handgrips in composite frames. The curved handgrip of prior art 126 of the Swedish Chameleon brand, as shown in Fig. 8B, has a relatively sharp bend with a short curved section set between two straight sections. This handgrip offers basically only two gripping angles, one on each straight section. As stated correctly by the manufacturer, the grip offers an ergonomic resting effect when used under a rig. However, a handgrip with a sharp bend is much less suitable as an under or top handgrip for a camera than the handgrip of the invention, due to the limited gripping angles, and the reduction in the barb effect and passive wrench effect when the user is grasping the straight sections.

[020] The handgrip member 100 may also comprise short straight end sections 103 as shown in Fig. 1A and 2A, or a longer straight end section 103' as in Fig. 3 A. However, in under-grips used at arm length, the curved section should preferably be close to the camera connector for reasons of stability and ergonomics, as to reduce leverage and resulting strain on the wrist, as best seen in Fig. 2B. On the contrary, in under-grips for use with camera viewfinders or binoculars, un-ergonomic lifting of the hand and arm can be prevented by inclusion of a long straight section in the member, or by coupling an extended connector as shown in Fig. 5A. One-piece embodiments with longer arcs or multiple curved or straight sections are not excluded, as shown in Fig. 9A and 9B, which achieve the same functionality as the composite handgrip frames shown in Fig. 6 respectively Fig. 7. For reasons of flexibility and portability, the use of composite handgrip frames is generally preferred. Apart from specially curved sections, otherwise curved sections can also be included in the handgrip member.

[020] At least one end of the handgrip member has a connector means for a camera or camera rig, which may comprise a male or female thread, or a clamp for a connector rod. In most cases, the handgrip should be fixed in a certain rotational position in relation to the camera, which can be achieved by several kinds of cooperative connector mechanisms. An example is shown in Fig. 1, where end 102 of member 100 includes a connector means 104 (a male thread) that is used to connect an optical device, such as a camera C, in a certain rotational position at the axis of the connector means, by fixing it with a cooperative connector mechanism, in this case counternut 105. To connect a grip in top position, an off- the-shelf hotshoe adapter based on the same counternut principle can be used.

In other embodiments, connector mechanisms with a two-axis rotation may be used, e.g. with a rotationally lockable device connector set transversely on an elongated connector member fixed to the handgrip end, as shown in Fig. 5B or Fig. 6 and 7. Connector mechanisms with multiple-axis rotation can also be used, such as a ball and socket joint. In certain embodiments, free rotating camera mounts are also an option.

[021] Dual handgrip frames consisting of two or more handgrips 100 provide increased mechanical stabilization due to the increased distance of the hands to the camera sensor, and a more ergonomic distribution of the weight over both hands. In Fig. 6A, the downward position of the dual handgrips 100 facilitates ergonomic use with a viewfinder or ocular lens at eye level, with part of the weight supported on the user's thumbs. In Fig. 6B, the upward position of the handgrips 100 enables the ergonomic use at arm length (with the camera screen) with the convex grip parts resting on the palm of the user's hands. In both cases, the free grip ends of each grip can be secured within the user's hand palm or between the lingers, to prevent undesired rotation of the camera through the passive wrench effect.

The second end of the handgrip member can also be equipped with a connector means, providing embodiments with increased versatility, for use with accessories or for assembly of composite handgrip frames as shown in Fig. 7A. As shown, this closed-frame handgrip assembly made-up by four serially connected handgrips provides many ergonomic gripping options. Besides, with a two-axis rotation option between the frame and the camera, the camera can be placed under, on top or within the frame. One rounded side can also be pressed to the user^'s body for additional support. Due to its rounded forms, the closed frame can also be strapped easily to the user^'s body.

[023] The foregoing description conveys the best understanding of the objectives and advantages of the present invention. Different embodiments may be made of the inventive concept of this invention. It is to be understood that all matter disclosed herein is to be interpreted merely as illustrative, and not in a limiting sense.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A handgrip for a handheld optical device or for a support rig for such a device, comprising: a handgrip member having a first and a second end, each end having an end plane, said member comprising a specially curved section which is defined by a curved centerline,

where said curved centerline lies within a bandwidth of 15% outside and 15% inside of an arc of a circle defined by at least one radius with a length of 8 to 12 cm,

and where said arc has a minimum length equal to the width of an average adult human hand (about 10 cm) and extends for not less than 50 degrees; a first connector means mounted to said first member end, permitting the user to removably mount the handgrip, through any suitable cooperative connector mechanism, to a handheld optical device or a support rig for such a device.

2. The handgrip set forth in claim 1, where the angle between the end planes of the member is independent from the angle of the arc of the curved section.

3. The curved section of the handgrip set forth in claim 1 ,

where the first and the second end of the centerline are located on an arc of a circle with a radius with a length of 8 to 12 cm, and where the intermediate centerline is located within a bandwidth of 15% outside and 15% inside from said arc.

4. The curved section of the handgrip set forth in claim 1, where said arc extends for not more than 75 degrees when the arc is at its minimal length of a hand width.

5. The curved section of the handgrip set forth in the previous claims, where the arc has sub-sections, and where the radius of the subsections are independent from each other, yet within the established range of 8 to 12 cm.

6. The curved section of the handgrip set forth in the previous claims where the centerline is facetted.

7. The handgrip member set forth in claim 1 further including

an additional curved section different from the one specified in claim 1, between the curved section and the first and/or second member end.

8. The handgrip member set forth in claim 1 further including

a straight section between the specially curved section and the first and/or second member end.

9. The handgrip member set forth in claim 1 further including

one or more additional specially curved sections, between the curved section and the first and/or second member end.

10. The handgrip member set forth in claim 9,

where specially curved sections are connected by an intermediate straight section.

1 1. The handgrip member set forth in claim 10, where the straight section(s) has/have a connector means for any suitable cooperative connector mechanism.

12. The handgrip set forth in the previous claims, further including

a second connector means at the second member end.

13. The handgrip set forth in the previous claims, further including

an integrated connector mechanism at the first and/or second member end.

14. The handgrip member set forth in the previous claims, further including

an inner storage space.

15. The handgrip set forth in claim 13,

where inner storage space has flex covers.

16. The handgrip set forth in the previous claims, further including

connector means on sides or side facets with connector threads,

17. The handgrip set forth in the previous claims, further including

through-slots as strap guides.

18. The handgrip set forth in the previous claims, further including an assembly of serially connected handgrips.