GRIP RESISTANCE DEVICE

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of pending U.S. Appl. No. 63/445,178 filed on Feb. 13, 2024, the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to exercise and physical therapy equipment, more specifically to a resistance device configured for mounting on or using with an article of exercise equipment.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

People across the world perform various exercises and tasks that involve holding and lifting things such as weights, handles of various sorts and poles. It would be beneficial to introduce grip training into these activities.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the invention provide a resistance device for grip training that can be used with any of various sports devices. In embodiments of the invention, the device includes an attachment interface for allowing temporary attachment of the grip resistance device to a shaft such as a bar, dumbbell, etc. The grip resistance device includes a handle that is movable between an open and closed position. The handle is spring biased in the open position such that it requires gripping strength to overcome tension when directing the handle and maintaining it in the closed position. Embodiments of the invention, thus, allow users to attach the device to a piece of exercise equipment such as a barbell, jump rope handle etc. and thereby train forearms/grip muscles simultaneous with other exercises or physical therapy activities.

In other embodiments of the invention, the resistance device is configured to be held within a user's grasp while the user is gripping a secondary device. In this embedment, the resistance device is not affixed to a piece of sports equipment but is rather configured to grip a user's hand.

Still in other embodiments of the invention, a piece of sports equipment having a gripping area (e.g. grip bars on elliptical or handle bars of a stationary bicycle) is provided with an integrated grip training device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a grip resistance device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is bottom perspective view of a grip resistance device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A shown in FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is partial broken away view of a grip resistance device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A shown in FIG. 1 showing the grip resistance device in a compressed position in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of the device of FIGS. 1-5 connected to a dumbbell in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of a grip resistance device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 is bottom perspective view of a grip resistance device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B shown in FIG. 7 showing the grip resistance device at a first tension level in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10 is a partially broken away view of a grip resistance device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B shown in FIG. 7 showing the grip resistance device at an increased tension level in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 12 is a top perspective view of the device of FIGS. 7-11 positioned on a dumbbell in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 13 is a schematic view of the device of FIGS. 7-11 shown maintained in use with an exercise bar in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a device that is integrated into article of exercise equipment in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the above-identified figures of the drawings. However, the drawings and the description herein of the invention are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. It will be understood that various modifications of the present description of the invention are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention. Also, features described herein may be omitted, additional features may be included, and/or features described herein may be combined in a manner different from the specific combinations recited herein, all without departing from the spirit of the invention.

In embodiments of the invention, a grip resistance device is provided with an attachment interface that is configured for temporary securement to an exercise device. For example, in embodiments of the invention, one or more clamps, straps, loops, ties, hook and loop strips (e.g. Velcro), or any other temporary fastener or similar fastening elements are provided for securing the device to a bar-like, cylindrical or elongated structure. The device is provided with a movable handle or similar member that is spring-biased, for example, via a spring tensioning device (or “tensioning mechanism”) that biases the handle or member in a first resting position (e.g. “open position”)-thereby creating a resistance interface. In order to press the handle or member down (e.g. in the direction toward the exercise device) (“lowered position”), a user must overcome the tension imparted by the tensioning device. In this regard, if the grip resistance device is installed on a dumbbell, a user will be able to add the element of forearm resistance when performing any of various lifting exercises. (Note that herein grip training exercise is often referred to a “secondary” to a “primary” exercise such as lifting weights, jump roping, rowing, elliptical training etc.)

In embodiments of the invention, a grip resistance device in accordance with embodiments of the invention does not include straps or similar attachment elements. Rather, the device is provided with a bottom end that is configured to contact a piece of exercise equipment and preferably conform thereto. The user maintains the device in place by gripping the device against the exercise equipment.

FIG. 1 shows a grip resistance device configured for attachment to a bar or similar device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. As shown, grip resistance device 10 is formed of a housing 12 having one or more attachment devices configured to attach the housing 12 to a bar or similar device. Housing 12 is formed of a front wall 14, substantially parallel rear wall 16, a right wall 18 and a left wall 20 forming a substantially rectangular or oblong chamber. In embodiments of the invention, housing 12 is formed of a rigid plastic material, such as for example, polyethylene. In embodiments of the invention, an underside surface 24 of housing 12 is configured to be deformable. The deformable underside is thus configured to conform to the contours of a bar or similar structure. In embodiments of the invention, the deformable underside is formed of a one or more strips of rubber, foam, memory foam, silicone, neoprene, or similar materials that are capable of temporary deformation.

With continued reference to FIG. 1, in embodiments of the invention, a strip of flexible or deformable material forming a grip band 22 is provided on an underside surface 24 of housing 12. A first side of grip band 22 is adhered (e.g. via adhesive) to the underside 24 of housing 12. An underside 26 if grip band 22 is configured to contact a piece of sports equipment. It will be understood that in addition to being deformable, grip band 22 is formed of a material that has a high friction coefficient which confers anti-slip properties. In embodiments of the invention, in order to enhance anti-slip properties, the underside 26 of grip band 22 is provided with a textured or striated surface which increases traction. For example, in an embodiment, a series of grooves 28 are formed on underside 26.

In other embodiments of the invention, an underside of surface is of device 10 is configured with a rounded longitudinal contour which substantially matches a rounded profile of a bar such as bar of a dumbbell.

With reference to the cross-sectional view of grip resistance device 10 shown in FIG. 3, an inside surface of housing wall (e.g. 16) is shown. A right track 30 or similar channel is formed in housing wall 16. Track 30 has a first end wall 32, an opposing second wall 34, an upper wall 36 and a lower wall 38. A second, substantially mirroring track 30 is provided on the left side of the grip resistance device 10. In embodiments of the invention, an arch-shaped steel spring 40 is shown having a first end and a second end. In embodiments of the invention, first and second end are formed of rounded ends 42, 44. Rounded ends 42, 44 are shaped and sized to fit within and travel in tracks 30.

In embodiments of the invention, a first downward projecting tab 46 extends from an underside 45 of steel spring 40 and a second downward-projecting tab 48 extends from an underside 45 of steel spring 40. In embodiments, first tab 46 is positioned proximally to rounded end 42 and second tab 48 is positioned proximally to rounded end 44. In embodiments of the invention, tabs 46, 48 are provided with a cutout or similar aperture that is configured to receive a hook.

As further shown in FIG. 3, a spring 50 is positioned between tabs 46, 48. As shown, spring 50 has a first end having a first hook 52 and a second end having a second hook 54. Hooks, 52, 54 are inserted through respective apertures in tabs 46, 48 and are retained thereby.

As will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, spring 50 exerts a force drawing ends of steel spring 40 toward each other. Thus, when force is applied to an upper aspect 56 of steel spring 40 an opposing force is exerted in opposition to the bias of spring 50. In this regard, compressing steel spring 40 will cause the arched angle of steel spring 40 to be somewhat diminished and its ends to spread outwardly (away from each other). As understood, such movement of ends of steel spring 40 requires that the bias of spring 50 to be overcome—thereby creating resistance for purpose of grip training.

With reference to FIG. 4, which shows a perspective view of steel spring 40, it will be understood that when downward force is exerted on steel spring 40, rounded ends 42, 44 travel outwardly within track 30. For example, FIG. 5 shows a grip resistance device 10 in a configuration whereby steel spring 40 is compressed. As shown, steel spring 40 (e.g. having been pressed by a user) is in a more flattened orientation as compared with the steel spring 40 resting position shown in FIG. 3. In this orientation, rounded ends 42, 44 have moved to ends (e.g. 34) of tracks 30. As shown, spring 50 is stretched under force being applied to steel spring 40. It will be understood that once downward force to steel spring 40 is removed (e.g. a user releases grip), spring 50 will recoil to its default position and thereby return steel spring 40 to its resting position.

In embodiments of the invention, a flexible plastic cover 58 is applied over steel spring 40. As best shown inf FIG. 1, cover 58 is preferably arched-shaped and configured to conform to the general outer contours of steel spring 40. It will be understood that cover may formed of any of various soft and bendable plastic or rubber materials. In an embodiment, cover 58 is formed of silicone.

FIG. 4 shows a grip resistance device 10 where cover 58 is removed to expose steel spring 40. As shown, steel spring 40 is shaped in a semi circular or arched fashion and remains rigid in resting (default) position. However, steel spring 40 is capable of partially deforming (in the flattening direction) when force is applied. It will be understood that any of various tension mechanisms or substances may be used in different embodiments of the invention.

As described, in embodiments of the invention, device 10 is provided with an attachment interface allowing the device 10 to be mounted or temporarily attached to a piece of sports equipment. For example, in embodiments of the invention, one or more strips of mating hook and loop fasteners are provided for securing device 10 to a bar or the like. For example, as shown, a first Velcro unit 60 is shown mated to second unit 62.

As best shown in FIG. 6, unit 10 is shown applied to a bar of a dumbbell 64. First Velcro unit 60 substantially surrounds the bar, and second Velcro unit 62 mates therewith to fully capture the bar.

In use, a user attaches the grip resistance device to an elongated or cylindrical member of a piece of exercise equipment such as a barbell, dumbbell, ski pole, or even the handle of a briefcase or the like. The user then grips the exercise equipment by compressing the device (e.g. 10), thereby adding a secondary exercise to a primary exercise.

FIG. 7 shows an “unattached” grip resistance device 66 according to an embodiment of the invention. As shown, device 66 has an upper bar 68, a lower bar 70, a right support member 72, and a left support member 74. A handle 76 is mounted along tracks (e.g. 75) in right and left support members 72, 74 and is spring biased substantially at a midpoint between upper and lowers bars 68, 70. A user may overcome the spring bias during use to train grip strength.

It will be understood that upper and lower bars 68, 70 and right and left support members 72, 74 are formed of a rigid plastic material and, in combination, form a housing configured to enclose inner mechanical elements of device 66. For example, in embodiments of the invention, upper bar 68 is formed of a front wall 68a, and rear wall 68b; lower bar 70 is formed of front wall 70a and 70b; right support member 72 is formed of front wall 72a and rear wall 72b; and left support member 74 is formed of a front wall 74a and rear wall 74b.

FIG. 8 shows a bottom perspective view of device 66. As shown, in embodiments of the invention a grip band 78 having the same or similar properties to grip band 22 is provided on an underside surface of lower bar 70.

FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view taken along the lines B-B in FIG. 7. As shown, a first end of handle 76 is supported by or mounted to an axle 80 or similar support member. The second end of handle is similarly supported by or mounted to an axle 82 or similar support member. In embodiment of the invention handle 76 is rotatable about axles 80, 82.

As shown, axles 80, 82 are sized and shaped to inert into and travel in tracks 75, 77.

In embodiments of the invention, an axle (e.g. right axle 82 in the orientation shown in FIG. 9) is connected to a cable 84 or similar wire or cord. An end of cable 84 is attached to a tension spring 88. For example, a terminal hook 86 formed contiguous with or attached to cable 84 is configured to connect to a first terminal hook of tension spring 88. In embodiments of the invention, cable 84 runs across a pulley wheel 90 which allows the cable to turn substantially 90 degrees as it extends from the interior of upper bar 68 to the interior of right support member 72. Cable 86, thus, exerts a pulling force on axle 82 which biases handle 76 upward (in the direction toward upper bar 68).

In embodiments of the invention, a spring 92 is disposed below the second axle (e.g. axle 80 in the orientation shown in FIG. 9) which exerts an upward force on axle 80. In this regard, the pulling force exerted on axle 82 is balanced by the pushing force on axle 80.

In embodiments of the invention, during use, a user grasps handle 76 and pulls downward overcoming the bias of tension spring 88 and spring 92. In this regard, when pulling downward on handle 76, axle 82 pulls cable 84 downward, which in turn stretches tension spring 88. Handle 76 moving downwardly also compresses spring 92.

In embodiments of the invention, the tension exerted by tension spring 88 is adjustable. In this regard, in embodiments of the invention, a second end 94 of tension spring 88 is attached (e.g. via hook) to a second end of an adjustment plate 96 (best shown in FIG. 10). First end of adjustment plate 96 is provided with loop that is sized and shaped to mate with a threaded screw 98. When threaded screw 98 is rotated in a first direction, loop of adjustment plate 96 travels down the threaded shaft of screw 98 (e.g. toward the left in the orientation shown in FIG. 9); whereby when threaded screw 98 is rotated in a second direction, the adjustment plate 96 moves in the opposite direction (toward the right in the orientation shown in FIG. 9). It will be understood that stretching the tensioning spring 88 (e.g. via adjustment plate 96) creates additional tension and makes the device 66 more challenging for a user (and vice versa).

FIG. 10 shows a partial broken away view whereby cable 84, tension spring 88, and adjustment plate 96 are shown in a connected fashion in an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 11 shows a cross-sectional view of device 66 whereby adjustment plate 96 is moved to the extreme distance in a direction away from the center (e.g. to the left in the orientation shown in FIG. 11), thereby stretching tensioning 88 and adding tension (resistance) against downward movement of handle 76.

In embodiments of the invention, a screw head 100 associated with screw 98 extends to the outside of device 66 and thereby accessible by a user. The user may, thus, rotate screw head 100 in one direction to increase tension and counter-rotate the screw head in a second direction to decrease tension.

In embodiments of the invention, in resting position, the distance between the upper surface of handle 76 and the lower surface of upper bar 68 is such that it lightly squeezes an average sized hand. In this regard, a user may insert his/her hand between the handle 76 and upper bar 68 and the device will remain engaged with the user's hand. The user need only approach a piece of equipment (e.g. a bar of a dumbbell as shown in FIG. 13) and orient the device 66 to ensure that grip band 78 contacts the handle portion. The user then squeezes down on handle 76 to simultaneously lower the handle (overcoming the spring bias) and also grasps the sports equipment (e.g. dumbbell).

It will be understood that although device 66 describes movement of handle in a liner path, angled movement is also possible in embodiments of the invention.

In embodiments of the invention, rather than provided as a standalone unit, a grip resistance device in accordance with embodiments of the invention is integrated into a gripping interface of an article of sports equipment. For example, a rowing handle or elliptical pole is provided with an integrated grip device in accordance with embodiments of the invention. As an example, FIG. 14 shows a grip resistance device integrated into the bar of a barbell. In this regard, the bar (or other piece of equipment) is provided with a cutout or similar track to receive a grip resistance device in a tight frictional relationship or is attachable via snap, hooks, or similar temporary securing devices.

It will be understood that a standalone grip resistance device includes an attachment interface for selectively attaching to a primary article of sports or physical therapy equipment. The device also includes a supporting bar or similar structure which serves as an attachment point to a moveable handle. As described, the moveable handle is biased to an open position by any of various tensioning devices such as one or more springs, coils, or similar biasing devices. In other embodiments, a handle or similar member is provided with tension by a foam (open call or closed cell) or similar material. In embodiments a handle or similar grip interface may be connected to any of different tensioning devices. Tensioning devices in accordance with embodiments of the invention include any device or material that has a default position and which is movable by overcoming a biasing force with an opposing force, and which then returns to the default position when the opposing force is removed.

Embodiments of the invention provide a method of conducting a primary exercise while secondarily training grip/forearm muscles. The method includes affixing to a primary exercise article a grip training device having a handle that is spring biased toward an open position, gripping the primary article while simultaneously maintaining the handle in a closed position—overcoming the spring bias. The user then performs the primary exercise (e.g. lifting weights, riding a stationary bike) while maintaining the handle in a closed position. In embodiments of the invention, the user may pulse his/her grip thereby adding varieties of exercise that may be performed.

Other embodiments of the invention provide a method of conducting a primary exercise while secondarily training grip/forearm muscles. The method includes grasping a grip training device having a handle that is spring biased toward an open position, contacting an article with the grip training device and moving the handle downward to overcome the bias and exert sufficient force to grip the primary article. The user then performs the primary exercise (e.g. lifting weights, riding a stationary bike) while maintaining the handle in a closed position.

Other embodiments of the invention provide a method of conducting a primary exercise while secondarily training grip/forearm muscles by gripping an article of sports equipment having an integrated handle that is spring biased toward an open position, gripping the primary article while simultaneously maintaining the handle in a closed position—overcoming the spring bias. The user then performs the primary exercise (e.g. lifting weights, riding a stationary bike) while maintaining the handle in a closed position.

While this invention has been described in conjunction with the embodiments outlined above, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments of the invention, as set forth above, are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.