ROTATING STRAP CONNECTOR AND REMOVABLE HANDLE FOR EXERCISE EQUIPMENT

Description

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to aspects of exercise equipment to facilitate the performance of exercise movements in various positions. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to aspects of exercise equipment having new and novel elements such as rotating strap connectors, an arm protector, and/or a removable handle for exercise with external bands.

BACKGROUND

This section provides background information related to the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art.

Various versions of strap-based exercise equipment may include elongated straps that may be used to perform exercise movements. It may be desirable to use a common piece of exercise equipment during various movements to allow the user to quickly and easily transition between the various movements as well as to reduce the amount of equipment and the physical space required for exercise. Existing exercise equipment may not be suitable for various movements or may result in undesirable discomfort for the user when the exercise equipment is used for particular exercise movements and/or is used in a particular configuration. Also, strap-based exercise equipment is enhanced and improved when the number of different physical exercises that can be performed are increased, such can be achieved by using new features for use with elastic bands, ropes via the adaptation of handles to other external portable pieces of equipment.

There exists a need, therefore, for improved exercise equipment that may be used in various configurations and during a wide array of exercise movements while allowing for simple, portable, lightweight and flexible use. Improved exercise equipment is also needed that may reduce discomfort to the user during a variety of exercise movements or help increase the comfort while using other external exercise bands.

SUMMARY

This section provides a general summary of the disclosure, and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, a strap assembly configured for use during exercise is provided. The strap assembly may include an inelastic elongated strap member that includes a grip positioned at a first end, and a rotating connector positioned along the strap member between the first end and a second end. The rotating connector may be configured to allow operation of the strap assembly in a first position in which a first portion of the strap located between the first end and the rotating connector is aligned with a second portion of the strap located between the rotating connector and the second end, and in a second position in the first portion of the strap is longitudinally rotated relative to the second portion of the strap.

In one aspect, the first portion of the strap may be connected to a first coupler of the rotating connector and the second portion of the strap may be connected to a second coupler of the rotating connector.

In another aspect, the first portion of the strap may be wrapped around a first bar of the first coupler and the second portion of the strap may be wrapped around a second bar of the second coupler.

In another aspect, the first portion of the strap may form a first loop that is connected back on itself to connect the first portion to the first coupler.

In another aspect, the rotating connector may include a first coupler and a second coupler configured to rotate relative to each other. The first coupler and the second coupler may be connected to each other via a pin.

In another aspect, the connector cover may be configured to operate in a restricting position and in a free position, the connector cover positioned over the rotating connector when in the restricting position to restrict rotation of the rotating connector.

In another aspect, the connector cover may include a rigid shell sized to fit over the rotating connector.

In another aspect, the connector cover may be configured to move away from the rotating connector to allow rotation of the rotating connector when in the free position.

In another aspect, the connector cover may include an opening at one end sized to allow the strap to move therein and to prevent the rotating connector from passing through.

In another aspect, the exercise device may include a second inelastic elongated strap member that includes a second grip positioned at a first end of the second inelastic elongated strap and a second rotating connector positioned along the second strap member between the first end and a second end. The second rotating connector may be configured to allow operation of the strap assembly in a first position in which a first portion of the second strap located between the first end and the rotating connector is aligned with a second portion of the second strap located between the second rotating connector and the second end, and in a second position in the first portion of the second strap is longitudinally rotated relative to the second portion of the second strap.

In another aspect, the grip may include a core portion with a rigid cylinder defining a longitudinal inner cavity and a slot for accessing the inner cavity, and a cover portion rotatably coupled to the core portion, wherein the cover portion is operable in an open position in which an opening in the cover portion is aligned with the slot and in a closed position in which the opening in the cover portion is not aligned with the slot.

In another aspect, the grip may be removable from the elongated strap when in the open position.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure a hand grip for use on an exercise device is provided. The hand grip may include a core portion with a rigid cylinder defining a longitudinal inner cavity and a slot for accessing the inner cavity, and a cover portion rotatably coupled to the core portion, wherein the cover portion is operable in an open position in which an opening in the cover portion is aligned with the slot and in a closed position in which the opening in the cover portion is not aligned with the slot.

In one aspect, the cover portion may include a lock to retain the cover portion in the open position and in the closed position.

In another aspect, the cover portion may include a rib and the core portion may include a groove, and the rib and the groove comprising complimentary shapes to lock the cover portion in the open position or in the closed position.

In another aspect, the opening and the slot may be oriented longitudinally along a length of the cover portion and the core portion, respectively.

In another aspect, the longitudinal cavity may include a substantially triangular cross-sectional shape.

In another aspect, the inner cavity may include a substantially flat surface to support a strap of an exercise device.

In another aspect, the inner cavity may be configured to support a strap of an exercise device and a foot loop.

In another aspect, the exercise device and the foot loop are independently removable.

Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. The description and specific examples in this summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

DRAWINGS

The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 is an illustration of an example exercise strap assembly that includes a rotating strap connector in accordance with the present disclosure and where one or more of the grips can be made removable according to the embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of a user exercising with an exercise strap assembly of the present disclosure and where the strap when performing a reverse row moves at its edge directly against the upper arm of the user and creates friction.

FIG. 3 is a front view of an example rotating strap connector in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a side sectional view of the rotating strap connector of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5A is a front isometric view of an example connector cover in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5B is a side sectional view of the connector cover of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 6A is a front isometric view of another example connector cover in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6B is a side sectional view of the connector cover of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 7 is a front view of a portion of an example exercise strap assembly showing an example friction sleeve that may be positioned over a portion of the strap in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is an end section view of the friction sleeve of FIG. 7 positioned on a strap in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is an illustration of an example removable hand grip in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the removable hand grip of FIG. 9 in an open position.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the removable hand grip of FIG. 9 in a closed position.

Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.

When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “engaged to,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engaged to,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.

Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, an exercise strap assembly may be provided. The exercise strap assembly may be used to perform exercises in which some or all of the user's body weight is used as resistance during an exercise movement. The exercise strap assembly may be connected to a secure structure or anchor such as a wall, door, frame, or other rigid support. The user may then grip or insert a body element into the exercise strap assembly and then perform movements using his or her body weight as resistance.

During such exercise movements, a user's body or body part may be in contact with a portion of the strap and the strap may slide or rub against the user's body. Such movement may cause discomfort, particularly, if an edge of the strap contacts the user's body and/or a portion of the user's body that is not covered by clothing contacts the straps of the exercise strap assembly. Various aspects as further described below may improve a user's experience by reducing discomfort that may otherwise occur using existing exercise strap assemblies.

Referring now to FIG. 1, an example strap assembly 100 is shown. In this example, the strap assembly 100 may include an anchor 104 and an extension 102. The anchor 104 may be used to secure the strap assembly 100 in position during exercise and can be removable or not and can also be interchangeable or not. In other embodiments, the current inventions are contemplated for use in a two extensions 102 and two anchor 104 dual-strap system. The anchor 104 may include an enlarged portion 108 and an attachment portion 110. The enlarged portion 108 may be positioned on one side of a closed door with the attachment portion 110 extending through a gap in the door frame to an opposite side of the door from the enlarged portion 108. Other anchors 104 may include carabineers, wall-mounted metal hooks or links, a wrap-around strap for bars, trees. The extension 102 may be connected to the anchor 104 and the user may then use the strap assembly 100 as shown with one extension 102 or with two extensions 102 (not shown) to perform exercises. In other examples, the anchor 104 may other configurations such as a series of loops, hooks, connectors or the like that may be used to secure the strap assembly to a rigid structure or even any outside elements, trees, bars, trucks, etc.

The extension 102, in the example shown at FIG. 1, is an elongated inelastic member with a first grip 118 at a first end and a second grip 120 at a second end. In another contemplated embodiment (not shown) the strap assembly 100 includes two extensions 102 each with their own anchor 104 and each having a first grip 118 (the second being called the second grip 120 and/or the first grip 118. The extension 102 may be coupled to the anchor 104 using various suitable connections. In the example shown, the extension 102 passes through a loop in the anchor 104. In other examples, the extension 102 may be connected to the anchor via a sewn loop or may be sewn or otherwise directed connected to the anchor 104. In still other examples, the strap assembly 100 may include two separate extensions 102, each with a grip at one end and a connector (e.g., carabineer, eyelet, hook, loop, ring, or the like) at an opposite end often called the dual strap exercise device.

The extension 102 may also include a first length adjuster 114 and a second length adjuster 116, or in other embodiment the length can be adjusted using S-shaped sewn or pinched folds in the strap length. The first length adjuster 114 may be used to adjust a first portion of the extension 102 that is located between the anchor and the first grip 118. The second length adjuster 116 may be used to adjust a length of a second portion of the extension 102 that is located between the anchor 104 and the second grip 120. Markings along the extension 102 (or two extensions) can be used to help guide a user as the length is adjusted using the first length adjuster 114 and the second length adjuster 116.

During use, the user may secure the extension 102 to a rigid structure using the anchor 104. In other use cases, the extension 102 may be secured directly to a rigid structure using a suitable connector (e.g., carabineer, eyelet, hook, loop, ring, or the like). The user may grip the first grip 118 and/or the second grip 120 to exercise or may only use one if a limiting loop (not shown) is found at the attachment portion 110. The limiting loop can be replaced for example by tab bars stitched on the strap extension 102 on both sides of the attachment portion 110, for example from three to five inches from the central portion of the extension 102 and the loop at the attachment portion 110 as shown can be an opening at the base of a carabineer. The user may then angle his or her body away from the anchor 104 and use his or her body weight as resistance during movement either looking at the ceiling or looking at the floor. As can be appreciated, as the user increases the angle from vertical, the amount of body weight applied to the extension increases, the user may increase the amount of resistance that is applied during exercise.

An example exercise position is shown in FIG. 2. In this example, a user 202 is leaning away from a rigid structure while gripping both handles of the strap assembly 100. The user 202 may perform a push-up like exercise or a row by extending his arms and moving his body upwards. In this manner, the user's body weight is the resistance to the movement. As shown, the strap of the strap assembly 100 may contact the user's arm at contacting portion 204. When the user moves during exercise, the strap 112 of the strap assembly 100 may rub along the bicep area at the contacting portion 204. This relative movement between the strap 112 and the user 202 may cause discomfort during exercise.

One way to relieve the discomfort that may occur is to allow and/or cause the strap 112 to lay flat against the user 202 rather than being vertically oriented (e.g., at 90 degree). In the vertical orientation, the strap 112 may rub along the user 202 on the strap's edge. If the strap 112 at the rotating connector 130 is allowed to rotate and lay flat against the user 202, the increased surface and smooth outer surface of the strap 112 will not cause discomfort for the user.

The strap assembly 100 may include a first rotating connector 130 and a second rotating connector 132. To facilitate the description of the first rotating connector 130 and the second rotating connector 132, the first rotating connector 130 is described in more detail below. It should be appreciated, however, that the second rotating connector 132 may be similarly structured as the first rotating connector 130.

The first rotating connector 130 may be positioned at a location at or near the first grip 118. The rotating connector 130 in the example shown is located along the strap 112 between the first grip 118 and the first length adjuster 114. At this position, the length of the extension 102 between the first grip 118 and the anchor 104 may be allowed to rotate relative to the first grip 118.

In one example, the rotating connector 130 (see FIG. 3) may include an upper coupler 304 and a lower coupler 302. The upper coupler 304 may be rotatably connected to the lower coupler 302 via pin 306. The upper coupler 304 and the lower coupler 302 may be connected to each other such that they cannot be separated from each other but are allowed to rotate relative to each other. The pin 306 may, for example, be positioned through an opening in the casing of the lower coupler 302 and the upper coupler 304. The pin 306 may be enlarged at opposite ends to form a mushroom head to prevent the pin 306 from becoming disengaged from the lower coupler 302 and/or the upper coupler 304.

The strap 112 may be connected to the upper coupler 304 in various suitable attachment methods. In the example shown, the upper coupler 304 includes a bar 402 and the strap 112 may be looped around the bar 402 and connected back on itself using stitching, welding, fasteners, adhesive, or the like. The lower coupler 302 may have a similar structure and may include bar 404 around which the strap 112 may be looped as described above. The upper coupler 304 and/or the lower coupler 302 may alternatively or additionally include fasteners such a screws, bolts, rivets or the like that may pass through the casing of the coupler and secure the strap 112 to the rotating connector 130. In other examples, the rotating connector 130 may have other structures and the strap 112 and/or the grip 118, 120 may be connected to the rotating connector 130 via other attachments.

The rotating connector 130 may be free to rotate with little force required to rotate the upper coupler 304 relative to the lower coupler 302. In other examples, the rotating connector 130 may resist relative movement by using an interference fit between the pin 306 and the upper coupler 304 and/or the lower coupler 302. In other examples, the rotating connector 130 may include a locking device to lock the upper coupler 304 in a position relative to the lower coupler 302.

In the example shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the rotating connector 130 may be used in combination with a connector cover 500. The connector cover 500 may be sized to fit over the rotating connector 130. The connector cover 500 may surround both the upper coupler 304 and the lower coupler 302. When the connector cover 500 is positioned over the rotating connector 130, the upper coupler 304 is unable to rotate relative to the lower coupler 302.

The connector cover 500 may include a shell 502 and an opening 504. The shell 502 may be formed of a suitable material to resist movement of the upper coupler 304 relative to the lower coupler 302. The shell 502 may be formed of a suitable metal, alloy, plastic, composite, rigid rubber, or combination of the foregoing. The connector cover 500 may be positioned on the strap 112 with the strap extending through the opening 504. The user may slide the connector cover 500 away from the rotating connector 130 along the strap 112 when the user desires to allow rotation of the rotating connector 130. When the user desires to lock the rotating connector and prevent relative movement, the user can slide the connector cover 500 over the rotating connector 130 such that the rotating connector is positioned in the internal cavity 506.

In other embodiments, the connector cover may be removable from the strap 112. The example connector cover 600 illustrates a removable connector cover. In this example, the connector cover 600 may be similar to the connector cover 500 previously described except that the connector cover 600 includes slot 604 rather than opening 504. In this example, the user may position the connector cover in a locking position with the rotating connector 130 positioned in the cavity 606 by sliding the connector cover 600 laterally over the strap 112 and over the rotating connector. The user can remove the connector cover and disengage the connector cover 600 from the strap 112 by laterally sliding the connector cover 600 off the strap 112 via slot 604.

In other examples, the rotating connector 130 may include pins, hooks, bands or other locking structures that may be used to resist relative movement between the upper coupler 304 and the lower coupler 302.

Referring now to FIGS. 7 and 8, a sleeve 710 is shown that may be used or included as part of the strap assembly 100. The sleeve 710 may be a piece of material or cover material that may be positioned over a portion of the strap 112. In this example, the sleeve may be positioned between a grip 702 and the length adjuster 114. The grip 702 in this example may include a hand grip 708 and a foot loop 704. The rotating connector and connector cover 500 may also be included in this example and may be positioned at a location above the grip 702.

The sleeve 710 may be positioned over the strap 112 at a contacting portion 706 that may contact a body part of the user during exercise. The sleeve 710 may be made of a soft and/or smooth material so that the contacting portion 706 of the strap 112 does not cause discomfort during exercise. The sleeve 710 may be made of a soft cotton, foam, or other non-abrasive material.

The sleeve 710 may wrap around the contacting portion 706 as shown in FIG. 8. The sleeve 710 may be wrapped around the contacting portion 706 and then connected to itself at an overlapping portion 806. The width of the sleeve 710 from a first side 802 to a second side 804 may be larger than a width of the contacting portion 706 of the strap 112. A suitable connector or connection such as a hook and loop fastener, releasable adhesive, snap, button, hook, loop or other connector may be used to secure the sleeve 710 in a position around the contacting portion 706. In this manner, the sleeve 710 may be removed from the strap as desired during various exercise movements. In other examples, the sleeve 710 may be configured differently or may be snapped and/or connected to the strap 112.

Referring now to FIGS. 9 to 11, an example removable hand grip is illustrated. The removable hand grip 900 may be used in conjunction with the strap assembly 100 previously described. The removable hand grip 900 may be gripped by a user during exercise. The removable hand grip 900 may be supplied with the strap 100 instead of normal non-removable hand grips (not shown) and may be used in place of the hand grip 708. The removable hand grip 900 may be removed from the first loop 712 or from the second loop 704 (see FIG. 7). In some instances, a user may desire not to use or have the second loop 704. The second loop 704 may be removed from the removable hand grip 900 when the hand grip 900 is in the open position. The hand grip 900 may also be removed from the first loop 712.

As shown in FIGS. 9 to 11, the hand grip 900 may include a core portion 902 and a cover portion 904. The core portion 902 may have a central cylindrical shape and a funnel shape at each longitudinal end. The core portion 902 may define a central cavity 908 that may extend longitudinally through the core portion 902. The central cavity 908 may extend through the side wall or outer wall of the core portion 902 via a slot 906. The strap or other member of the strap assembly 100 (such as first loop 702 or second loop 704 may be inserted through the slot 906 and be positioned in the hand grip 900 in the central cavity 908. One or more inner surfaces that bound the inner cavity 908 may have a flat surface 910. In this example, the inner cavity 908 may have a triangular shape and the flat surface 910 may be positioned opposite to slot 906. The flat surface 910 may be configured to allow a strap or other exercise device to rest and be supported in the inner cavity 908. In other examples, the inner cavity 908 may have other shapes and/or may be configured to support other exercise devices, elastic bands, bars, weights, or the like.

The cover portion 904 may be positioned over the core portion 902. The cover portion 904 may include patterns, surface texture, ribs, or other surfaces to improve a user's ability to grip and retain the hand grip 900. The cover portion 904 may be positioned radially outward of the core portion 904 at the central region of the hand grip 900 between the funnel shaped end portions. The cover portion 904 may be configured to rotate around an outer surface of the core portion 902. The cover portion 904 may include a cover slot 930 that may be aligned with the slot 906 of the core portion. In this aligned configuration, the hand grip 900 may be operable in an open position. In the open position, a strap or other exercise member may be inserted through the slot 906 into the inner cavity 908 of the core portion 902. The cover portion 904 may be rotated about an axis 912 of the hand grip 900 to rotate the cover portion 904 relative to the core portion 902. The cover portion 904 may be operable in a closed position in which the cover slot 930 is no longer aligned with the slot 906 of the core portion 902. In the closed position, the slot 906 of the core portion 902 is covered by the cover portion 904. In the closed position, the strap or other member positioned in the inner cavity 908 is captured or prevented from being removed from the inner cavity 908.

FIG. 10 illustrates an example of the hand grip 900 in the open position and FIG. 11 illustrates the example hand grip 900 in the closed position. In this example, the core portion 902 and the cover portion 904 may include complimentary features that may retain the hand grip in either the open position or in the closed position. A rotational force of a predetermined level may be required to move the hand grip 900 from the open position to the closed position and vice versa. In this example, the core portion 902 may include a first groove 920 and a second groove 922. The cover portion 904 may include a first rib 924 and a second rib 926. In the open position (FIG. 10), the second rib 926 may be positioned in the first groove 920 and the first rib 924 may be positioned in the second groove 922. When the cover portion 904 is rotated about the core portion 902, the ribs 924, 926 may be dislodged from the grooves 920, 922. When the cover portion 904 is rotated, the cover portion 904 may reach the closed position in which the first rib 924 nests into the first groove 920 and the second rib 926 nests into the second groove 922.

In the example shown, the open position and the closed positions correspond to a rotation of the cover portion 904 of about 180 degrees. In other examples, the open and closed positions may correspond to a rotation of other angles such 90 degrees, 45 degrees, 30 degrees, or other angles. Still further, other examples, may include other detents, locks, or features that may be used to secure the cover portion 904 relative to the core portion 902 in the various positions. Such other examples may include pins, hooks, flanges, or the like to retain the cover portion 904 relative to the core portion 902.

In some examples, the core portion 902 may be formed of a rigid plastic material. In other examples, the core portion 902 may be formed of other polymers, composites, alloys, wood, or other materials. The cover portion 904 may be formed of a suitable synthetic or natural rubber material or other polymer or plastic material. In still other examples, the cover portion 904 may include a foam or other outer layer of material to assist with gripping of the hand grip 900.

The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.

What is also contemplated is a method of exercise using either the rotating connector 130 and its connector cover 500 and/or the removable hand grip 900 as part of any exercise regime with the strap assembly 100 or with elastic exercise bands (not shown). The methods contemplate, as explained the use of the connector cover 500 and sliding this element to decouple before an exercise from the rotating connector 130 or use other locking mechanisms to prevent rotation from the rotating connector 130. The hand grip 900 can also be removed by a user and then locked into an elastic band (not shown) for exercise alternatively instead of the exercise with the strap assembly 100 with the non-elastic strap element.