Exercise devices – User manipulated force resisting apparatus – component... – Utilizing weight resistance
Utility Patent
1999-04-02
2001-01-02
Mulcahy, John (Department: 3764)
Exercise devices
User manipulated force resisting apparatus, component...
Utilizing weight resistance
C482S105000, C482S106000, C482S139000, C224S220000, C224S267000
Utility Patent
active
06168556
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The background of the invention will be discussed in two parts.
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a wrist strap apparatus for use in weight training, and more particularly to a wrist strap, and associated connector to weight training equipment, for use by one having limited, weakened or essentially no hand grip strength.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Weight training is known to be an important method of exercise for many reasons such as conditioning for athletic activities, an aid in prevention or postponement of diseases such as osteoporosis, physical therapy after injury or disease, and even as an aid in relieving stress. During weight training, the hands of the person are commonly applied around a bar or some other object to be gripped, whether it is with “free” weights, weight machines, or pulley apparatus. In any event, during weight training the strength, or adequacy, of the person's grip on the equipment used is very important. If the person does not get a good grip on the equipment, such as the bar supporting the weights, then a lesser amount of weight must be used. Further, the person may even lose his or her control, or even grip, on the bar or apparatus.
The prior art discloses devices of interest wherein wrist straps are used to facilitate a better or more controlled grip during the lifting of weights. One such wrist strap is shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,745,920 issued to Olivier on May 5, 1998. The Olivier patent discloses a weightlifting hand strap for use with a weightlifting bar wherein a self-coiling spring strip is operable to wrap around the weightlifting bar to facilitate a better grip of the bar by the lifter. Although not used for weight training, another wrist strap device is shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 2,288,150 issued to Wyman on Jul. 28, 1941 which discloses a wrist strap operable with a golf club with the object of controlling or preventing over-swing of the golf club.
A search of the prior art has not disclosed wrist strap means for facilitating a better grip for those with physical limitations resulting in limited, weakened or the absence of hand grip strength.
It is an object of the present invention to provide wrist strap apparatus, which is easy to use with weight training equipment, which facilitates the ability of one with, limited handgrip strength to participate in weight training activities.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide wrist strap apparatus, which transfers a great deal, or all, of the weight training effort to the wrist and forearms.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a wrist strap for weight training that is formed of a few strong, simple and durable parts, which will be easy to use and inexpensive to manufacture.
The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become readily apparent from a reading of the specification, when taken in conjunction with the drawings, wherein there is shown and described a wrist strap apparatus for use in weight training by one with limited or weakened hand grip strength, and in which like reference numerals refer to like elements in the several figures.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is a weight training wrist strap apparatus for use by one with limited, weakened, or virtually no handgrip strength. The invention comprises a strap for wrapping around a human wrist which includes a depending strap portion having an attachment clip for connection to weight training equipment, and if needed, a second strap for wrapping around the first strap for added strength and stabilization of the first strap. In this manner, all of the weight training force is transferred to the wrist of the user with the result that no gripping of the equipment by the hand of the user is necessary. The second strap may include a thumb loop for anchoring the strap for ease of wrapping the second strap to complete the apparatus-wrapping maneuver. Implementation and use of the apparatus provides for a complete upper body workout wherein increasingly heavier weight resistance without the requirement of gripping strength. There is thus provided a wrist strap for weight training that is formed of a few strong, simple and durable parts, which will be easy to use and inexpensive to manufacture.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3536068 (1970-10-01), Stubbs
patent: 5557806 (1996-09-01), Caswell et al.
patent: 5809569 (1999-09-01), Bruno et al.
patent: 5997494 (1999-12-01), Watkins et al.
Heinsbergen Sylvia
Mulcahy John
Roberts Edward E.
LandOfFree
Wrist strap apparatus for use in weight training does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Wrist strap apparatus for use in weight training, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Wrist strap apparatus for use in weight training will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2437375