Friction-Spreader Grip Assembly for Resistance Band Exercise

Abstract

A grip assembly has a core having a longitudinal axis and anchor interfaces on opposite ends, an exercise band with elastic properties, one end furled around the core, and the other, loose end extending away from the core, and a keeper strap having attachment interfaces at opposite ends compatible with the anchor interfaces of the core, the attachment interfaces engaged to the ancho interfaces of the core, the keeper strap spanning the length of the core, intimately contacting the furled exercise band. The keeper strap constrains the furled exercise band from unfurling.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Field of the Invention[0001]The present invention is in the technical field of exercise and physical therapy equipment.2. Description of Related Art[0002]Strength is an essential component of the health and well-being for people of all ages. Generally, people tend to lose strength and muscle mass due to injury, inactivity, and the aging process. For older adults in particular strength plays an important role in several key functions. For example, strength is required for maintaining balance, preventing falls, and retaining bone density. Muscle loss is a condition that affects everyone but increases with age and so is especially acute in older people. Loss of muscle and flexibility are two of the major contributors to joint and other injuries in adults, especially the elderly, and can significantly diminish the quality of life of those effected and increase the cost to society of their medical care.[0003]As the population ages over the coming decades, th...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0028]In one embodiment of the method the anchor interfaces on the ends of the core are button anchors and the attachment interface of the keeper strap are rubber-like loops, comprising engaging the loops over the button anchors. Also in one embodiment the method further comprises engaging an elastic safety strap having attachment interfaces at opposite ends to the anchor interfaces of the core, such that a user gripping the grip assembly inserts the hand under the elastic safety strap, which aids in gripping the grip assembly. In one embodiment the anchor interfaces on the ends of the core are button anchors and the attachment interface of the elastic safety st

Problems solved by technology

Generally, people tend to lose strength and muscle mass due to injury, inactivity, and the aging process.

Loss of muscle and flexibility are two of the major contributors to joint and other injuries in adults, especially the elderly, and can significantly diminish the quality of life of those effected and increase the cost to society of their medical care.

A common drawback of all of these methods, however, is that the apparatuses are expensive, require substantial space to house or require membership/commuting to a special facility, cannot be used at home or while traveling, require spotters or third-party assistance, are complicated to operate, and importantly do not offer refinements in terms of resistance levels of adjustments or movement required for many strengthening and rehab exercises, especially non-linear movements and work movements involving short spans of travel, such as those used for wrists, elbows, and shoulders.

First, there are undefined rolls of band material, sometimes referred to as “therapy bands” due to their initial proliferation in physical therapy use.

Despite the benefits of exercise with resistance bands, they suffer from numerous functional and property drawbacks which limit their usefulness and adoption, especially among the elderly, recuperating, and others who could derive a unique benefit from their properties.

Perhaps the largest of these limitations is a lack of grip and difficulty clasping the band during exercise.

Given that the beneficial work resistance provided by resistance bands is generated through a pulling motion (elongating the band and creating increasing tension across the band), the shape of resistance bands with their flat, uniform tape-like configuration and undefined terminations with no handle make them very hard to clasp while exerting force in a pulling potion.

For the elderly and those in rehab, clenching resistance bands with the hand can be difficult and painful, and can exacerbate arthritis and similar joint conditions, as well as aggravating convalescing injuries.

This situation is severely compounded by the introduction of perspiration in workout contexts, where loss of grip allows the band to snap back in an uncontrolled fashion which can cause injury.

If the grip is lost during the motion of the exercise while the band is elongated, the energy of the band is released causing the band to violently snap back to its original shape.

This frustrates the benefit of the exercise, impairs the workout experience, and has the potential to cause serious injury.

Another problem with resistance bands is they tend to adhere or stick to themselves over time.

Separating the band, essentially peeling the band apart to return it to its usable shape, requires significant dexterity, takes time, and weakens the integrity of the band.

Moisture from work-out perspiration tends to migrate to folded areas where it is

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