Train assistance

Abstract

Lifting aid (1) for use in strength and fitness training, comprising a wrist strap (2) and a lifting strap (3), wherein the lifting strap (3) is connected to the wrist strap (2) and the lifting strap (3) has a strap section (4) for wrapping around a bar (8) of a training device, wherein the band section (4) has at least a section of a winding element (5) and the winding element (5) is designed to be elastically resilient, characterized in that the winding element (5) is in a wound form in its initial state.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a lifting aid for use in strength and fitness training, comprising a wrist strap and a lifting aid strap, wherein the lifting aid strap is connected to the wrist strap and the lifting aid strap has a strap section for wrapping around a bar of a training device, wherein the strap section has at least a section of a winding element and the winding element is elastically resilient.

[0002] Lifting straps are used in strength and fitness training to securely grip and hold barbells, pull-up bars, or similar training equipment. One example of a lifting strap is a wrist strap with an attached lifting band. A free section of the band is wrapped around a bar (e.g., barbell, pull-up bar) and secured between the hand and the bar by a twisting or wrapping motion. Such solutions often require manual threading and alignment of the band section, are time-consuming with high repetitions, and—depending on handling and direction of movement—can easily lead to uneven wrapping or awkward band positioning.

[0003] Based on this prior art, the invention is therefore based on the objective of providing a lifting aid that simplifies attachment to the bar of a training device. In particular, the aim is to reduce the attachment time, improve the secure hold for the user, and achieve improved reproducibility when attaching the lifting strap to the bar of a training device.

[0004] This problem is solved by a wrist strap according to the features of independent claim 1. Further advantageous embodiments can be found in particular in the description and the dependent claims.

[0005] The present invention relates to a lifting aid comprising a wrist strap and a lifting aid strap, wherein the lifting aid strap is connected to the wrist strap and the lifting aid strap has a strap section for wrapping around a bar of a training device, wherein the strap section has at least a section of a winding element and the winding element is elastically resilient.

[0006] The pulling aid according to the invention is characterized by the fact that the winding element is in a wound form in its initial state. Due to this wound form in the initial state, the band section is already characterized by a defined, structurally predetermined geometry before being placed around the bar. This ensures repeatable, user-independent, and stable handling when wrapping the band section around the bar, because the winding element provides the band section with a predetermined winding characteristic. The spiral shape of the winding element significantly facilitates the application of the band, as the winding element actively supports the winding process. Through a rotational movement around the bar of the training device, the band almost automatically applies itself.The inherent properties of the wrapping element, in particular its inherent stiffness and pretension, stabilize the wrapping process, so that the pulling aid can be applied evenly, securely and without additional effort along the bar of the training device.

[0007] In contrast to lifting straps where a section of the strap merely "yields" due to material-related bending properties or a general self-rolling effect, the invention differs in that the wound shape, as the initial form of the winding element, creates a structurally defined readiness to wind. This improves the application and repositioning of the strap section around the bar, particularly insofar as the winding element provides a reproducible shape and returns the lifting strap from a substantially stretched form to its initial state, i.e., a wound shape, after use. This reduces the effort required to reposition the strap section during repeated training sets and ensures a consistent starting position each time it is repositioned.

[0008] In a first advantageous embodiment of the pulling aid, the winding element is designed in a spiral shape in its initial state. This spiral shape means that the wound form is not merely understood as a non-specific coiling state, but rather as a geometrically defined structure that gives the strip section a predetermined winding characteristic even before it is applied to the rod.

[0009] The spiral geometry ensures that the tape section is guided by the shape of the winding element when wrapped around the bar, resulting in consistent handling. In particular, the spiral design facilitates the "positioning" of the tape section on the bar because the winding element, due to its shape, tends to wrap around or lie flat against the bar, thus assisting the user in creating the winding. This improves handling compared to tape sections without a defined spiral shape, where the user has to form and stabilize the winding entirely manually.

[0010] Furthermore, the spiral design, combined with its elastic resilience, ensures that after the strap section is stretched and subsequently released, the original geometry is restored due to the wound winding element. This guarantees that the strap section is in a comparable starting position before reuse and that wrapping it around the bar can be repeated in the same manner. The spiral design of the winding element thus makes a technical contribution to the defined shaping of the strap section and to improved repeatability of the pulling aid's application.

[0011] In a further advantageous embodiment of the pulling aid, the winding element is designed to be multi-winded and essentially cylindrical or conical. The multi-winded design refines the spiral shape into a technically clear, function-defining geometry, as the winding element not only has a single curve or a simple winding tendency, but provides several successive turns that can guide and stabilize the winding movement of the band section around the bar of a training device over a greater length.

[0012] The multi-wind design allows the tape section to lie against the rod across several contact or guide sections when wrapped around it. This results in a more defined layering of the tape section and increased reproducibility of the winding. In particular, it reduces the risk of the tape section twisting uncontrollably, collapsing, or ending up in an unpredictable position during application, because the windings, acting as a shaping structure, guide the tape section into a predetermined spatial orientation. Furthermore, the defined position of the tape section prevents unwanted and disruptive overlapping of the tape.

[0013] The preferably essentially cylindrical design ensures that the windings provide a substantially constant winding radius, allowing for uniform wrapping around bars with a specific diameter range. This promotes a consistent application of the strip section. In contrast, the preferably essentially conical design provides a winding geometry with a varying winding radius, enabling the winding element to adapt to different bar diameters and / or different winding positions along the bar. The conical shape facilitates the initiation of the winding process because the strip section is initially "guided" by a larger or smaller radius and can then transition into a more stable position.

[0014] In both preferred embodiments (cylindrical or conical), the combination of multi-wind geometry and elastic recovery capability helps the winding element to return to its original state after use, thus providing a defined, geometrically pre-shaped winding aid for reapplication.

[0015] In a further advantageous embodiment of the pulling aid, the winding element is integrated into the longitudinal section of the pulling aid strap. This longitudinal integration ensures that the wound shape defined by the winding element acts along the entire length of the strap section that is relevant when wrapping it around the bar. This provides a defined shape to the strap section over a suitable length, so that wrapping it around the bar is not only supported at specific points, but the shaping extends over a defined section. This allows the user to position the strap section more quickly and precisely, because when the strap is placed against the bar, the winding element wraps itself around the integrated longitudinal section, guiding the strap section into a pre-formed winding path.Furthermore, integration into the belt section increases functional reliability in practical use because the winding element is less susceptible to relative movement, tilting, or displacement under tensile stress, frictional contact with the bar, and repeated winding motions than elements that are merely attached or loosely mounted. The integrated design of the belt section also results in a compact construction, which improves ease of use and reduces the risk of protruding parts becoming a nuisance or snagging on training equipment components.

[0016] In a further advantageous embodiment of the pulling aid, the winding element is designed to be narrower than the section of the pulling aid strap. This width variation allows the winding element, acting as a shape-giving and resilient component, to be embedded within the strap section in such a way that strap material remains to the side of the winding element, thus improving handling, wearing comfort, and the load-bearing capacity of the strap section.

[0017] The narrower width of the winding element ensures that the strip section retains a defined flexibility and adaptability at its longitudinal edges. This allows the strip section to conform better to different bar diameters and surface geometries when wrapped around the bar, without the winding element causing undesirable stiffening or edge formation at the edges. At the same time, the contact area between the strip section and the bar is increased, or rather, its surface area is improved, because the strip edges can also bear against the winding element, resulting in a more even force distribution within the wrapping area. Furthermore, the narrower width of the winding element can simplify the winding process.The reduced stiffness at the edges, resulting from the narrower width of the wrapping element in the lifting strap, allows for greater flexibility. This enables the edges of the lifting strap section to better conform to the shape of the bar on a training device. Consequently, the narrower width of the wrapping element improves the attachment and threading of the lifting strap onto the training device.

[0018] Furthermore, the narrower width of the winding element allows for a structurally advantageous integration into the strip section, as the strip edges can serve as material overlap to shield the winding element from its surroundings and reduce the risk of direct contact with the winding element – ​​for example, in the case of metallic versions. This improves durability because the winding element is less exposed and, in particular, is not subjected to direct stress at its lateral boundaries during frictional contact with the rod.

[0019] Furthermore, the narrower width facilitates manufacturing, as the winding element can be positioned and fixed in a central area of ​​the strip section, while the side strip areas are available for seams, edge finishing or reinforcements.

[0020] In a further advantageous embodiment of the pulling aid, the winding element is arranged in the section of the pulling aid tape between two layers of the tape and fixed by means of fasteners. This design positions the winding element as a functionally effective, yet structurally protected component within a multi-layered tape structure, allowing the winding element to exert its shape-giving and resilient effect on the tape section without being exposed to the outside.

[0021] The placement between two layers of material shields the winding element from its environment, particularly from direct contact with the bar and from user touch. This reduces the risk of damage to the winding element, such as abrasion or plastic deformation resulting from repeated contact and bending stresses. Furthermore, it improves comfort because the winding element is not immediately noticeable as a hard edge or local reinforcement on the surface, but rather is covered by the layers of material, resulting in a smooth surface finish. Fixing the element with fasteners ensures that it maintains its position relative to the belt section during operation and prevents any unwanted relative movement.This ensures that the function of the wound initial shape and the elastic recovery capacity are permanently reproducible, because the winding element does not "migrate" within the strip, does not twist, and is not displaced from its intended operating area. Suitable fasteners include, in particular, material-bonded and / or form-fit connections, such as seams, adhesive bonds, laminations, welds, or rivets / clamps, whereby the specific design can be chosen so as not to unduly impede the recovery movement of the winding element.

[0022] In a further advantageous embodiment of the pulling aid, the winding element comprises a spring band made of metal, in particular spring steel, and / or a plastic spring element. A spring band made of metal, in particular spring steel, is characterized by high elastic deformability combined with good fatigue strength. This allows the winding element to permanently assume its wound shape in its initial state, deform elastically when the band section is wrapped around the rod, in particular to be transformed into a stretched shape, and return to its original wound shape after the load is released. These properties ensure high reproducibility of the initial position of the band section and consistent function over many usage cycles.Furthermore, a metallic spring band can be dimensioned based on its material properties to provide a desired restoring force without plastic deformation or a decrease in the restoring effect during operation. Alternatively or additionally, a plastic spring element can be used. Such a plastic spring element can be designed, for example, as an elastically deformable profile, a band-shaped element, or an integrated spring body. Plastic-based spring solutions, in particular, allow for corrosion-resistant designs and can be advantageous in terms of feel, noise behavior, and surface compatibility. Moreover, by selecting appropriate materials and geometry, the restoring characteristics can be precisely adjusted, for example, to achieve a defined compliance when wrapping around the rod and a sufficiently strong return to the original shape.

[0023] In one embodiment, the spring strip is made of spring steel, which is formed as a round, oval, or polygonal steel wire. Alternatively, the spring strip can also be formed as a metal profile with a customized cross-section. This allows the spring characteristic, bending and torsional stiffness, and durability to be specifically influenced without abandoning the fundamental principles of elastic recovery and the wound initial shape.

[0024] If the spring band is made of steel wire, the choice of cross-section—round, oval, or polygonal—allows for a defined adjustment of its mechanical behavior. A round cross-section, in particular, can promote uniform bending in different directions and is advantageous from a manufacturing perspective. An oval cross-section, on the other hand, can provide anisotropic stiffness, resulting in a preferred bending direction or increased stiffness perpendicular to the preferred bending direction. A polygonal cross-section can additionally facilitate a positive fit within the band structure and, through its edges or surfaces, support a defined positional fixation within the band section, provided that the design incorporates the cross-sectional geometry interacting with the surrounding band material or with fasteners.

[0025] Alternatively, the spring band can be designed as a metal or plastic profile with a customized cross-section. This allows for particularly flexible adaptation to the requirements of the band section. For example, a flat profile can support a more even distribution of force across the band layers, thereby reducing local pressure peaks, while a more deeply profiled or multi-webbed profile can provide a higher restoring force while simultaneously limiting the component thickness. Furthermore, a custom-designed profile cross-section allows the restoring movement to be configured so that the winding element reliably retains its wound shape in its initial state, but can open or deform in a controlled manner during use and then return to its original shape.Consequently, the advantageous design as round, oval, or polygonal spring steel, or as a metal or plastic profile with a customized cross-section, allows for individual adjustment of the recovery characteristics, deformability when wrapped around the rod, and robustness against repeated load changes across a wide design range. This contributes to improved functional reliability, durability, and adaptability of the pulling aid to different application profiles.

[0026] In a further advantageous embodiment of the pulling aid, it is provided that the winding element has a direction of rotation of the wound shape, which is designed as left-handed or right-handed.

[0027] The direction of rotation of the wound shape influences the direction in which the strap section preferentially closes or wraps around the bar when being applied and repositioned. By designing the winding element to be left- or right-handed, the pulling aid can be designed so that the winding movement adapts to the natural gripping and pulling direction of a left or right hand, respectively. This promotes ergonomically consistent use because the winding element guides the strap section in a winding direction that corresponds to the user's typical operating movement.

[0028] Furthermore, the defined direction of rotation can increase the reproducibility of application, as the strap section is always "pre-formed" in the same winding direction when wrapped around the bar during repeated use. This reduces the likelihood of incorrect applications where the strap section is applied against the desired direction, which can lead to unfavorable strap positions, twists, or a less stable attachment to the bar. Particularly during training sessions with rapid changes between sets or exercises, such a guideline can help the user apply the lifting strap more quickly and with fewer adjustments.

[0029] Finally, the left- or right-handed design also allows for product differentiation, as a pulling aid can be provided in specific variants for the left hand and the right hand without having to change the rest of the design.

[0030] In a further advantageous embodiment of the lifting aid, the winding element is provided with a partial or complete sheath made of plastic, textile, or elastomer. This sheath protects the winding element from the environment and simultaneously enhances its interaction with the bar, adjacent band materials, and the user's hand. The sheath primarily serves a protective function by shielding the winding element from abrasion, corrosion, and mechanical damage, which can occur particularly through repeated contact with the bar, friction, and perspiration / moisture during training. This is especially advantageous for metallic spring bands, as the sheath forms a barrier against environmental influences, thus supporting durability, particularly with regard to corrosion, and the functional stability of the elastic recovery.

[0031] Furthermore, the sheathing can influence the surface and friction properties in the area of ​​the strip section. For example, a sheathing made of elastomer or suitable plastic can provide an increased coefficient of friction, thereby improving the contact of the strip section with the bar and reducing unwanted slippage. Alternatively or additionally, a textile sheathing can improve the feel, reduce the tendency of the strip section to slip and fold, and promote more uniform force transmission across the contact surface. In any case, the sheathing can help ensure that the wound shape defined by the winding element is effectively implemented in practical applications without the immediate appearance of sharp edges or local changes in stiffness.

[0032] Furthermore, partial encasing allows for targeted adjustment by covering only those areas of the winding element that are subject to particular stress during operation or come into contact with the bar or the user, while other areas remain unencased to reduce weight or material. In contrast, full encasing can provide particularly comprehensive protection and a uniform surface finish. Regardless of the degree of coverage, encasing contributes to improved integration of the winding element into the belt section, increased operational safety, and extended the service life of the lifting aid during repeated training sessions.

[0033] The invention is described below by way of example embodiments with reference to the drawings. The same reference numerals are always used in the drawings for elements that correspond to each other in terms of function and / or structure.

[0034] As described above, a feature of an embodiment may be omitted if the technical effect associated with that feature is irrelevant for a particular application. Conversely, a feature not yet present in an embodiment may be added as described above if the technical effect of the added feature is relevant for a particular application.

[0035] They show: Fig. 1A to 1F show a first embodiment of a pulling aid for the left hand in various situations and views, Fig. 2 the exemplary embodiment of a pulling aid according to Fig. 1D for the right hand, as well as Fig. 3 a second embodiment of a pulling aid for the left hand with an ergonomic pulling aid strap.

[0036] Fig. Figures 1A to 1F show a first embodiment of a traction aid 1 for the left hand in various situations and views. The traction aid 1 comprises a wrist strap 2 for application to the wrist of a hand 7 and a traction aid strap 3, wherein the traction aid strap 3 transitions into the wrist strap 2 and is thus designed here as a continuous strap section of the traction aid 1. However, the traction aid strap 3 can also be designed as a separate strap that can be attached to the wrist strap, for example, by a seam or adhesive bond.

[0037] In the embodiment shown here, the lifting strap 3 has a strap section 4 for wrapping around a bar 8 of a training device. The strap section 4 has, at least partially, a winding element 5 that is elastically resilient. The strap section 4 of the lifting strap 3, in which the winding element 5 is integrated, is in its initial form in a wound shape.

[0038] The wrapping element 5 has a covering 6 which completely surrounds the wrapping element 5. Furthermore, the lifting aid 1 has a loop 9 on the wrist strap 2, which is designed as a strap-guiding passage element and provides a defined strap guidance of the lifting aid strap 3 relative to the wrist strap 2.

[0039] Fig. Figure 1A shows the lifting aid 1 in a schematic representation without hand 7 and without bar 8. The wrist strap 2 and the lifting aid strap 3 are designed as a continuous strap structure, with the loop 9 arranged at one end of the strap structure. The strap section 4 of the lifting aid strap 3 has the winding element 5, which in its initial state is in a spiral, wound form. In the embodiment shown here, the strap section 4 has a total of four turns. The winding element 5 is sewn into the strap section 4 and has a narrower width than the strap section 4. Furthermore, the lifting aid strap 3 is designed to be flat in order to create a small contact area with a bar 8 of a training device.

[0040] Fig. Figure 1B shows the lifting aid 1 on an open hand 7 in a situation where the lifting aid strap 3 with strap section 4 is positioned against the bar 8. The strap section 4 with the winding element 5 is already partially in contact with the bar 8. Fig. 1C shows the further positioning of the further windings of the band section 4 of the lifting aid band 3 of the lifting aid 1 on the bar 8, using the fingers of hand 7.

[0041] Fig. Figure 1D shows the lifting strap 1 now fully positioned on the bar 8, with the open hand 7 shown, and the section 4 of the lifting strap 3 completely wrapped around the bar 8. The remaining strap extends from the bar 8 towards the wrist strap 2 and is guided through the loop 9, thus stabilizing the position of the lifting strap 3 relative to the hand 7.

[0042] Fig. 1E shows the pulling aid 1 fully attached to the bar 8 in a gripping situation with closed hand 7 on the bar 8.

[0043] Fig. Figure 1F shows the lifting aid 1 in a lowering position, i.e., during the removal of the section 4 of the lifting aid band 3 from the bar 8 of the training device. Part of the band section 4 with the winding element 5 is still in contact with the bar 8 of the training device, while the majority of the band section 4 of the lifting aid band 3 is in a stretched position. As soon as the band section 4 of the lifting aid band 3 has been completely pulled off the bar 8, the band section 4 of the lifting aid band 3 will return to its original shape, i.e., a coiled shape as shown in the figure. Fig. 1A shown.

[0044] Fig. Figure 2 shows an embodiment of a traction aid 1 in an application situation on a right hand 7, according to the one in Fig. The application situation is shown in 1D, but mirrored or adapted to the hand side. The lifting aid 1 also comprises a wrist strap 2, which is positioned at the wrist of hand 7, and a lifting aid strap 3, which transitions into the wrist strap 2 and is thus designed here as a continuous section of the lifting aid 1. The lifting aid strap 3 has a section 4 with a wrapping element 5 integrated into the section for wrapping around a bar 8 of a training device. The wrapping element 5 is completely enclosed by a sheath 6.

[0045] Fig. Figure 3 shows a second embodiment of a lifting aid 1 for use in strength and fitness training on a left hand 7, wherein the lifting aid strap 3 is positioned opposite the one in Figure 3. Fig.The embodiment shown in Figures 1A to 1F is ergonomically designed. This means that the section 4 of the pull-assist strap 3, in which the winding element 5 is embedded, has a protrusion centered on the winding element 5, resembling a bell shape. This can be achieved, for example, by suitable cross-sectional profiles or by using suitable filling materials, in particular partially compressible foams. These can rest on the winding element 5, or the winding element 5 can be integrated into the filling materials.

[0046] Thus, a pulling aid is disclosed above, which ensures simplified attachment to a bar of a training device. Reference sign 1 pulling aid 2 wristbands 3 Lifting strap 4th section 5 winding element 6 Sheathing 7 Hand 8 bars 9 loop

Claims

[1] Lifting aid (1) for use in strength and fitness training, comprising a wrist strap (2) and a lifting strap (3), wherein the lifting strap (3) is connected to the wrist strap (2) and the lifting strap (3) has a strap section (4) for wrapping around a bar (8) of a training device, wherein the band section (4) has at least a section of a winding element (5) and the winding element (5) is designed to be elastically resilient, characterized by , that the winding element (5) is in a wound form in its initial state. [2] Towing aid according to claim 1, characterized by , that the winding element (5) is spirally shaped in the initial state. [3] Towing aid according to claim 2, characterized by , that the winding element (5) is multi-winded and essentially cylindrical or conical in shape. [4] Towing aid according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the winding element (5) is integrated into the band section (4) of the pulling aid band (3) in the longitudinal direction of the pulling aid band (3). [5] Towing aid according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the winding element (5) has a smaller width than the band section (4) of the pulling aid band (3). [6] Towing aid according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the winding element (5) is arranged in the band section (4) of the pulling aid band (3) between two layers of material of the pulling aid band (3) and is fixed by means of connecting means. [7] Towing aid according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the winding element (5) comprises a spring band made of metal, in particular spring steel, and / or a plastic spring element. [8] Towing aid according to claim 7, characterized bythat the spring band is a spring steel which is designed as a round, oval or polygonal steel wire; or that the spring band is designed as a metal profile or plastic profile with an individual cross-section. [9] Towing aid according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the winding element (5) has a direction of rotation of the wound shape which is designed as left-handed or right-handed. [10] Towing aid according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the winding element (5) has a partial or complete sheathing (6) made of plastic, textile or elastomer.

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