Webbing Reinforced Gymnastics Grips with Recessed Stitching

Abstract

A configuration for a gymnastics grip apparatus suitable for use on the uneven bars, horizontal bar, and still rings is disclosed. The configuration incorporates an additional strong woven fabric, referred to as webbing, into the gymnastics grip. This configuration increases the tensile strength of the grip, reducing the risk of structural failure. The configuration addresses and overcomes hurdles that make traditional webbing-leather reinforcement combinations inapplicable to gymnastics grips. This is done using recessed stitching.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention pertains to apparatus for use in the sport of gymnastics, and more particularly, a gymnastics grip reinforced with a strong woven fabric, intended to be used on the uneven bars, the horizontal bar, and the still rings.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] On the uneven bars, the horizontal bar, and the still rings, a gymnastics grip is often used to assist the gymnast in maintaining a secure hold on the apparatus. A typical gymnastics grip comprises of a cuff piece and a palm piece. The cuff piece wraps around the wrist of the gymnast, secured by a suitable fastening mechanism. The palm piece extends transversely from the cuff piece, laying in the gymnast's hand. At the end of the palm piece, opposite the cuff, a plurality of holes exist for the gymnast's fingers. Near the finger end of the grip, a dowel approximately the width of the palm piece, is affixed roughly or exactly perpendicularly to the length of the palm piece. During use, the entire apparatus transmits force to the athlete's wrist which would otherwise be sustained by the fingers.

[0003] Materials suitable for the palm and cuff pieces of gymnastics grips must exhibit a combination of specific performance characteristics. Grips must be soft and pliable to conform to the gymnast's hand, wrist, and the apparatus itself. Grips must have an appropriate texture to simultaneously promote a frictional grip component while still sliding around the apparatus. Grips must be thin enough to avoid increasing the effective diameter of the apparatus, which could otherwise impede the gymnast's ability to maintain a secure hold. The material must be capable of assuming and retaining irregular shapes. Grips must also be strong in terms of tensile strength and abrasion resistance.

[0004] Among available materials, leather provides the most effective combination of the aforementioned performance characteristics. With common manufacturing methods, animal hides can be turned into leather which is mostly suitable for the use in the palm and cuff pieces of gymnastics grips. However, there is a notable drawback in the physical characteristics of leather for use in gymnastics grips. Leather is a natural product and as such there is a large amount of fluctuation in physical properties. Some fluctuations can be handled during production such as thickness or pliability. In particular though, tensile strength is a critical property that can vary unpredictably between different batches of leather, posing a challenge to ensuring consistent performance and safety in the final product.

[0005] During the use of gymnastics grips, the grip transmits the force produced by the athlete to the athlete's wrist. This force would otherwise be sustained by the athlete's fingers. This transmission is facilitated by the tension developed in the palm piece of the gymnastics grip. Occasionally, the forces produced by the gymnast exceed the load the palm piece can withstand, and the grip tears. Torn grips often cause the athlete to violently fall from the apparatus. Unfortunately, this is common enough that the international governing body of gymnastics, Federation Internationale De Gymnastique (FIG), allows repeated attempts in the event of torn hand guards, here referred to as grips.

[0006] Leather, reinforced with a strong woven fabric, here referred to as webbing, is often used in applications where the leather will be exposed to significant mechanical loads. Such reinforcement is frequently employed in products such as backpack straps, luggage handles, and waistbelts. The addition of webbing substantially increases the tensile strength and reduces the stretch that the combined material will exhibit. To accomplish this, the leather and webbing are often sewn along the perimeter of the webbing. However, traditional sewing is not possible with the palm pieces of gymnastics grips. Any stitching exposed to the apparatus will experience an abrasion force that will degrade the stitching or damage the apparatus. Adhesives that cover the entire area of the webbing are also often inadequate for the cyclical loading and unloading that the webbing and leather interface will experience.

[0007] Leather laminate products such as the Protec line produced by Reisport® have been shown to significantly increase the tensile strength of the palm piece of a gymnastics grip. However, drawbacks include increased production complexity and a limited selection of leather tannages that can withstand the lamination process.

[0008] The principal object of this invention is to configure a gymnastics grip in a manner that combines the advantageous properties of leather with the performance benefits of webbing. Desirable properties of leather include pliability, texture, abrasion resistance, and the ability to take on irregular patterns. Webbing then contributes high tensile strength to enhance overall durability and the mechanical performance of the gymnastics grip.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] FIG. 1 is a backside view of a gymnastics grip with the webbing reinforcement configuration.

[0010] FIG. 2 is a frontside view of a gymnastics grip with the webbing reinforcement configuration.

[0011] FIG. 3. shows a section of the palm piece of a gymnastics grip with the webbing reinforcement configuration shown in FIG. 2 along the lines 3-3 in the direction of the arrow. Additionally, a magnified view is shown.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] FIGS. 1 and 2 show an embodiment of gymnastics grip 10. Gymnastics grip 10 is comprised of multiple pieces. Palm piece 11 and cuff piece 12 should be constructed from a soft, pliable, textured material, with a preferred thickness. Additionally, it must be strong in terms of abrasion and tensile strength. Palm piece 11 lays in the athlete's hand and cuff piece 12 wraps around the wrist of the athlete. Stitch pattern 17 attaches palm piece 11 to cuff piece 12. While illustrated as a sewing pattern, embodiment of stitch pattern 17 could be replaced with analogous means, such as rivets. Fastening mechanism 13 secures cuff piece 12 to the wrist of the athlete. Attachment 13 can be any fastening mechanism used to secure cuff piece 12 to the athlete's wrist. Examples of attachment 13 include, but are not limited to, a strap with hook and loop, a single buckle, a plurality of buckles, or any suitable combination thereof. A plurality of finger holes 14 exist in palm piece 11, at the opposite end of cuff piece 12. The diameter and number of holes 14 is dictated by the athlete and the intended gymnastics apparatus. Positioned near the finger end of palm piece 11, dowel 15, approximately the width of palm piece 11, is attached roughly or exactly perpendicularly to the length of palm piece 11. Dowel 15 should be composed of a rigid or semi-rigid material, with a preferred diameter and location, to properly transmit force to the athlete's wrist.

[0013] FIGS. 1 and 3 depict a strong woven fabric, here referred to as webbing 16. Webbing 16 is incorporated to provide additional tensile strength to palm piece 11, which is subjected to the highest mechanical stresses during use of gymnastics grip 10. Webbing 16 can be made from several materials that exhibit strong tensile strength. Examples include, but are not limited to, polyester, nylon, polypropylene, Dyneema®, and Kevlar®. Webbing 16 should be of a thickness that allows for additional strength but does not substantially increase the combined thickness of palm piece 11 and webbing 16. Embodiment of the configuration could modify the thickness of palm piece 11 to account for the addition of webbing 16. The width of webbing 16 should also be appropriately selected. Embodiments of the configuration with webbing 16 that is too narrow would be missing the opportunity for increased tensile strength. Embodiments of the configuration with webbing 16 that is too wide could expose webbing 16 to the gymnastics apparatus, introducing possible abrasion forces to webbing 16.

[0014] FIGS. 1 and 3 show an embodiment of stitch pattern 18. The primary function of stitch pattern 18 is to ensure webbing 16 is constrained to follow the same linear path as palm piece 11. During use, the athlete will fold the combination of webbing 16 and palm piece 11 over the intended apparatus. Given a plurality of reasons, including but not limited to the gymnast, the exercise being performed, the fit of the grip, and the apparatus itself, this fold over the apparatus will not be consistent. Stitch pattern 18 ensures that the tensile strength of webbing 16 is effectively integrated with the structural performance of palm piece 11 by maintaining alignment between the two components. In the absence of stitch pattern 18, webbing 16 may deviate from the path of palm piece 11 around the apparatus, resulting in a scenario where palm piece 11 and thus gymnastics grip 10 fails to benefit from the tensile reinforcement provided by webbing 16.

[0015] FIGS. 2 and 3 show an embodiment of thread ditch 19. The purpose of thread ditch 19 is to recess stitch pattern 18 below the surface of palm piece 11. On the opposite side of dowel 15, palm piece 11 will experience significant abrasion forces. If stitch pattern 18 were on the surface of palm piece 11 that is exposed to abrasion, stitch pattern 18 would quickly be compromised. By embedding stitch pattern 18 within thread ditch 19, the stitching is shielded from abrasion, thereby preserving the structural connection between webbing 16 and palm piece 11. This maintains the enhanced tensile strength of the assembly. It should be acknowledged that abrasion-resistant thread, such as Kevlar® thread, could potentially eliminate the need for thread ditch 19. However, such a thread would probably cause damage to the apparatus itself and therefore be undesirable.

[0016] Thread ditch 19 could be manufactured in a variety of ways that remove some, but not all of the material from palm piece 11 in a controlled and repeatable manner. Suitable manufacturing methods include, but are not limited to, computer numerical control (CNC) milling machines, CNC laser cutting machines, or embossing machines. The objective of this operation is to consistently and precisely form thread ditch 19 at a defined depth and location, thereby enabling stitch pattern 18 to be sewn into the recessed area using various stitching techniques.

[0017] During use, the surface of palm piece 11 opposite dowel 15 is subjected to continuous abrasion, which gradually wears down the material and reduces the depth of thread ditch 19. Eventually, the athlete will wear thread ditch 19 to a point where stitch pattern 18 is exposed to the apparatus. When this occurs, as mentioned if stitch pattern 18 was on the original abrasion surface of palm piece 11, stitch pattern 18 will be compromised. Up until then however, gymnastics grip 10 continues to benefit from the enhanced and consistent tensile strength provided by the integration of webbing 16.

[0018] In addition to providing enhanced tensile strength to gymnastics grip 10, the present invention offers an additional functional benefit. When the athlete wears down thread ditch 19 and stitch pattern 18 is compromised, webbing 16 will separate from palm piece 11. This notifies the gymnast that webbing 16 is potentially no longer supporting gymnastics grip 10. In other words, the eventual exposure and degradation of stitch pattern 18 alerts the user that the grip has reached the end of its effective service life and should be replaced to maintain performance and safety.

[0019] Embodiments of the invention must strike a balance between two competing design considerations. Embodiments that prioritize the strength of the connection between palm piece 11 and webbing 16 may sacrifice the longevity of gymnastics grip 10. Embodiments that attempt to increase the longevity of gymnastics grip 10 may sacrifice the strength of the connection between palm piece 11 and webbing 16. The following explores some, but not all, of the possible variations for embodiments.

[0020] Embodiments of stitch pattern 18 may vary in length, quantity, and geometric configurations. Stitch pattern 18 must include sufficient stitching to achieve a seam strength capable of resisting the forces pulling webbing 16 and palm piece 11 apart. Alternatively, embodiments with excessive use of stitch pattern 18 could result in substrate failure. In this case, webbing 16 could pull away from palm piece 11 with stitch pattern 18 intact to webbing 16.

[0021] Additionally, embodiments of stitch pattern 18 could include

[0022] different thread sizes. Thicker threads used in stitch pattern 18 will increase seam strength but leave thread ditch 19 relatively shallower. Conversely, thinner thread will allow for a deeper thread ditch 19, but at the cost of reduced seam strength.

[0023] A deeper thread ditch 19 will extend the period of use before stitch pattern 18 is exposed to the apparatus. If, however, thread ditch 19 is too deep, there is a risk of substrate failure and stitch pattern 18 pulling through the remaining material of thread ditch 19. Thus, disconnecting webbing 16 from palm piece 11. A shallower thread ditch 19 will shorten the period of use before stitch pattern 18 is exposed to the apparatus. Conversely, the risk of substrate failure is reduced with this embodiment.

[0024] To summarize, embodiments of stitch pattern 18 and thread ditch 19 function cooperatively to achieve a balanced and effective design. Embodiments must achieve an appropriate seam strength while also maximizing the potential duration of use before degradation occurs. Modifying a single parameter may require modifications of other parameters to meet the needs of the athlete.

Claims

1. A gymnastics grip apparatus suitable for use on at least one of an uneven bar, a horizontal bar, or still rings for gymnastics, comprising:a palm piece configured to lay in the hand of a user, with a plurality of finger holes near a first end of the palm piece;a cuff piece configured to wrap around the wrist of the user, with a fastening mechanism to secure the cuff piece to the user, where the cuff piece is attached roughly or exactly perpendicularly to a second end of the palm piece opposite to the end of the finger holes;a rigid or semi rigid dowel affixed to the palm piece, near the finger holes, oriented roughly or exactly perpendicularly to the length of the palm piece;a woven fabric secured by a stitch pattern to secure the woven fabric to the palm piece for at least a portion of the palm piece's length;wherein the stitch pattern is recessed below the side of the palm piece that is exposed to abrasion during use;wherein the woven fabric with the recessed stitch pattern is configured to increase the tensile strength of the palm piece of the gymnastics grip during use.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the fabric comprises at least one of a woven, non-woven, knit, laminated, or composite material configured to increase tensile strength while maintaining the pliability of the palm piece.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the recessed stitch pattern is configured to become exposed through wear, thereby indicating that the gymnastics grip should be replaced.

4. A method for increasing the tensile strength of a gymnastics grip apparatus suitable for use on at least one of an uneven bar, a horizontal bar, or still rings for gymnastics, comprising:selecting a palm piece configured to lay in the hand of the user, including a plurality of finger holes near a first end;selecting a cuff piece including a fastening mechanism configured to secure the cuff piece to the user;selecting a rigid or semi rigid dowel of predetermined diameter and length;selecting a woven fabric having predetermined tensile reinforcement properties;arranging and affixing the palm piece, the cuff piece, the dowel, and the woven fabric such that:the palm piece is oriented roughly or exactly perpendicularly to the length of the cuff piece;the dowel is affixed roughly or exactly perpendicularly to the length of the palm piece, positioned closer to the second end of the palm piece and the finger holes;the woven fabric is attached on the same side of the palm piece as the dowel, for at least a portion of the palm piece's length, with the use of a stitch pattern that is recessed below the side of the palm piece that is exposed to abrasion;wherein the woven fabric and the recessed stitch pattern is configured to increase the tensile strength of the palm piece of the gymnastics grip during use.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the fabric comprises at least one of a woven, non-woven, knit, laminated, or composite material configured to increase tensile strength while maintaining the pliability of the palm piece.

6. The method of claim 4, wherein the recessed stitch pattern is configured to become exposed through wear, thereby providing an indication that the gymnastics grip should be replaced.

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