Ergonomic handle grips with a movable shackle and thumb support for upper-limb weight training

Abstract

The present invention relates to ergonomic handle grips with a movable shackle, shackle-locking mechanisms and thumb support for upper-limb weight training, the invention pertaining to the field of sports, physical activity, physical rehabilitation and all related aspects of muscle training. In particular, each grip comprises a handle having an upper end and a lower end opposite each other that define an elongate body that is held in the palm of the hand. The top of one side of said body forms a smooth surface and, at the top of the opposite side, four dips separated by ridges of different heights accommodate the fingers of the hand. The upper end of the body ends in an ovoid-shaped indentation designed to accommodate the thumb and includes a movable shackle that receives a carabiner.

Description

[0001] ERGONOMIC HANDLE GRIPS WITH MOVABLE SHACKLE

[0002] AND THUMB SUPPORT FOR EXERCISING THE UPPER EXTREMITIES WITH LOADS

[0003] DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0004] FIELD OF INVENTION

[0005] The present invention relates to ergonomic handle grips with a movable shackle, shackle locking mechanisms, and thumb support, for load training of the upper limbs, within the field of sports, physical activity, physical rehabilitation, and everything related to muscle exercise.

[0006] Specifically, each of these grips comprises ergonomic handles for the user's hands, with anatomical features adapted to the left and right hands respectively. In one illustrative configuration, these grips can be linked together with elastic bands, and in other configurations, each can be connected to other types of loads, such as gym equipment or pulley systems with weights or similar devices.

[0007] Each grip comprises a handle with an upper and a lower end, opposite each other, defining an elongated body that is received by the palm of the hand. This body extends upwards into a smooth surface, while on the opposite side, four valleys separated by ridges of varying heights extend upwards to receive the fingers. At the upper end, the body terminates in an ovoid indentation adapted to receive the thumb.

[0008] Towards the center and along the length of the handle body, there is a vertical through-hole connecting each end of the body, through which a movable shackle is attached. This shackle includes a rod segment that extends from each end to form a closed V-shaped ring. This rod segment is housed vertically within the vertical through-hole of the handle body, allowing free rotation within each grip. This movable shackle can be moved laterally along its axis within the through-hole by up to 200 degrees.

[0009] Each handle has two mechanisms that lock the movable shackle, designed to limit lateral rotations of the shackle when the carabiner is engaged in one of the notches on the closed V-shaped ring.

[0010] Each shackle on each handle receives a carabiner to attach a strap, and this strap can be moved freely along the strap, in a range of up to 180 degrees.

[0011] The handles have an angular distribution designed and measured according to the anatomy of the hands, allowing the fingers and palm—specifically the thenar eminence, palmar digitorum, and concave area—to adopt precise and ergonomic angles for greater comfort and functionality. This facilitates exercise execution by efficiently distributing the load across multiple points of traction. Therefore, the scope of the present invention lies in ergonomic handle grips with a movable shackle, shackle locking mechanisms, and finger support for training with elastic bands, as well as other types of load connection to gym machines or mechanisms, or to pulley systems with weights or similar equipment.

[0012] The present invention is particularly within the field of sports, physical activity, physical rehabilitation and everything related to muscle exercise.

[0013] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The hand has a great capacity for movement, and we depend on this function to interact with our environment and perform many daily activities. Therefore, its care is essential to maintain its efficiency and mobility.

[0015] The handles for gym machines or elastic bands do not have an ergonomic geometry for the hand; when gripping (the main function of the hand), asymmetrical and unergonomic loads are generated on the different joints.

[0016] Furthermore, the current art does not include movable anchors that allow the point where the carabiner connects to shift. This leads many people to move their hand, trying to find a more comfortable angle to perform the exercise, or to generate tensile forces in some joints, since the anchor's positional angle will tend to move the hand's movable segments toward it. In addition, the prior art does not reveal grips with locking mechanisms for the movable shackle, which would prevent lateral rotation of the shackle, thus preventing exercises from being performed with the hand positioned in different planes than those found in conventional grip configurations.

[0017] The known art also does not reveal a design that allows the thumb to be positioned and supported at an ergonomic angle, so that when performing penta-digital presses (using all fingers), the pinching, pulling, and force generation functions are favored.

[0018] Thus, in the historical development of exercise equipment, designs that affect portability, compatibility, safety, and ease of use have become a topic of interest. The art has revealed various handle designs, such as a solid configuration and certain versions of the strap handle, with the aim of quickly adjusting the length of an elastic exercise element or exchanging one for another. An example of prior art is found in US Patent 4109907, granted to Zito, which illustrates such a device, where each end of each band defines a handle that includes a fixed, central, triangular-shaped clamping collar, and the handle is tubular in shape. This design, therefore, comprises a handle that is not ergonomic and unsuitable for the user's hand. It only includes one point of support, and the carabiner does not move along the handle.

[0019] In an attempt to develop an ergonomic grip, Hinds' US patent 6497641 defines a grip comprising a long sinusoidal section to ergonomically accommodate the fingers, but lacking thumb support. This design positions the carabiner towards the center and is unsuitable for certain exercises.

[0020] All of the above can alter the biomechanics of the hand and wrist joint, and over time, through repetition of these inadequate loads, pain and / or injuries can develop.

[0021] Likewise, the development of physical capabilities, especially strength, requires overloads applied to the muscles, so that morphophysiological adaptations are generated, and over time an improvement occurs in the different manifestations of strength: maximum strength, strength endurance, power and hypertrophy.

[0022] Training overloads should be done in a controlled and progressive manner, and they must also be done with the proper technique, so that injuries do not occur.

[0023] In conclusion, there is still a need for the technique, to create an ergonomic handle with a movable shackle, that has shackle locking mechanisms and that optimizes the ergonomic support function of the thumb, which optimizes its pinching function and favors the execution of exercises in different planes and angles.

[0024] OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0025] Therefore, a primary objective herein is to avoid the disadvantages of previous designs. More specifically, an objective herein is to create ergonomic handle grips with a movable shackle and shackle locking mechanisms, as well as a thumb rest, for upper limb weight training in the fields of sports, physical activity, physical rehabilitation, and all related muscle exercise.

[0026] Based on the handles and their ergonomic geometry, it is possible to achieve a range of movement of the carabiner, which moves along the free length of the shackle up to 180 degrees, and with lateral movement of the shackle up to 200 degrees, thus favoring the biomechanics of the exercises, since the sum of degrees of mobility allows movements in the three anatomical planes sagittal, frontal and transverse in an ergonomic way and with more precise angles.

[0027] Another equally important aspect of the invention is that the ergonomic thumb support optimizes its gripping function, contributing to force and traction generation. Furthermore, the grip facilitates the correct execution of the exercises because, if the hand is not positioned at the correct angle, the carabiner will tend to shift from the center of the shackle or disengage from the locking mechanisms. The grip provides immediate feedback on hand position, helping the user to be aware of how they are performing the exercise and whether the angles are appropriate.

[0028] DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES.

[0029] To further clarify the invention and its advantages compared with the known art, the possible forms of illustrative and non-limiting embodiments of the application of these principles are described below with the help of the attached drawings.

[0030] Figure 1a illustrates a front view in use in an illustrative embodiment of the ergonomic handle grips with movable shackle for exercising the upper limbs with loads according to the present invention.

[0031] Figure 1b illustrates a detailed view of the ergonomic handle grips with movable shackle and thumb support for exercising the upper limbs with loads according to the present invention.

[0032] Figure 1c illustrates a detailed view of the ergonomic handle grips with movable shackle and thumb support for exercising the upper limbs with loads according to the present invention.

[0033] Figures 2a and 2b illustrate a side cut in an illustrative embodiment of ergonomic handle grips with movable shackle according to the present invention.

[0034] Figure 2c illustrates in detail the movement of the movable shackle according to the present invention.

[0035] Figures 3a, 3b and 3c illustrate detailed views of the slots in the movable shackle to securely receive the carabiner in three different positions according to the present invention.

[0036] Figures 4a and 4b illustrate a first type of locking of the movable shackle's rod segment according to the present invention.

[0037] Figures 4c and 4d illustrate a second type of locking of the movable shackle's rod segment according to the present invention.

[0038] Figures 4e, 4f, and 4g illustrate a third type of locking mechanism for the movable shackle segment according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION.

[0039] The present invention relates to ergonomic handle grips with movable shackle and thumb support for upper limb load training.

[0040] In particular, the invention provides ergonomic handle grips for muscle training.

[0041] Based on figures 1a, 1 and 1c, each of said grips 1 is held by a user 2 by means of the ergonomic right 3 and left 4 handles for each of the user 2's hands. Said right 3 and left 4 handles in an illustrative embodiment can be linked together with elastic bands 5 and in other embodiments it is possible to connect each one to other types of load (not illustrated) such as connecting each one to gym machines or mechanisms or to pulley mechanisms with weights or similar.

[0042] Each of said right 3 and left 4 handles according to figures 2a, 2b and 2c comprises a body 6 including an upper end 7 and a lower end 8 opposite each other defining an elongated body that is received by the palm of the hand where said body 6 extends on one side into a smooth surface 9 and on the opposite side extends a sinusoidal surface that includes four valleys 10 separated by ridges 11 of different heights to receive the fingers of the hand.

[0043] At the upper end, the body terminates in a curved projection 12 with an ovoid margin adapted to receive the thumb. Towards the center and along the body 6, it comprises a centered vertical projection through-hole 13 connecting each end of said body 6, through which a movable shackle 14 is attached, including a rod segment 15 that then extends at each end to form a closed V-shaped ring 16.

[0044] Said stick segment 15 is housed high within the vertical through hole 13 of the body 6 with free rotation within said hole 13 of each right 3 and left 4 handle. This movable shackle 14 can be displaced to each side of the handle body within the through hole about its axis in a range of up to 200 degrees as illustrated in figure 2c.

[0045] Each shackle 14 of each right 3 and left 4 handle receives a carabiner 17 to attach the band 5 and this band can be moved freely along it in a range of up to 180 degrees.

[0046] The right 3 and left 4 handles have an angular distribution designed and measured with the anatomy of the hands, which allows the fingers and the palm of the hand in the thenar eminence area, digit palmar rim and the concave area to adopt precise and ergonomic angles for greater comfort, functionality and which facilitate the execution of the exercises, since they efficiently distribute the load in several traction points.

[0047] In addition, the right 3 and left 4 handles allow the thumb to rest on the curved projection groove 12 at an angle that optimizes its pinching function, where this ergonomic position favors the application of force and pulling movements of the hand, and reduces the loads on the muscles of that finger and on the joint, thus minimizing the appearance of inflammation caused by repetitive movements with the thumb.

[0048] As illustrated in Figures 3a, 3b, and 3c, the right handle 3 and left handle 4, the closed ring 16 of the movable shackle 14, near the upper 7 and lower 8 ends of the body 6, also have an upper notch 18 and a lower notch 19, each of which is watertight and positioned towards the inner face of the path of the ring 16 so that the carabiner 17, depending on the position, locks into place and remains in that position as illustrated in Figures 3a and 3b. Thanks to the V-shape of the closed ring 16, the carabiner 17 can be positioned watertight at the vertex as illustrated in Figure 3c.

[0049] The position of the apex on the V-shaped ring is measured so that it aligns with the midpoint of the handle surface where the four fingers of the hand rest: the second, third, fourth, and fifth fingers (anatomical location). This ensures that the load is positioned precisely in the center of the hand, preventing asymmetrical loads when the carabiner is at that point (Fig. 3c).

[0050] Thus, each shackle 14 of each right 3 and left 4 handle receives the carabiner 17 of free movement along its length in a range of 180 degrees with an upper stop in the upper notch 18 and a lower stop in the lower notch 19.

[0051] Now, as illustrated in Figures 4a to 4g, the right handle 3 and left handle 4 are additionally configured for a first locking mechanism to prevent movement of the shaft segment 15 of the movable shackle 14. This shaft segment 15 can be locked by a first locking mechanism that includes a cut 20 adjacent to the lower end of the shaft 15, designed to receive and fit a facing segment 21 that protrudes from the surface of the vertical through-hole 13 adjacent to the lower end. This segment locks the movement when pressure is applied by the carabiner in the opposite direction of the handle and the shaft axis 15 has been displaced downwards and backwards, as illustrated in Figure 4a and the detail in Figure 4b. It is released when the pressure is removed and the shaft axis 15 is displaced upwards and forwards.

[0052] The second locking mechanism for the movement of the rod segment 15 of the movable shackle 14 comprises a square cavity 22 made in the inner surface of the vertical through hole 13 adjacent to the upper end prepared to receive a facing die 23 that protrudes from the rod 15 at the upper end of the shaft, which fits and limits the lateral rotational movement of the rod 15 within the hole 13 of the body 6 as illustrated in figures 4c and 4d.

[0053] These two mechanisms attach to the back of the inner wall of the cylindrical cavity that houses the shaft of the cane 15, so that when the movable shackle is moved downwards and backwards, it locks. These mechanisms prevent the movement of the movable shackle 14, allowing exercises to be performed in different planes and with improved ergonomics.

[0054] A third locking mechanism for the right handle 3 and left handle 4 is achieved with a groove 24 cut into the upper inner part of the body wall 6 to fully receive the upper surface of the ring 16 adjacent to the cane 15, limiting upward movement and lateral rotation of the cane 15 on its axis, as illustrated in Figures 4e, 4f, and 4g. Because the right handle 3 and left handle 4 allow mobility of the anchor point where the load is attached, the wrist (radiocarpal) joint does not receive undue stress during pulling movements, thus preventing joint incongruity (misalignment of the structures that make up the joint).When the grip's anchor point is fixed, the radiocarpal joint supports forces that cause it to move or become strained, altering the joint's alignment and over time, due to repetition of these inadequate loads, discomfort, pain and / or injuries could develop.

[0055] Furthermore, each right 3 and left 4 handle comprises an upper notch 18 and a lower notch 19, each of which is positioned in the path of the ring 16 so that the carabiner 17, depending on the position, is locked and remains in that position, which prevents it from moving during movements that require its position in different planes.

[0056] Having grips anatomically shaped for each hand—meaning the right-hand grip cannot be used on the left hand and vice versa—ensures the hand is perfectly aligned with the support surface, providing optimal ergonomics for movement. This is advantageous for performing exercises, in addition to the combined angles of the grip's moving parts and, of course, the efficient thumb positioning.

[0057] Only some preferred embodiments of the invention have been illustrated by way of example. In this respect, it will be appreciated that the ergonomic handle grips with movable shackle, shackle locking mechanisms and thumb support for exercise, as well as the configuration arrangements, can be chosen from a plurality of alternatives without departing from the spirit of the invention according to the following claims.

[0058] - / -

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Grips for exercising the upper limbs with loads, characterized in that it comprises: right (3) and left (4) handles, each including a body (6) with an upper end (7) and a lower end (8) opposite each other, defining an elongated body for receiving the palm of the user's hand, where said body (6) extends upwards on one side into a smooth surface (9) and on the opposite side extends a sinusoidal surface including four valleys (10) separated by ridges (11) of different heights, where on the upper end, the body (6) terminates in a groove (12) with a curved projection and an ovoid-shaped margin for receiving the thumb;where towards the center and along the length of the body (6) it comprises a centered vertically projecting through-hole (13) connecting each end of said body (6), through which a movable shackle (14) is housed along the length of a rod segment (15) extending from each end and closing to form a closed V-shaped ring (16); where said rod segment (15) is housed vertically within the vertical through-hole (13) of the body (6) with free rotation within said hole (13) of each right (3) and left (4) handle, where said movable shackle (14) is displaced towards each side of the handle body within the through-hole (13) about its axis in a range of up to 200 degrees; where the closed ring (16) of the movable shackle (14), near the upper (7) and lower (8) ends of the body (6) has a; upper notch (18) and a lower notch (19), where each is positioned towards the inner face of the path of the ring (16); and where each shackle (14) of each right (3) and left (4) handle receives a carabiner (17) freely sliding along the same in a range of up to 180 degrees with an upper stop at said upper notch (18) or a lower stop at said lower notch (19).

2. Handles according to claim 1 characterized in that the cane segment (15) of the movable shackle (14) comprises a first lock that includes a cut (20) made adjacent to the lower end of the cane (15) prepared to receive and fit a facing segment (21) that protrudes from the surface of the vertical through hole (13) adjacent to the lower end.

3. Handles according to claim 1 and 2 characterized in that the cane segment (15) of the movable shackle (14) comprises a second lock that includes a square cavity (22) made in the inner surface of the vertical through hole (13) adjacent to the upper end prepared to receive facing a die (23) that protrudes from the cane (15) at the upper end of its axis, which fits and limits the lateral rotational movement of the cane (15) within the hole (13) of the body (6).

4. Handles according to claim 3 characterized in that the cane segment (15) of the movable shackle (14) comprises a third lock that includes a groove (24) made in the inner upper part of the body (6) that receives and locks the upper surface of the ring (16) adjacent to the cane (15).

5. Handles according to claim 4 characterized in that the carabiner (17) is positioned watertight at the V-shaped vertex of the closed ring (16); in the upper notch (18) or in the lower notch (19).

6. Handles according to claim 5 characterized in that said right (3) and left (4) handles are linked together by means of a connection each with a carabiner (17) to an elastic band (5).

7. Handles according to claim 5 characterized in that said right (3) and left (4) handles are linked by connection each with a carabiner (17) and bands or straps with exercise load types such as gym machines or mechanisms or pulley mechanisms with weights and the like.

8. Handles according to claim 6 or 7 characterized in that the smooth surface (9) and the sinusoidal surface of valleys (10) and ridges (11) of the body (6) of the right (3) and left (4) handles comprise an angular distribution of the anatomy of the hands in the thenar eminence area, palmar digit rim and the concave area and where the curved projection and ovoid margin cleft (12) receives the thumb in a pincer-like manner.

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