Convertible Arm Cord Loop Handle for Reformer Exercise
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional arm cord handles for reformer exercise apparatuses do not provide a secure and convenient way to attach a user's foot, as they require swapping with hand loops and have a distracting design when used as a Y-loop handle.
Innovation Solution
A flexible dual loop arm cord handle with a U-shaped distal end and an external strap that can be folded out to secure around the ankle, allowing secure foot attachment without interfering with hand grasping and adjusting to fit various sizes, made from cotton webbing or similar materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional Y-loop handle is used to secure the user's foot, then the foot attachment becomes more secure, but the handle design becomes distracting and requires swapping from the normal hand loop
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the hand loop and Y-loop ankle strap into a single integrated handle unit. The ankle strap is attached to the hand loop at a location spaced from the base, allowing the same handle to function both as a hand grasp loop and as a Y-loop for foot attachment, eliminating the need to swap handles between exercises
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated handle serves multiple functions: it can be grasped by hand for conventional exercises, and it can be configured with the ankle strap to secure the foot for exercises requiring foot attachment. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate Y-loop handles
2Reliability
If an external strap is added to create a Y-loop configuration, then foot attachment is improved, but the strap interferes with hand grasping when in storage position
Solution Approach 1:
The ankle strap is attached to the hand loop at a location spaced from the base portion, effectively extracting the strap from the main grasping area. This positioning allows the strap to be folded back against the hand loop in a storage position without interfering with hand grasping, while still enabling proper Y-loop configuration when deployed
Data Source
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AI summary
An arm cord handle is disclosed that includes a flexible loop handle having a U shaped distal end and having proximal ends joined together at a common base portion. An external strap lies around and against the U shaped distal end in a storage position. The external strap has its ends fastened to the loop handle at a location spaced from the common base portion. The external strap can be deployed to an operational position away from the U shaped distal end of the flexible loop handle so that the arm cord handle is converted into a foot loop handle with the external strap positioned around a user's ankle while the U shaped distal end is positioned around the user's forefoot during exercise.