RESISTANCE TRAINING HANDLES FOR FOREARM STRENGTH AND ENDURANCE

Resistance training handles for forearm strength and endurance. The resistance training handles include a shaft, a handle, and a coupler. The handle is rotationally mounted to the shaft. The coupler is secured to the shaft and configured to selectively couple to a resistance source. In some examples, the resistance training handle further comprises a second handle rotationally mounted to the shaft in a position spaced from the first handle. In certain examples with two handles, the spacing between the handles is selected to fall within a standard range of spacing between handles of motorcycles used for motocross races.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates generally to resistance training equipment. In particular, handles for building forearm strength and endurance through resistance training are described.

Resistance training is a popular way for athletes, sport enthusiasts, and fitness-minded people to build strength, muscle mass, muscle tone, and endurance. A variety of muscles can be targeted through resistance training, including muscles in the arms, legs, chest, and back. Often people engaged in particular sports or activities will target certain muscles and muscle groups through resistance training to enhance their performance in those sports and activities.

For example, rock climbing, motocross, and other motorcycle riding activities can be quite taxing on one's arms. In particular, competitive and/or intense motorcycle riding can tax one's forearms and lead to the condition known as arm pump or forearm pump.

Arm pump is a clinical condition in which an individual develops intermittent marked pain in the forearms after a period of exercise or exertion. The pain is thought to arise due to swelling of the muscles of the forearm. Forearm muscle swelling affects blood flow to the forearm muscles and causes local oxygen levels to drop.

When forearm pump occurs while riding a motorcycle, motorcycle riding limitations arise. For example, forearm pump limits one's ability to effectively manipulate a motorcycle handlebar. Further, overly taxed forearms limit one's ability to support himself or herself on the motorcycle via the handlebars. Moreover, insufficient forearm muscle endurance reduces the time one can safely operate a motorcycle.

It would be desirable to have a way to more effectively train arm muscles to avoid forearm pump and to improve performance in arm-intensive activities like motocross and rock climbing. It would be beneficial if a device allowed one to flex and extend his or her wrists under resistance to build forearm muscle strength and endurance. It would be convenient if a solution for training arm muscles could be easily integrated with conventional muscle training equipment.

Thus, there exists a need for forearm resistance training devices that improve upon and advance the design of known solutions for improving forearm muscle strength and endurance. Examples of new and useful resistance training handles relevant to the need for strengthening and improving the endurance of forearm muscles are discussed below.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure is directed to resistance training handles for forearm strength and endurance. The resistance training handles include a shaft, a handle, and a coupler. The handle is rotationally mounted to the shaft. The coupler is secured to the shaft and configured to selectively couple to a resistance source. In some examples, the resistance training handle further comprises a second handle rotationally mounted to the shaft in a position spaced from the first handle. In certain examples with two handles, the spacing between the handles is selected to fall within a standard range of spacing between handles of motorcycles used for motocross races.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Definitions

“Comprising,” “including,” and “having” (and conjugations thereof) are used interchangeably to mean including but not necessarily limited to, and are open-ended terms not intended to exclude additional elements or method steps not expressly recited.

Terms such as “first”, “second”, and “third” are used to distinguish or identify various members of a group, or the like, and are not intended to denote a serial, chronological, or numerical limitation.

Contextual Details

Ancillary features relevant to the resistance training handles described herein will first be described to provide context and to aid discussing the resistance training handles.

Resistance Source

The resistance training handles disclosed herein are often used with sources of resistance to build strength and endurance in arm muscles, including forearm muscles. A variety of resistance sources may be used with the resistance training handles, including row machines, cable machines, barbells, and free weight bars. Any currently known or later developed type of resistance source suitable for selectively coupling with the resistance training handles described herein and providing resistance when moved may be used with the resistance training handles.

One suitable example of a resistance source, resistance source 190, is shown in FIG. 1. As can be seen in FIG. 1, resistance source 190 is a conventional row machine used to perform row pull exercises. Resistance source 190 includes a resistance source handle 191 to which resistance training handle 100 selectively couples.

Resistance Training Handles for Forearm Strength and Endurance

With reference to the figures, resistance training handles for forearm strength and endurance will now be described. The resistance training handles discussed herein function to enable resistance training that targets muscles in the forearms to build forearm muscle strength and endurance. The resistance training handles enable training effective to avoid and reduce forearm pump conditions when engaged in rock climbing and motorcycle riding activities.

The reader will appreciate from the figures and description below that the presently disclosed resistance training handles address many of the shortcomings of conventional approaches to building forearm strength and endurance. For example, the novel resistance training handles described herein enable effectively training arm muscles to avoid forearm pump. As a result of the effective forearm resistance training they enable, the novel resistance training handles improve performance in arm-intensive activities like motocross and rock climbing.

Beneficially, the novel resistance training handles described in this document allow one to flex and extend his or her wrists with resistance, optionally as part of a compound rowing movement. Flexing and/or extending one's wrist with resistance is known to build forearm muscle strength and endurance. Conveniently, the novel resistance training handles easily integrate with conventional muscle training equipment, such as rowing machines, cable machines, barbells, and free weight bars.

Resistance Training Handle Embodiment One

With reference to FIGS. 1-4, a first example of a resistance training handle, resistance training handle 100, will now be described. Resistance training handle 100 cooperates with resistance source 190 to enable a user to build arm strength and endurance, in particular, forearm muscle strength and endurance effective to reduce or eliminate forearm pump symptoms.

Resistance training handle 100 enables a user to selectively flex and extend his or her wrist against resistance provided by resistance source 190 to build muscle strength and endurance. Multiple types of resistance training exercises and movements are enabled with resistance training handle 100 selectively coupled to resistance source handle 191.

For example, a user may overcome resistance provided by resistance source 190 by pulling resistance training handle 100 towards his chest and then flexing or extending his wrist under load with resistance training handle 100 at the end of the pull. Alternatively, the user may first flex or extend his wrist under load with resistance training handle 100 and then pull the handle to his chest while maintaining his wrists in flexed or extended positions. In another variation, the user concurrently pulls and flexes or extends his wrist under load with resistance training handle 100 in a compound movement.

As shown in FIGS. 1-4, resistance training handle 100 includes a shaft 101, a first rotation handle 102, a second rotation handle 103, and coupling members 104. In some examples, the resistance training handle does not include one or more features included in resistance training handle 100. In other examples, the resistance training handle includes additional or alternative features, such as a clutch mechanism and/or a rotation brake mechanism. The components of resistance training handle 100 are described further below.

Shaft

Shaft 101 functions to support coupling members 104 and rotation handles 102 and 103. Rotation handles 102 and 103 are rotationally mounted to shaft 101. Shaft 101 also resists the reaction forces involved with a user moving resistance training handle 100 against the resistance provided by resistance source 190.

As can be seen in FIGS. 1-4, shaft 101 is tubular and comprised of metal. However, the shaft may be solid or comprised of materials other than metal, such as polymers, wood, and composite materials.

In the example shown in FIGS. 1-4, shaft 101 has an inner diameter of ½ inch and is 28 inches long. The reader should understand, however, that the shaft may have different dimensions in different examples. For example, the shaft may be larger or smaller in inner and/or outer diameter and may be longer or shorter than the example shown in the figures.

Rotation Handles

Rotation handles 102 and 103 enable a user to flex and extend his or her wrist as part of resistance training exercises for muscle strength and endurance. Rotation handles 102 and 103 are configured to rotate relative to shaft 101 to enable a user to flex or extend his or her wrist.

The reader can see in FIGS. 1-4 that rotation handles 102 and 103 rotationally mount to shaft 101 on opposite sides of shaft 101 near terminal ends of shaft 101. In other examples, the rotation handles mount to medial portions of the shaft. The spaced position of rotation handles 102 and 103 on shaft 101 is selected to resemble the position of handgrips on a motorcycle to enable the exercises with resistance training handle 100 to better emulate real-world motocross arm positions and movements. In particular, the spacing between rotation handle 102 and rotation handle 103 is selected to fall within a standard range of spacing between handles of motorcycles used for motocross races.

Rotation handles 102 and 103 are rotationally mounted to shaft 101. As apparent from FIGS. 1-4, rotation handles 102 and 103 are coaxial with shaft 101. Thus, rotation handles 102 and 103 are configured to rotate about the longitudinal axis of shaft 101.

As can be seen in FIGS. 1-4, rotation handle 102 includes a handgrip 105, an endcap 106, a collar 107, a first spacer 108, and a second spacer 109. The components of rotation handle 102 are discussed further below. Rotation handles 102 and 103 are configured the same, so the following discussion of the components of rotation handle 102 should be understood to correspond to second rotation handle 103 as well.

In some examples, the rotation handles include additional or alternative features to enable selective rotation. For example, some rotation handle examples include a clutch mechanism and/or a rotation brake mechanism. A wide variety of mechanisms to facilitate selectively rotating handgrips may be used.

Handgrip 105 is where a user is intended to grip and manipulate resistance training handle 100. Handgrip 105 is rotationally mounted to shaft 101 to enable a user to selectively flex or extend his wrist by rotating handgrip 105 relative to shaft 101.

As shown in FIG. 4, handgrip 105 is a hollow tube with a textured outer surface and a smooth inner surface. The inner diameter of handgrip 105 complements the outer diameter of shaft 101, and the smooth inner surface of handgrip 105 defines a bearing surface for rotating around shaft 101. The complementarily diameters and the smooth inner surface of handgrip 105 enable handgrip 105 to mount securely over shaft 101 and to rotate around shaft 101.

The size, shape, and material of the handgrip may vary in different examples. In some examples, the handgrip is larger or smaller than depicted in the figures. In the present example, the handgrip is made from rubber, but may be made from any material suitable for gripping.

In the present example, handgrip 105, collar 107, and first spacer 108 are initially coupled together as part of an integrated locking grip unit. Handgrip 105, collar 107, and first spacer 108 are separated to allow them to be used independently in a manner different than the original purpose of the integrated locking grip. In other examples, the handgrip, collar, and spacer are supplied as separate components rather than an integrated unit.

Endcap 106 functions to laterally bound handgrip 105 on shaft 101 from a lateral end of shaft 101. Endcap 106 restricts handgrip 105 from translating off the end of shaft 101.

As shown in FIG. 4, endcap 106 inserts into the hollow bore of shaft 101 and secures to a terminal lateral end of shaft 101. Endcap 106 includes a circular member or flange 120 with a diameter that exceeds the outer diameter of shaft 101. The diameter of flange 120 exceeding the outer diameter of shaft 101 causes flange 120 to extend radially beyond the outer surface of shaft 101. The portion of flange 120 extending past the outer surface of shaft 101 blocks handgrip 105 from moving laterally beyond the end of shaft 101.

One suitable example of endcap 106 is shown in FIGS. 1-4. However, the endcap may be any member that secures to an end of the shaft and functions to block the handgrip from moving laterally beyond the outer end of the shaft.

Collar and Spacers

Collar 107 in cooperation with first spacer 108 and second spacer 109 functions to laterally bound handgrip 105 from a medial position on shaft 101. Collar 107 blocks handgrip 105 from translating laterally towards the center of shaft 101.

Second spacer 109 functions to secure first spacer 108 on shaft 101 more securely by increasing the effective diameter of shaft 101 underneath first spacer 108. First spacer 108 and second spacer 109 cooperate to more securely secure collar 107 on shaft 101 by collectively increasing the effective diameter of shaft 101 underneath collar 107. First spacer 108 and second spacer 109 may be referred to as annular spacers.

As shown in FIGS. 1-4, collar 107 mounts to shaft 101 in a medial position spaced from endcap 106. The spacing from endcap 106 is selected to correspond with the length of handgrip 105. Handgrip 105 is contained between collar 107 and endcap 106 within a relatively tight tolerance while being allowed to rotate around shaft 101.

Collar 107 includes a ring member 170 and an adjustment mechanism 171. Ring member 170 is disposed around shaft 101. Adjustment mechanism 171 is configured to selectively reduce an inner diameter of ring member 170. In the present example, adjustment mechanism 171 includes a threaded shaft 121 in the form of a screw that extends through aligned threaded bores defined in ends of ring member 170.

Collar 107 mounts to shaft 101 by radially pressing ring member 170 against first spacer 108 disposed between collar 107 and shaft 101. First spacer 108 mounts on second spacer 109 wrapped around shaft 101. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, threaded shaft 121 of adjustment mechanism 171 selectively rotating within the threaded bores defined in ring member 170 reduces the inner diameter opening of ring member 170 and causes collar 107 to tighten inwards against first spacer 108. In some examples, the first and second spacers are not included, and the collar tightens against the shaft directly.

In the present example, second spacer 109 is electrical tape wrapped around and adhered to shaft 101. However, the second spacer may be any suitable material that mounts to the shaft and increases its effective diameter.

Coupling Members

Coupling members 104 serve to selectively secure resistance training handle 100 to resistance source handle 191. By selectively securing resistance training handle 100 to resistance source handle 191, a user can push, pull, or lift resistance training handle 100 under the resistance supplied by resistance source 190. Expressed another way, coupling members 104 link resistance training handle 100 to resistance source handle 191 to enable force transfer between them.

As shown in FIGS. 1-4, two coupling members 104 are provided in resistance training handle 100. However, more or fewer coupling members may be included in other examples, such as a single coupling member or three or more coupling members.

In the example shown in FIGS. 1-4, coupling members 104 are offset from the center of shaft 101 an equal distance on either side of the center. The exact placement of the coupling members will vary in different examples.

By comparing FIGS. 2 and 3, the reader can see that coupling members 104 can be rolled up on shaft 101 (as shown in FIG. 2) or unrolled and extended from shaft 101 (as shown in FIG. 3). Rolling up coupling members 104 may make resistance training handle 100 easier to transport and store. Extending coupling member 104 enables them to selectively couple to resistance source handle 191, such as shown in FIG. 1.

Coupling members 104 are straps with hook-and-loop fasteners disposed on the straps. The hook-and-loop strap material may be supplied in a roll for desired lengths to be cut and secured to shaft 101. The coupling members may be any currently known or later developed type of coupling member, such as cords, chains, straps, and the like. The coupling members may include hooks or other connectors to facilitate linking to a given resistance source.