Active and passive handle for exercise device

A handle for exercise devices provides a flexible cord having a loop formed in one end for slidable extension through a medial channel defined in a handle. The handle provides a diametrically larger knob-like structure proximate the inner end of the loop with a diametrically smaller elongate body extending a spaced distance away therefrom. The loop extending from the handle has a tubular cover about its medial portion to protect a user and provide frictional engagement with a wrist. The handle allows varying degrees of user gripping from a completely passive to a completely active type as determined by a user.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 
A. Related Applications 
There are no applications related hereto heretofore filed by the instant 
inventor in this or any foreign country. 
B. Field of Invention 
My invention relates generally to passive handles for exercise devices, and 
more particularly to a loop type handle formed in a flexible cord with an 
elongate handle slidably carried thereon to allow user determination of 
the degree of passivity of use. 
C. Background and Description of Prior Art 
Exercise of the upper portion of the human body is generally accomplished 
by some type of activity of the arms, and this activity when conducted in 
conjunction with exercise devices generally involves the gripping of some 
sort of a handle structure by the hands. Exercise devices for this 
purpose, both for the amateur and for professional therapeutic use, are 
many and varied, but most share in common some sort of a handle structure 
to maintain the user's hand relative to the exercise device. The instant 
invention provides a new and novel handle to allow varying degrees of 
passive use of such exercise devices. 
Handles for upper body exercise devices generally have provided some sort 
of a rigid, cylindrical structure that extends laterally across the palm 
or inner finger portion of a user's hand so that the outer finger portion 
of the hand may be closed about the handle to grasp and positionally 
maintain it. Most of such handle structures take the form of an elongate 
rod-like element extending between the spacedly opposed legs of a 
stirrup-type yoke. Such handles are often configured in somewhat of a 
barrel-like shape with a prolately enlarged medial portion to better, more 
comfortably and conformably fit a user's hand and aid grasping. The use of 
such type of handle structures has become so universal that users are 
habitually familiar with the structure and have developed muscular and 
neural responses for the grasping of such handles that aid that grasping, 
both by reason of muscular development and familiarity. 
Often when using exercise devices with such handle structure, especially in 
the case of rehabilitative physical therapy, the potential user may not 
have adequate muscle strength or neural control to effectively grasp and 
operatively maintain such a handle structure, yet exercise with such a 
device may not only be desirable but also necessary to aid in developing 
appropriate neural control and muscular strength. This creates a rather 
self-defeating type problem which has heretofore been recognized and 
responsively, various solutions have heretofore been proposed. My 
invention provides a novel solution to the problem in the form of a new 
and different handle structure. 
When a user cannot actively maintain appropriate manual interconnection 
with an exercise device, the most common method of providing such 
interconnections has been to use some type of a passive interconnecting 
device or mechanism. Most such passive connectors have provided an 
elongate, flexible strap or band that has been wrapped in some fashion, 
generally in multiple courses, about the fingers and the associated handle 
structure to interconnect a hand and a handle in a manner sufficient to 
allow the contemplated exercise functions. In some such interconnections a 
strap has been attached, generally in a single course, about some portion 
of the wrist or arm structure rather than being wound directly about the 
clenched fingers. Such straps also in some instances have provided a hook 
or other similar rigid fastening means to engage a handle to carry 
substantially the entire load or force generated thereby. Any such passive 
fastening devices, however, tend to disrupt the normal muscular and neural 
activity required for ordinary handle grasping and therefore do not 
completely fulfill the desired exercise result. Such devices also 
generally require either completely active or completely passive grasping 
and do not allow variations that partially involve both activities, so 
that it is not possible to accomplish varying degrees of active handle 
grasping with them. 
My invention, in contradistinction to such prior devices, provides an 
elongate flexible cord element knotted at its end part to form a loop 
which extends through an elongate slidable handle having an enlarged 
knot-facing portion with a smaller body portion extending therefrom. The 
handle is used with the loop extending about the back of the user's wrist 
and with the handle portion on the palm, oriented with the enlarged 
portion facing the fingertips and the interconnecting cord extending 
between two of a user's fingers. With this arrangement, the loop may be 
completely passively used to interconnect a user's hand by tightening it 
appropriately by moving the handle. A user may also tighten his fingers 
about the handle member in a grasping fashion to allow varying degrees of 
active involvement of the hand and fingers as determined by the user. This 
handle structure then provides a handle that extends more in an elongate 
fashion on a palm side of a user's hand, as opposed to the generally 
lateral fashion of the ordinary handle, and allows varying amount of 
active participation in grasping, from a completely passive type grip to a 
completely active one as determined by a user. 
My invention resides not in any one of these features individually, but 
rather in the synergistic combination of all of the structures of my 
handle that necessarily give rise to the functions flowing therefrom, as 
herein specified and claimed. 
SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
My invention generally provides a structure having an elongate flexible 
cord knotted at a first end to form a loop with its second end 
interconnected to an exercise device. The loop carries an elongate padding 
tube about its medial portion, and slidably carries a handle structure 
about its inner portion adjacent the loop forming knot. The handle 
structure provides an elongate cylinder with a diametrically larger 
knot-facing knob portion and a diametrically smaller body portion both 
defining a medial loop channel, therethrough to allow slidable support on 
the loop between the knot and the padding tube. 
In providing such a handle structure, it is: 
A principal object of my invention to create a handle for exercise devices 
that may be used in varying modes from a completely passive to complete 
actively held mode. 
It is a further object of my invention to provide such a handle with which 
a user may select by his neural and muscular control the degree of 
passivity and activity with which the handle is to be used. 
A further object of my invention is to provide such a handle structure that 
in use may maintain the traditional and habitually familiar muscular and 
neural reactions that are incurred in grasping rigid rod-like handle 
structure such as traditionally extend laterally across the palm of the 
hand of a user and are positionally maintained by grasping the fingers 
thereabout. 
A still further object of my invention is to provide such a device that is 
of new and novel design, of rugged and durable nature, of simple and 
economic manufacture and one otherwise well suited to the uses and 
purposes for which it is intended. 
Other and further objects of my invention will appear from the following 
specification and accompanying drawings which form a part hereof. In 
carrying out the objects of my invention, however, it is to be understood 
that its features are susceptible of change in design and structural 
arrangement, with only one preferred and practical embodiment being 
described as is required.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
My invention generally provides elongate flexible cord 10 having a first 
end interconnectable to an exercising machine and a second end defining a 
loop slidably carrying elongate handle 11 in its inner part and tubular 
gripping member 12 about its outer part. 
Flexible cord 10 defines a configuration having elongate body portion 13 
with loop 14 formed by looping one end part upon the body and fastening it 
to the body portion by knot 15. Body portion 13 is of appropriate length 
to interconnect with an exercise device and position loop portion 14 where 
it is desired that the device be gripped by the hand of a user. Loop 
portion 14 is approximately twelve inches in circumference, though this 
dimension is neither essential nor critical so long as the loop dimension 
is somewhat greater than the circumference of a wrist to be supported. 
Knot 15 is of a type that provides a non-slipping interconnection of the 
cord end with the cord body, such as the knot commonly known as a bowline. 
The knot, in and of itself, is not critical to my invention and other 
types of non-slipping interconnection of the cord portions may serve the 
same function, such as a ferrule, wire connector, splicing or the like, as 
the primary purpose of the knot is to form a fixed loop structure. 
Cord 10 is formed from some resiliently flexible material, commonly of a 
fibrous nature, and by a process that provides sufficient confirmational 
integrity to reasonably well maintain the cord shape during usage. The 
cord has a generally circular cross-section and may be formed by weaving, 
braiding or twisting for maintenance of configurational integrity. The 
cord must have sufficient strength to fulfill its purpose of operating an 
exercise device, but yet should not have too large a diameter so as to be 
too cumbersome or bulky. The ideal diametric size range approximates 0.25 
inch or thereabouts, and cords of this size provide appropriate strength 
when formed from various woven or twisted polymeric fibers, especially 
nylon, polyethylene or similar polymeres. Such materials have the added 
advantage of providing a relatively smooth, harder cord surface which 
tends to aid slipping motion of handle 11 on cord loop 10 and also 
provides a durable structure. Undoubtedly, however, most fibrous cord 
materials of flexible nature, reasonable size and appropriate strength 
will fulfill the purposes of my invention, if possibly not so well. 
Elongate handle 11 provides diametrically smaller body portion 16 and 
diametrically larger head portion 17. In the instance illustrated, the 
handle is defined by a surface of revolution, though this shape is not 
essential to my handle structure and it may take other cross-sectional 
shapes, especially various asymmetrical shapes of a somewhat oblate 
cross-section. The head portion 17 has a diameter generally two to three 
times greater than the diameter of body portion 16, and preferably, though 
not necessarily, these handle elements will be formed with relatively 
smooth curvilinear transition zones between surfaces at their 
intersections and about edges for ease and convenience of use, prevention 
of injuries that might be caused by the handle, and improved aethestics. 
The length of the handle, that is the dimension along its axis, is such as 
to allow convenient holding in the hand of a user. This usually requires 
an overall length of approximately three inches, with a major body 
diameter of approximately 0.75 inch and a head diameter of approximately 
1.5 inches. These dimensions are illustrative only and may vary in 
individual cases and yet remain within the spirit and scope of my 
invention so long as the handle purposes are fulfilled. 
The medial portion of the handle defines cord channel 18 extending axially 
therethrough to allow slidable carriage on the looped portion 14 of the 
flexible cord. Channel 18 is so sized and configured as to allow the 
insertion therethrough and slidable passage of the opposed strands of loop 
14. The cord strands are preferably maintained in channel 18 with some 
frictional engagement to positionally maintain the handle on the loop when 
in unstressed condition, but yet allow sliding motion of the handle upon 
the loop strands with relatively small manipulative force. The channel in 
the instance illustrated is of somewhat elongate shape to accomplish this 
purpose, though the shape is not critical and may vary so long as it 
fulfills the purposes stated. The overall cross-sectional size of the cord 
channel should be such as to prevent knot 15, or any corresponding 
fastening structure, from passing therethrough to maintain the handle 
structure on the loop portion 14 of the cord and prevent its passage 
inwardly onto body portion 13 of the cord. This structure is a matter of 
convenience rather than necessity, however, and the handle may be 
operative, though not so conveniently so, even though the knot or its 
equivalent does not prevent handle passage thereover. 
The handle is formed of some rigid, reasonably durable material such as 
wood or polymeric or resinous plastic. If desired, the entire exterior 
surface of the handle or selected portions may be provided with grip 
aiding devices (not shown) such as knurling or soft frictional materials 
to aid gripping during use. By reason of the overall configuration of the 
handle, however, such gripping generally aids are not necessary and 
gripping may be readily accomplished for most use without aids. 
Tubular gripping member 12 provides elongate tube 19 of a length sufficient 
to cover about one third of the length of loop 14. The gripping member in 
the form illustrated has an annular cross-section with a major external 
diameter of approximately three times that of cord 10 and an internal 
channel diameter substantially the same as that of the external diameter 
of cord 10 so that the cord may extend through the channel, but yet the 
gripping member will be positionally maintained on the cord with some 
frictional resistance to sliding motion. The gripping member is formed of 
a relatively soft, resiliently deformable material, preferably with a 
surface of reasonably high frictional characteristics such as rubber or 
various elastomeric or softer polymeric plastics that provide reasonable 
strength and durability. The cross-sectional shape of tubular member PG,13 
19 that is illustrated is not essential to my invention and other 
cross-sectional shapes, especially those of a somewhat flattened or oblate 
nature will serve its purposes and in some instances may be more desirable 
than the circular cross sectional shape. 
Having thusly described the structure of my handle, its use may be 
understood. 
My handle is for use in conjunction with various exercise devices that 
require a pulling or tensive force in their operation and are manipulated 
by the hands of a user. These devices in the past commonly have used some 
type of a rigid rod-like handle for grasping by force of a user's fingers 
wrapped thereabout. Such handles may interconnect with the associated 
exercise device in various fashions, but most commonly they are 
interconnected by a flexible linkage of cord-like nature. My invention 
replaces such actively operated handle structures. 
For use, a handle structure is created according to the foregoing 
specification. Commonly such structures will be used in pairs, though they 
may be used singly or n groups greater than two. In the case of an 
exercise device already having a cord-like operative element, the cord of 
my handle is interconnected in that operative system, with the length of 
cord 10 being appropriately adjusted to position the handle 11 at an 
appropriate position relative to the exercising device for use in its 
ordinary and traditional fashion. 
If an exercise device with which my invention is to be used provides some 
other type of handle structure that is interconnected in a fashion other 
than by a flexible cord-like element, the flexible cord of my device is 
interconnected to that handle or associated structure by known methods and 
the length of cord 10 is adjusted to position handle 11 in appropriate 
relationship to the exercise device to allow normal use in a traditional 
fashion by a user. The interconnection of cord 10 to the exercise device 
may be accomplished directly by wrapping and knotting the cord about the 
existing structures of that device or by use of various known mechanical 
connectors. Once my handle structure is established on an exercise device 
by the interconnection described, it is ready for use as illustrated 
particularly in FIGS. 3A and 3B. 
For use, handle 11 is moved immediately adjacent knot 15 to enlarge loop 14 
to its maximum size. Gripping member 12 is moved to a medial position in 
the loop, if it not be in such a position. The movement of these elements 
relative to each other is readily accomplished by appropriate manual 
manipulation by sliding either the handle or gripping member on the cord 
carrying it. In this condition, the handle structure is placed upon the 
hand of a user. 
The expanded loop 14 is placed about the back of a user's wrist with the 
gripping member 12 extending laterally across the back of the hand in 
approximately its medial portion and with the handle structure on the palm 
side of the handle as illustrated in FIG. 3A. Body portion 13 of the cord 
is then moved into the space between two of a user's fingers, commonly the 
second and third fingers, so that the cord body extends away from the hand 
on its back side. With the cord structure in this position, handle 11 is 
moved on loop 14, away from the fingers and toward the heel of the hand, 
to tighten the loop in a reasonably good fit about the back portion of the 
wrist, as illustrated particularly in FIG. 3B. In this position, the 
device is ready for use as a passive handle. 
In passive use of the handle, it is to be noted that cord 10 will exert a 
tensive force relative to an exercise device. As this occurs, since cord 
body 13 is carried at a point on the hand more distal from the palm and on 
the same side as the loop portion, tensive forces in cord 10 will tend to 
tighten loop 14 about the back of a user's wrist because of the angular 
relationship between the cord body and the loop. As this occurs and as 
more force is applied to the cord body, the loop will be tightened to 
provide positional maintenance about the wrist corresponding to the amount 
of tensive force that is exerted by cord body 13, to automatically adjust 
the holding capacity of loop 14 to the capacity required. In this 
condition, the loop may be completely passively retained on the hand, and 
tensive type exercise operations may be carried out in such a fashion as 
desired. 
Handle 11 also allows the device to be used with varying degrees of 
activity as may be desired by a user. To establish active use of the 
handle, the fingers are moved inwardly over the palm of the hand and about 
handle 11 until the handle is grasped by the inner surface of the fingers, 
between them and the adjacent portion of the palm. In this condition, the 
grip of the fingers may be tightened about the handle structure by 
voluntary control of the muscles of the hand. As this grasping increases, 
the holding of the handle of my exercise device produces substantially the 
same muscular reactions as are produced in active grasping of a typical 
cylindrical type handle extending transversely in the hand. The degree of 
active holding of the handle may be increased from a null amount to 
substantially the same degree of active force as would be required to hold 
s rod-type handle with the same resistive force restraining its motion. My 
handle structure then allows use of an exercise device with completely 
passive hand activity through selectively determinable degrees of active 
grasping to an upper limit whereat the handle structure is completely 
actively grasped. 
It should be noted that my handle structure may be used with most hand 
manipulated exercise devices that make use of a tensive or pulling force, 
and in general the handle may be attached for use on such exercise devices 
without any, or at least only minor, structural modifications or changes 
in the exercise device. The handle structure, though designed primarily 
for manipulation by the hands of a user, may also be used in association 
with the feet or fastened about various portions of the limbs of a user. 
Though those uses are not the primary purpose of the device, they are yet 
within the ambit and scope of my invention, even though such use would be 
entirely passive. 
It should be further noted that, though not illustrated, the knotted end of 
the cord may be attached to the handle instead of being knotted about the 
body of the cord and still accomplish its same purpose. The loop also may 
be formed of compound interconnected elements rather than from a 
continuous length of cord. These variations remain within the ambit of my 
invention. 
It should be further noted that though my handle structure is intended 
primarily for use with exercise devices, it well might serve the 
additional purpose of fastening some object or item to the hand of a user 
for passive interconnection when that hand might not be capable of 
actively grasping the device for active interconnection, such as for 
carriage or other similar use. 
The foregoing description of my invention is necessarily of a detailed 
nature so that a specific embodiment of it might be set forth as required, 
but various modifications of detail, rearrangement and multiplication of 
parts might be resorted to without departing from its spirit, essence or 
scope.