Abstract:
A fitness handle which is used as an exercise device that allows a a resilient cord or tube to move in a linear direction in order to maintain consistent resistance. The fitness handle includes a grip and a frame. The frame includes an opening which allows the cord to slide. The cord or tube has an adjoining portion which fits into the opening of the handle.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present patent document claims the benefit of the filing date under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of Provisional U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 61/868,769, filed Aug. 22, 2013, which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     COPYRIGHT NOTICE 
       [0002]    A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0004]    The present disclosure relates generally to exercise devices and methods, and more particularly, to exercise devices and methods relating to resistance training. 
         [0005]    2. Description of Related Art 
         [0006]    Resistance training is often considered an essential component of any fitness program. A variety of different types of equipment are available for resistance training including free weights, weight machines, resistance bands, etc. Many people prefer using resistance bands/stretchable cords because of their ease of use and portability. Resistance bands generally include handle(s) and a stretchable cord. However, current devices have a fixed point which can limit the exercises a user can perform. Furthermore, current devices are prone to error and thus do not provide consistent and accurate resistance. Additionally, the fixed point can create stress on the cable over time. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    In accordance with the present disclosure, interchangeable rotating free-motion fitness handle systems that may be used by individuals for exercise/physical fitness purposes such as resistance training, and methods for creating them are illustrated and described herein. 
         [0008]    In one example of an interchangeable and rotational resistance tube handle system, a handle used as an exercise device (“fitness handle”) which allows a resilient cord, or tube to move in a linear direction in order to maintain consistent resistance is disclosed. The fitness handle doesn&#39;t require a fixed point for the resistance tube. The fitness handle includes a grip and a frame. The frame includes an opening which allows the cord to slide. The cord/tube/etc has an adjoining portion which fits into the opening of the handle. 
         [0009]    In another embodiment, a hinge-locking tube anchor and pulley system is disclosed. The mechanism may allow users to create an anchor point from which they are able to generate resistance using resistance tubes. Key features can include, but are not limited to, the outer ends of a component which allow sewn webbing loop, or suitable design, to be applied and removed from the component when the webbing is not under tension. 
         [0010]    It should be noted that this disclosure should not be limited to the embodiments disclosed herein. A variety of other embodiments are also possible using the concepts enclosed herein. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES (NON-LIMITING EMBODIMENTS OF THE DISCLOSURE) 
         [0011]      FIG. 1  illustrates an embodiment of an interchangeable rotating free-motion fitness handle system; 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  illustrates the components of an interchangeable rotating free-motion fitness handle system; 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  illustrates an isometric view of one embodiment of a fitness handle and anchoring mechanism; 
           [0014]      FIGS. 4A-4B  illustrates 3-dimensional views of one embodiment of a fitness handle and anchoring mechanism; 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  illustrates additional views of one embodiment of a fitness handle and anchoring mechanism; 
           [0016]      FIG. 6  illustrates several embodiments of an anchoring mechanism; 
           [0017]      FIGS. 7A-7C  illustrate various embodiments of a fitness handle; 
           [0018]      FIG. 8  illustrates various views of components of an embodiment of an interchangeable rotating free-motion fitness handle system; 
           [0019]      FIG. 9  illustrates a more detailed view of the components of an embodiment of an interchangeable rotating free-motion fitness handle system; 
           [0020]      FIG. 10  illustrates a detailed isometric view of the components of one embodiment of a fitness handle; 
           [0021]      FIG. 11  illustrates detailed views of the components of a grip and a resistance band insert; 
           [0022]      FIG. 12  illustrates one embodiment of a hinge-locking tube anchor and pulley system; 
           [0023]      FIG. 13  illustrates one embodiment of a button lock ankle/wrist attachment; 
           [0024]      FIG. 14  illustrates one embodiment of a multi-attachment point fitness harness; and 
           [0025]      FIG. 15  illustrates one embodiment of a fitness harness. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0026]    Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and which show, by way of illustration, specific exemplary embodiments. The principles described herein may, however, be embodied in many different forms. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. In some instances, example measurements are mentioned merely as illustrations of one or more embodiments and not to restrict the invention. Moreover, in the figures, like referenced numerals may be placed to designate corresponding parts throughout the different views. 
         [0027]    An interchangeable rotating free-motion fitness handle system may provide more accurate and consistent results because the tube/cord is always stretching linearly and thus, it&#39;s not manipulated by a fixed point. Additional muscles can be targeted by using the rotational features. 
         [0028]    In one example of an interchangeable rotating free-motion fitness handle system, a fitness handle that features an opening “oculus” that permits a resistance tube anchoring mechanism to enter into a sliding channel such that when combined with a rotational-hand-grip, allows a fitness resistance tube equipped with a resistance tube anchoring mechanism to both pan left and right, as well as hinge up and down as users move through exercise motions is disclosed. A “barb” that may be located next to the oculus prevents the resistance tube anchoring mechanism from exiting the sliding channel when under any tension. 
         [0029]    A resistance tube anchoring mechanism can be a mechanism that is applied to the tail end(s) of plugged resistance tubes which allows for said tubes to be connected to tube accessories including interchangeable handle(s) and any appropriate accessories. Such accessories may be equipped with, for example, a button-style fabric tube anchor point (see  FIG. 12  for example). Of course, the length and resistance characteristics of the cables/stretch tubes the resistance tube anchoring mechanism is applied to can vary depending on the needs of the user. 
         [0030]    A hinge-locking tube anchor and pulley system may be a mechanism that allows users to create an anchor point from which they are able to generate resistance using resistance tubes. Key features can include, but are not limited to, the outer ends of a component which allow sewn webbing loop, or suitable design, to be applied and removed from the component when said webbing is not under tension. The component may be made of, but of course, is not limited to plastic. Other suitable materials may be also be used. 
         [0031]    When under tension, the webbing loops may secure the component as an anchor point, while allowing it to rotate, creating a pulley which responds to torsion friction applied by the fitness tube, thereby reducing wear/damage to the tube. This removable webbing loop design allows the hinge-locking tube anchor and pulley system to be secured to door hinges to create a superiorly secure anchor point, regardless of user orientation to the door. This allows the system to work on both open and closed doors, and offers the convenience of remaining in place when not in use, if the user so chooses. One additional feature is the larger pulley guide fins that define the outer limits of the pulley space. These large fins respond to pressure coming from the resistance tube, when in use, and adjust the orientation of the pulley to minimize wear on the tubes as different exercise movements are performed. 
         [0032]    A button-lock ankle/wrist Attachment allows a sewn or otherwise connected cuff to be attached to body regions of the user without requiring hand-grip. The key feature is the sewn button lock (slit) which receives the resistance tube anchoring mechanism and holds it securely when under tension, similar to the manner a shirt button behaves. The length of fabric between the sewn button lock and the sewn attachment point to the cuff creates a flexible ‘hinge’ which allows the system to remain secure as orientation to the tube forces change. 
         [0033]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , an exemplary embodiment of an interchangeable rotating free-motion fitness handle system is illustrated. Interchangeable rotating free-motion fitness handle system includes cable/stretch tube/resistance band (“fitness tube”)  110  and interchangeable and rotational fitness handle system  120 . 
         [0034]      FIG. 2  illustrates the components of an interchangeable rotating free-motion fitness handle system.  FIG. 2  includes an exemplary stretch tube/resistance band  110 , anchoring mechanism  210  and fitness handle  220 . Flat slide surface  211  of anchoring mechanism  210  is also illustrated. 
         [0035]      FIGS. 3-5  illustrate various views of fitness handle system  120 . Referring briefly to  FIGS. 4A and 5 , opening  410  allows the anchoring mechanism  210  to enter into a sliding channel  420  such that when combined with a rotational-hand grip  430  allows a fitness tube to both pan left and right, as well as hinge up and down as users move through exercise motions. Barb  440  can prevent the anchoring mechanism  210  from exiting sliding channel  420  when under any tension. 
         [0036]      FIG. 6  illustrates several embodiments of anchoring mechanism  210  including pill  610 , barrel  620 , and cone  630 . As can be seen, fitness tube  110  can be inserted into the anchoring mechanisms  610 ,  620 , and  630 .  FIGS. 7A-7C  illustrate various embodiments of a fitness handle  220 .  FIGS. 7A-7C  also illustrate more detailed views of some embodiments of sliding channel  710  and rotational-hand grip  720 .  FIG. 8  illustrates various views of components of an embodiment of an interchangeable rotating free-motion fitness handle system. 
         [0037]      FIG. 9  illustrates a more detailed view of the components of an embodiment of an interchangeable rotating free-motion fitness handle system. This embodiment of an interchangeable rotating free-motion fitness handle system includes clip lock  910 , plastic grip with TPR overmold  920 , frame/main body  930 , connection bar  940  and anchoring mechanism  210 . Plastic grip with TPR overmold  920  may provide a comfortable grip to a user and may not be required. While this embodiment uses a plastic grip with TPR overmold, numerous alternative grips are also possible within the scope of the invention. The anchoring mechanism  210  includes resistance band insert  950  for inserting a resistance band. Clip lock  910  may be made from a variety of different materials. In one embodiment clip lock  910  is made of plastic. Other materials may be used within the scope of the invention. Additionally, any specific measurements in this figure and others are illustrated to assist in the understanding of the invention and not to restrict or in any way limit the invention. 
         [0038]      FIG. 10  illustrates detailed views of the components of one embodiment of a fitness handle. Clip lock  910 , main body  930 , and connection bar  940  are further broken down to illustrate the components in detail. Once again, measurements in  FIG. 10  are illustrated to assist in the understanding of the invention and not to restrict or limit the invention. 
         [0039]      FIG. 11  illustrates detailed views of the components of grip  920  and resistance band insert  950 .  FIG. 12  illustrates one embodiment of a fitness cable anchor and pulley system. Multi cable pulley  1210  may be designed such that it is wear reducing, thus increasing the life of the system. A rib  1220  may be added for strength purposes. Loop  1230  may “lock” onto the pulley  1210  contour when under tension, and may completely encompass the hinge for added safety. Loop  1230  may be sewn. The material of loop  1230  may be made of nylon but any other suitable material can also be used. The system may be used on both sides of the door  1240 . For example, an open door install may be configured to stay up when the door is opened or not in use. 
         [0040]      FIG. 13  illustrates one embodiment of a button lock ankle/wrist attachment. In this embodiment, a Velcro strap with a soft-inner-backer is used.  FIG. 14  illustrates one embodiment of a multi-attachment point fitness harness.  FIG. 15  illustrates one embodiment of a 360 degree rotating fitness harness. 
         [0041]    While various embodiments of the invention have been described, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many more embodiments and implementations are possible within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be restricted, except as set forth in the following claims.