Patent Document

FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to a wrist strap for weight lifting and exercising. The invention also has application to technology outside of traditional weight lifting exercises, where the user needs additional gripping security for lifting heavy loads. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    During weight lifting, a common safety concern arises when the weight bar or handle becomes slippery due to perspiration from the person exercising. In some cases, heavy weights can slip out of the hands of the user and pose a danger to the weight lifter as well as to people nearby. In addition, muscle fatigue in the hands and fingers of the person exercising could cause the weight lifter to lose his grip and inadvertently drop the weights. There exists a need in the art for a safety strap that can help reduce the incidence of inadvertently dropped weights. Further, there exists a need in the art for a wrist extension strap that can help the weight lifter transfer a portion of the weight load from his hands and fingers to his wrist and arms. Such a device would not only provide a more safe weight lifting environment but would also allow the weight lifter to more efficiently develop muscles by increasing the total lifting capacity of the lifter. The present invention offers these novel advantages and features. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0003]    The present invention provides an automatic coiling wrist strap for use in lifting heavy loads. The wrist strap has a loop that is securely placed around the weight lifter&#39;s wrist. A coiling length extends away from the loop and automatically coils around the bar or handle of the load to be lifted by the user. The invention is configured so that the user&#39;s hand can fit over the coiling length and secure, by friction or pressure, the apparatus to the bar or handle of the load. In this manner, the present invention provides a more secure connection between the lifter and the load that can be quickly and easily engaged or released from the load. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION THE DRAWINGS 
         [0004]      FIG. 1  is a side perspective view of the wrist strap of the present invention in an extended or fully flat position. 
           [0005]      FIG. 2  is another side perspective view of the wrist strap of the preset invention with the coiling end in a coiled position. 
           [0006]      FIG. 3  is yet another side perspective view of the wrist strap of the present invention where the length of the strap is threaded through the noose to form the wrist loop, with the coiling end being in a coiled position. 
       
    
    
       [0007]    It will be appreciated that the drawings are illustrative and not limiting of the scope of the invention which is defined by the appended claims. The embodiments shown accomplish various aspects and objects of the invention. It is appreciated that it is not possible to clearly show each element and aspect of the invention in a single figure, and as such, multiple figures are presented to separately illustrate the various details of the invention in greater clarity. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    Referring to  FIGS. 1-3 , the present invention provides a strap ( 10 ) formed from athletic webbing. Strap ( 10 ) should be of a length sufficient to provide the looping and coiling functions described below. Strap ( 10 ) has a noose portion ( 14 ) and an opposite coiling portion ( 12 ). A noose ( 20 ) is formed in strap ( 10 ) by looping the distal end of noose portion ( 14 ) back over strap ( 10 ) and affixing it in position by sewing or otherwise securing the distal end of noose portion ( 14 ) to strap ( 10 ). Once noose ( 20 ) is formed, the stretched flat length of strap ( 10 ) should be from 16 to 20 inches in length, preferably 17 inches. 
         [0009]    The coiling feature of the present invention is accomplished by inserting a resilient, yet pliable, coiling material ( 30 ) into the distal end of coiling portion ( 12 ) of strap ( 10 ). Such coiling materials are well known in the art and including commercially available “snap straps” commonly found in decorative wrist bands and bracelets, watch bands, and other similar devices. One acceptable type of coiling material that is useful for obtaining a quick coiling action is a segment from a common metal retractable tape measure. If strap ( 10 ) is made from tubed webbing, then coiling material ( 30 ) can be inserted into the tubular hollow of the distal end of coiling portion ( 12 ) and then sealed into the webbing through a common heat seal or by sewing the distal end of coiling portion ( 12 ) shut. If flat webbing is used, then coiling material ( 30 ) can be affixed to the exterior of strap ( 10 ). One advantage to affixing coiling material ( 30 ) to the exterior of the strap is that non-slip materials can be used or applied to coiling material ( 30 ) that will increase the device&#39;s overall gripping strength across the weight bar or exercise handle. 
         [0010]    Coiling material ( 30 ) should be of sufficient length to allow coiling portion ( 12 ) to wrap at least one-and-a-half times around the weight bar or exercise handle. In this manner, the present invention allows the coiled portion of strap ( 10 ) to be in friction against itself and thereby provide a more secure gripping function across the weight bar or exercise handle. Coiling material ( 30 ) is preferably from 7 to 9 inches in length, most preferably 8.5 inches in length. This length allows the necessary wrapping overage for most standard sized weight bars. 
         [0011]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , with noose ( 20 ) formed and coiling material ( 30 ) secured either within or on the surface of strap ( 10 ), wrist loop ( 40 ) is made by inserting the distal end of coiling portion ( 12 ) into noose ( 20 ) and pulling strap ( 10 ) through noose ( 20 ) until coiling material ( 30 ) is pulled completely through the noose. The user can then insert his hand through wrist loop ( 40 ). With the hand placed in wrist loop ( 40 ), the user can easily straighten out coiling portion ( 12 ) and then quickly snap it into place around the weight bar or exercise handle. By gripping all or part of coiling portion ( 12 ) against the weight bar or exercise handle with the hand through wrist strap ( 40 ), the user can effectively rely on more arm and shoulder strength in lifting or moving the load without fear of accidentally losing his grip. This enhanced attachment point is safe, however, because the user can easily release the load by relaxing his grip. 
         [0012]    The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

Technology Category: 1