Load distributing grip handle
Grip handles for coupling to a resistance force provided by exercise equipment, resistance bands, or the user's own bodyweight. Each grip handle is defined by an increasing outer surface circumference along the length of the handle to form a generally conical shaped handhold attached to a rigid or flexible member. Where, the member is coupled at the apex of the grip handle. The generally cone shaped handle provides a comfortable and ergonomic surface to securely distribute the user's grip force during the exercise movements, thus significantly reducing the pressure points and grip requirements of current exercise handles. Where in one embodiment, the flexible member may be a resistance band or in another embodiment, it may be a rope or other type of flexible cable attached to a cable pull machine, suspension trainer anchor, or other type of exercise machine. Additionally, it is conceived that the invention could be a single flexible member with a cone handle at each end, or an individual handle with a cone grip on one end and a means of attaching the flexible member of the grip to an exercise machine.
1. Grip handles for exercise equipment of the type that provides a resistance force, consisting essentially of:
(a) a pair of cone shaped grips each having a front end, a rear end, said cone shaped grips having a cone angle of from 10°-35° and made from a rubber of Shore hardness 20-00 to 80A or a thermal plastic elastomer of Shore hardness 30A to 80A, each of said grips having a hole extending through the center thereof from said front end to the said rear end, to an enlarged section at said rear end of said grips;
(b) a flexible member having opposite ends, each end of said flexible member passing through said hole of each of said grip; and the end of each of said member that passes through said hole being attached to said grip inside of said enlarged section of said hole; and
(c) a bracket having a pulley located therein, said bracket coupled and located intermediate said ends of said flexible member, said bracket being attached to an exercise device, said flexible member moveable through said bracket.
2. The grip handles according to claim 1 wherein said cone shaped grips have a cone angle of from 15°-30°.
3. The grip handles according to claim 1 wherein the outside of said grip is smooth.
4. The grip handles according to claim 1 wherein said grip is made of the thermal plastic elastomer having a Shore hardness of Shore 30A to 80A.