Handle and Handle Assembly for Coupling to Exercise Equipment

This Patent application claims benefit and priority to Provisional Application No. 63/649,354, filed on May 18, 2024, titled “Exercise cable machine handle(s) to prevent people grabbing cable(s) directly and bring better comfort than standard rope handle(s)”, the contents of which are incorporated herein in its entirety.

The present invention relates to handle and handle assemblies which may be attached and/or coupled to exercise equipment, exercise machines, or sports equipment. More particularly, the present invention relates to a handle with specifically designed ergonomic curvatures which allows for versatile use and a more secure grip for a multitude of handle orientations.

Pull rope handles are commonly used attachments for cable machines in exercises like triceps pushdowns, face pulls, rope curls, and ab crunches. The most typical design features two thick braided nylon ropes joined at the top with a metal ring and finished at each end with rubber or plastic stoppers for grip. Variants include single rope handles for unilateral work, adjustable ropes for customizable length, and ball-grip handles that provide enhanced control with spherical grips.

Despite their widespread use, rope handles come with several notable shortcomings. One major limitation is the restricted grip variety—they primarily support only a neutral grip, offering little flexibility for different wrist angles or ergonomic positions. This can reduce exercise variation and increase wrist discomfort over time. Additionally, the rope texture, while durable, can be harsh on the hands and prone to slippage, especially when sweating, leading to premature grip fatigue.

Another disadvantage is the instability of the load during exercises. When used directly as a handle, ropes can twist or move unevenly under tension, which is unfavorable for movements that require rigid control or a consistent path, limiting maximum strength output. Over time, this can hinder muscle development or increase the risk of injury. The lack of structural support or wrist alignment can also contribute to joint strain during heavy or repetitive use. Durability is another concern; the braided nylon can fray quicker when used directly as a handle. Additionally, hygiene is a further concern, since it is not easy to clean existing machine ropes, straps or wires.

In light of the above disadvantages, there remains a need for a handle design or handle assembly which provides improved functionality, a more ergonomic design to reduce risk of injury, allow greater variation of hand grips, and provides a stronger structural construction which will resist cracking and general wear and tear.

The present invention provides an improved handle suitable for coupling to exercise or sports equipment. The handle includes a curved upper section, an elongated middle section, and a curved lower section, where the circumference of the lower section is greater than that of the upper and middle sections. This geometry enhances grip stability and ergonomic support, particularly when pulling or pushing against resistance.

In some embodiments, the handle further includes a bottom portion that may be either curved or flat. The middle section may have a progressively increasing external slope and/or circumference from top to bottom to conform to the natural contour of a user's hand. Both the upper and lower sections may feature convex curvatures for improved ergonomics.

The handle may be composed of materials such as polymers, elastomers, rubber, metals, or a composite material. In certain embodiments, the handle comprises a multi-material construction, with an inner core made from a stronger material (e.g., metal or rigid polymer), and an external portion made from a softer or more tactile material (e.g., rubber or elastomer) to enhance grip and comfort.

Additional features may include a central attachment aperture for coupling the handle to a cable, strap, or bar, and a grip pattern on the outer surface that includes continuous parallel grooves and discontinuous longitudinal grooves to resist slipping and improve handling during use.

The cross-sectional shape of the handle may be circular, oval, egg-shaped, rounded or sharp edge polygonal, or other ergonomically suitable configurations. The middle section may also incorporate a plurality of concave grooves to further enhance the gripping experience.

Also disclosed is a handle assembly, which incorporates a handle and a coupling mechanism. The coupling mechanism includes internal attachment portion and an external attachment portion, which is visible outside of the handle. The external attachment portion is used for coupling and attachment to various exercise equipment, while the internal attachment portion serves to securely attach and keep in place a rope, wire, strap, fabric, bar or shaft, or other material which connects the internal and external attachment portions and forms the coupling mechanism.

The handles and handle assemblies provided herein are designed to provide ergonomic support for a variety of hand positions, particularly when pulling, pushing or performing sideways movements against a resistance force. Other advantages will become apparent and are discussed in more detail if the following sections of this disclosure.

Various terms are used to refer to particular system components. Different companies may refer to a component by different names—this document does not intend to distinguish between components that differ in name but not function. In the following discussion and in the claims, the terms “including” and “comprising” are used in an open-ended fashion, and thus should be interpreted to mean “including, but not limited to . . . .” Also, the term “couple” or “couples” or “coupling” is intended to mean either an indirect or a direct connection. Thus, if a first device couples to a second device, that connection may be through a direct connection or through an indirect connection via other devices and connections.

As used herein, the term “exercise equipment” refers to any device, apparatus, machine, tool, or implement designed or adapted to facilitate physical activity, bodily training, or rehabilitation through resistance, movement, or muscular engagement. This includes, stationary or movable machines such as rowing machines, weight stacks, resistance training machines, and cable systems; free weights such as dumbbells, barbells, kettlebells, and weight plates; resistance-based tools such as resistance bands, medicine balls, sandbags, and battle ropes; and handheld or body-worn devices used for fitness, strength training, stretching, or conditioning, such as grip trainers, jump ropes, balance boards, and suspension training systems. Cable systems include dual adjustable pulley machines, cable crossover machines, lateral pulldown machines, low row cable machines, all-in one machines, jungle gym systems, smith machine, adjustable single-pulley machines, or wall mounted cable machines. Exercise equipment referred to herein may be motorized or manually operated, and may be intended for use in gyms, homes, rehabilitation facilities, or outdoor environments.

As used herein, the term “cable stop” refers to a fitting in cable exercise machines, which used to secure the end of a cable, rope or other connection material used in the machine. The cable stop is used to prevent the cable from slipping out of its attachment point and to ensure it does not detach from the machine's pulley system.

The term “about” is used in conjunction with numeric values to include normal variations in measurements as expected by persons skilled in the art, and is understood to have the same meaning as “approximately” and to cover a typical margin of error, such as ±15%, ±10%, ±5%, ±1%, ±0.5%, or even ±0.1% of the stated value. The term “about” also encompasses amounts that differ due to different equilibrium conditions for a composition resulting from a particular initial composition. Whether or not modified by the term “about,” the claims include equivalents to the quantities.

It should be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to a composition containing “a compound” includes having two or more compounds that are either the same or different from each other. It should also be noted that the term “or” is generally employed in its sense including “and/or” unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. As used herein, “and/or” refers to and encompasses any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items, as well as the lack of combinations when interpreted in the alternative (“or”).

In the interest of brevity and conciseness, any ranges of values set forth in this specification contemplate all values within the range and are to be construed as support for claims reciting any sub-ranges having endpoints which are real number values within the specified range in question. By way of a hypothetical illustrative example, a disclosure in this specification of a range of from 1 to 5 shall be considered to support claims to any of the following ranges: 1-5; 1-4; 1-3; 1-2; 2-5; 2-4; 2-3; 3-5; 3-4; and 4-5.

The term “substantially” is utilized herein to represent the inherent degree of uncertainty that can be attributed to any quantitative comparison, value, measurement, or other representation. The term “substantially” is also utilized herein to represent the degree by which a quantitative representation can vary from a stated reference without resulting in a change in the basic function of the subject matter at issue.

The term “comprise,” “comprises,” and “comprising” as used herein, specify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

As used herein, the transitional phrase “consisting essentially of” means that the scope of a claim is to be interpreted to encompass the specified materials or steps recited in the claim and those that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s) of the claimed invention. Thus, the term “consisting essentially of” when used in a claim of this invention is not intended to be interpreted to be equivalent to “comprising.”

The terms “preferred” and “preferably” refer to embodiments that may afford certain benefits, under certain circumstances. However, other embodiments may also be preferred, under the same or other circumstances. Furthermore, the recitation of one or more preferred embodiments does not imply that other embodiments are not useful, and is not intended to exclude other embodiments from the scope of the present disclosure.

As used throughout this description, and in the claims, a list of items joined by the term “at least one of” or “one or more of” can mean any combination of the listed terms. For example, the phrase “at least one of X, Y or Z” can mean X; Y; Z; X and Y; X and Z; Y and Z; or X, Y and Z

“A”, “an”, and “the” as used herein refers to both singular and plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” “top,” “bottom,” and the like, may be used herein. These spatially relative terms can be used for ease of description to describe one element's or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. The spatially relative terms may also be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use, or operation, in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptions used herein interpreted accordingly.

Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, reaction conditions, and so forth used in the specification are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in this specification are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by the presently disclosed subject matter.

The present invention provides a handle assembly for coupling to various types of exercise equipment, sporting equipment, and/or utility equipment. The handle assembly is ergonomically designed for comfort and grip for over seven different hand orientations, and structurally adapted to securely interface with cables, ropes, resistance bands, or other attachment systems through a coupling mechanism. The components and their configurations are described below in detail with reference to the preferred embodiments.

Referring tothe handlecomprises various precisely designed curved sections: a curved upper section, an elongated middle section, and a curved lower section. As can be seen in, the lower sectionhas a circumference greater than that of both the upper sectionand the middle section, providing a flared, bell-shaped base that resists slippage and offers increased support for the palm during gripping.

As seen in, the elongated middle sectionhas a sloped exterior and gradually increases in circumference from the top to the bottom, improving the ergonomic fit within a user's hand. Both the upper sectionand lower sectionhave outwardly curved convex curvature, while the elongated middle sectionhas a slightly concave shape towards its bottom end, in the location where it meets the lower section.

In one embodiment, the handlefurther comprises a bottom section. The embodiment shown inshows a bottom section which has a convex curve. In other embodiments, which can be seen inthe bottom sectionmay have an entirely flat surface with no curvature (), or it may have a surface with slight curvature, as shown in. The embodiment shown inhas a bottom section′, which has a smaller curvature, not as pronounced curvature, when compared to bottom sectionshown in. Additionally, the elongated portion′ is also smaller in length, resulting in a slightly less elongated handle′, which is generally shorter in length, than the embodiment shown in.

As can be seen in, the handlehas an internal opening also referred to as a central attachment aperture, which is positioned along the long axis of the handle for connecting to exercise equipment such as resistance bands, cables, or other mechanical linkages. In certain embodiments, the central attachment apertureis formed through the entire length of the handle. In other embodiments, the attachment aperture may only run through half the length of the handle, or a distance less than the entire length. The cross-sectional shape of the attachment aperture may be generally circular, oval, square with rounded or sharp edges, narrowed rectangular with rounded or sharp edges, or any known suitable shape.

In one embodiment, as shown in, a cross-sectional view of the handleis shown, where the central attachment aperturehas a first sectionwith a smaller circumference (or smaller opening) and a second sectionwith a larger circumference (or larger opening). This design facilitates the attachment and secure connection of a coupling mechanism, to be described in more detail in later sections of this disclosure.

The handlemay be constructed from a single material or as a composite structure. In certain embodiments the entire handle structure is composed of a single material, such as a polymer, an elastomer, a rubber or a metallic material. Suitable polymers include, but are not limited to, polycarbonate, ABS, polypropylene, acrylic, high-density polyethylene, polyetherimide, high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polyoxymethylene, or a combination thereof. Suitable elastomers include, but are not limited to, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), cis-polyisoprene, cis-polybutadiene (butadiene rubber, BR), styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), and ethylene-propylene monomer (EPM). Suitable metallic materials include, but are not limited to, steel, aluminum, iron, titanium, metal alloys, or a combination thereof. It will be appreciated that other known materials may be used, in addition to those disclosed, without departing from the core inventive concepts of the present disclosure.

In one embodiment, the handle is comprised of a composite structure with an inner core made of a strong material, such as metal, or composite material, or rigid polymer and an external portion composed of a softer, more tactile material such as, polymer, rubber or elastomer. This configuration combines internal mechanical strength with external comfort and friction.

To further enhance grip and ergonomic properties, the external surface may include a grip pattern, as seen in. In one embodiment the grip pattern includes a plurality of grooves, including continuous parallel groovesand discontinuous longitudinal grooves. The grooved line pattern helps to increase friction and reduce hand slippage during movement or perspiration. In other embodiments, different grip patterns may be incorporated, including but not limited to, a lattice pattern, a hexagonal pattern, raised or ribbed pattern, a randomized design pattern, or any known texturized pattern which improves friction and grip capability.

In some embodiments shown in, the middle sectioncan further include a plurality of concave groovesandrespectively (which act as finger grooves), positioned longitudinally or circumferentially to further improve grip and allow for finger placement in the middle section. In the embodiment shown in, a handlecan have an upper sectionwith indented concave curvature, opposite the embodiment shown in.

The handle's cross-sectional shape may vary depending on the application and desired user experience. In the embodiments disclosed in the figures here, the cross-sectional shape is circular. However, in other embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the handle may be oval, egg-shaped, rounded or sharp edge polygonal shape, rounded triangular, rounded quadrilateral, rounded hexagonal, or other known shapes and geometries which may accommodate various hand sizes and grip preferences.

Also disclosed is a handle assemblyas depicted in. The handle assemblyincludes a handlehaving a curved upper section, an elongated middle section, and a curved lower section(as seen in). The handle assemblyfurther includes a coupling mechanismfor connecting the handleto a variety of exercise equipment.

As illustrated in, the coupling mechanismincludes internal attachment portionand an external attachment portion, which is visible outside of the handle. The external attachment portionis used for coupling and attachment to various exercise equipment, while the internal attachment portionserves to securely attach and keep in place a rope, wire, strap, fabric, bar or shaft, or other material which connects the internal and external attachment portions and forms the coupling mechanism. As an example, ina ropeis shown.

As previously discussed, the handleincludes a central attachment aperture, shown in, extending along its vertical axis. The internal attachment portionis inserted into the aperture(first sectionand second section) and affixed using one or more of the following, but not limited to: a crimp, a washer, an end fitting, a threaded nut, a flared rope end, a knotted rope end, or a combination thereof. In the example shown in, the ropeis fitted down apertureand affixed in the lower section, through the use of a washer, crimpand burned or flanged rope end, to ensure the ropesecurely attaches within the handle. The external attachment potion, in this example, further includes a metal loop, coupled to a metal sleeve, which covers the rope connection underneath. A washer, crimp, threaded nut, or any known connection mechanism/configurations may be used for the external connection of the handle to the exercise equipment, and the embodiment shown inis merely exemplary and non-limiting. In other examples, the external attachment portionincludes at least one of a metal loop, a rope cover/sleeve, a hook, an eyelet, a thimble fitting, a cable stop, a socket, a sleeve or ferrule, or a combination thereof.

In further embodiments, such as the one shown in, there may be a second coupling mechanism which extends from the bottom section of the handle. For example, the second coupling mechanismshown inis located at a bottom of the handle and exists the lower/bottom end of the central attachment aperture. In the example shown in, the second coupling mechanism is used as a wrist holder, for a user placing their wrist within so that further attachment and security can be ensured when grasping the handle. As for the embodiment shown, the second coupling mechanism, which is affixed to the bottom end of the handle, can be identical to the coupling mechanismat the top of the handle. This allows for multiple attachment points of the handle, depending on the type of equipment that it will be connected to.

show various different embodiments of coupling mechanisms which can be utilized with the disclosed handles. The coupling mechanism, shown inmay incorporate multiple rings or sections, which utilizes separate locations along a rope, wire, strap and/or shaft to connect to exercise equipment at different lengths. In the embodiment shown in, the handle assemblyincorporates two handles connected to a shaft which is the coupling mechanism attaching the two handles. In another embodiment shown in, the handle assemblycan incorporate a coupling mechanism which includes an adjustable tensioner, extension mechanism. This design can be used to adjust the length of the rope or wire attached to the handle, thereby adjusting the position of the handle. The embodiment shown inutilizes a looped rope or wire or strapas a coupling mechanism () which can then be incorporated/attached onto a shaft or baralready existing on an exercise machine.

In additional examples, as shown in, two handles may be attached to a single coupling mechanism, to be utilized in instances where both handles are needed for the exercise being conducted. In, a pulley systemcan be incorporated as the coupling mechanism, which allows the rope to shift in length from one handle to the other.

As shown in, the handle may be coupled to various exercise equipment, such as a cable machine, resistance bands (), lateral pulldown bar (), triceps pulldown bar (), via the external attachment portion, or a more generalized coupling mechanism which is already part of the exercise machine, sporting equipment, or utility equipment.

In certain embodiments, a cable stop is disclosed, where the handles described herein are attached directly to and are integrated to the resistance rope or wire of a cable machine. Therefore, it is envisioned that the handles disclosed herein are used as cable stops at the end of an exercise machine cable pulley system, so that a separate attachment accessory is not necessary.

A significant advantage of the presently designed handle includes the variety and positions available for handle placement on the handles. For example, a user may grip the handle from a top section with fingers and thumb wrapping around the first section curvature. Alternatively, the handle may be gripped from a bottom section, where the thumb is placed on the bottom curve of the handle, while the palm and fingers wrap around the middle section. Many other handle positions and grips are available due to the versatile design and curvatures of the handle.

It is to be understood that the handles disclosed herein, although primarily show to be coupled to exercise equipment can be similarly utilized and coupled to sporting equipment, physical therapy equipment, or utility equipment. Non-limiting examples of sporting equipment includes, fishing rods, wakeboarding ropes, baseball bats, tennis rackets, lacrosse stick, hockey stick, golf clubs, kayak paddles, rowing oars, waterski handles, ski poles alpine climbing handles, jump ropes, pogo stick, and so on. Some non-limiting examples of utility equipment include, cleaning devices such as brooms, mops, dustpans, plungers, scrub brushes, shovels, spades, rakes, hoes, trowel, paint roller handles, wheelbarrow handles, hammer, and so on.

The handles disclosed herein can be manufactured through processes already known, including but not limited to injection molding, 3D printing, casting, or through the use of machining tools.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the steps described herein may be carried out in a variety ways and that no particular ordering is required. It will be further understood from the foregoing description that modifications and changes may be made in various embodiments of the present disclosure without departing from its true spirit. The descriptions in this specification are for purposes of illustration only and are not to be construed in a limiting sense.