Ergonomic Handle for an Exercise Machine

Abstract

An improved ergonomic handle for an exercise machine having a cross-sectional shape designed to more closely conform with the natural anatomical shape of a hand in a grasping position for reducing compressive pressure on the hand during exercise, improving grip, and accommodating a wide range of hand sizes. The ergonomic handle for an exercise machine generally includes solid bars and hollow tubular structures with a variety of substantially polygonal cross-sections, including various substantially triangular and trapezoidal cross-sections. Alternative embodiments include underlying bars and handles of various cross-sectional shapes with resilient cover materials having substantially polygonal cross-sections. The improved ergonomic handles may replace traditional round cross-section handles anywhere on an exercise machine they may be located.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An exercise machine, comprising:
 a frame having a first end and a second end;   a reciprocating platform movably positioned upon the frame between the first end and the second end;   a tension spring connected between the reciprocating platform and the frame that applies a bias force upon the reciprocating platform; and   a first platform handle connected to the reciprocating platform, wherein the first platform handle comprises a triangular cross-section.   
     
     
         2 . The exercise machine of  claim 1 , wherein the first platform handle comprises an upper surface, a first side surface, and a second side surface. 
     
     
         3 . The exercise machine of  claim 2 , wherein the upper surface and the first side surface converge at a first vertex, wherein the first side surface and the second side surface converge at a second vertex, and wherein the second side surface and the upper surface converge at a third vertex. 
     
     
         4 . The exercise machine of  claim 3 , wherein the first vertex, the second vertex, and the third vertex each comprise a rounded surface. 
     
     
         5 . The exercise machine of  claim 1 , wherein the first platform handle comprises a Reuleaux triangle cross-section. 
     
     
         6 . The exercise machine of  claim 1 , wherein the first platform handle extends along a first side of the reciprocating platform. 
     
     
         7 . The exercise machine of  claim 6 , comprising a second platform handle connected to the reciprocating platform, wherein the second platform handle comprises a triangular cross-section. 
     
     
         8 . The exercise machine of  claim 7 , wherein the second platform handle extends along a second side of the reciprocating platform. 
     
     
         9 . The exercise machine of  claim 1 , wherein the first platform handle comprises a bar and a padding material surrounding the bar. 
     
     
         10 . The exercise machine of  claim 9 , wherein the padding material comprises a triangular cross-section. 
     
     
         11 . The exercise machine of  claim 10 , wherein the bar comprises a rectangular cross-section. 
     
     
         12 . The exercise machine of  claim 9 , wherein the bar comprises protrusions adapted to engage an inner surface of the padding material. 
     
     
         13 . The exercise machine of  claim 12 , wherein the bar comprises a circular cross-section. 
     
     
         14 . An exercise machine, comprising:
 a frame having a first end and a second end;   a reciprocating platform movably positioned upon the frame between the first end and the second end;   a tension spring connected between the reciprocating platform and the frame that applies a bias force upon the reciprocating platform; and   a first platform handle connected to the reciprocating platform, wherein the first platform handle comprises a trapezoidal cross-section.   
     
     
         15 . The exercise machine of  claim 14 , wherein the first platform handle comprises an upper surface, a first side surface, a second side surface, and a bottom surface. 
     
     
         16 . The exercise machine of  claim 15 , wherein the upper surface and the first side surface of the first platform handle meet at a first vertex, wherein the first side surface and the bottom surface of the first platform handle meet at a second vertex, wherein the bottom surface and the second side surface of the first platform handle meet at a third vertex, and wherein the second side surface and upper surface of the first platform handle meet at a fourth vertex. 
     
     
         17 . The exercise machine of  claim 14 , comprising a second platform handle connected to the reciprocating platform, wherein the second platform handle comprises a trapezoidal cross-section. 
     
     
         18 . The exercise machine of  claim 17 , wherein the first platform handle extends along a first side of the reciprocating platform and wherein the second platform handle extends along a second side of the reciprocating platform. 
     
     
         19 . The exercise machine of  claim 14 , wherein the first platform handle comprises a bar and a padding material surrounding the bar, wherein the padding material comprises a trapezoidal cross-section. 
     
     
         20 . The exercise machine of  claim 19 , wherein the bar comprises protrusions adapted to engage an inner surface of the padding material.