Glide handle training device

Abstract

An exercise device in the form of a glide handle typically includes an elongated handle body, a strap or other suitable connecting member attaching the handle to a swivel, and a pulley assembly attached to the swivel. The pulley engages a cord which is attached to fixed objects or loads, and a user employs the handle to displace the cord. The combination of the swivel with the pulley allows the handle to be moved relative to the cord in a smooth continuous motion and in a plurality of directions. The glide handle may be used to strengthen and stretch a muscle, joint, or connective tissue, and to improve range of motion for joints. The device may be incorporated into fitness and physical therapy programs.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A glide handle comprising:
 an elongated handle;   a connecting member in communication with both the handle and a swivel component;   a pulley assembly connected to the swivel component, the pulley assembly comprising a pulley housing, an axle, and a pulley;   an elastic cord disposed on a circumferential surface of the pulley;   such that during operation both ends of the elastic cord are anchored to separate points of fixed structures;   resistance is increased as the handle is pulled away from the elastic cord;   the swivel allows rotation of the handle relative to the pulley; and   the pulley rotates to allow the elastic cord to travel along the circumferential surface of the pulley with minimal friction.   
     
     
         2 . The glide handle of  claim 1 , wherein the handle is rotatably coupled to the connecting member. 
     
     
         3 . The glide handle of  claim 1 , wherein the handle has at least one flat surface. 
     
     
         4 . The glide handle of  claim 1 , wherein the pulley comprises a circumferential groove that in operation receives the elastic cord. 
     
     
         5 . The glide handle of  claim 1 , wherein the elastic cord has a solid round cross-section. 
     
     
         6 . The glide handle of  claim 1 , wherein the handle comprises a flat surface. 
     
     
         7 . The glide handle of  claim 1 , wherein the handle comprises a grip that at least partially covers the handle body. 
     
     
         8 . The glide handle of  claim 1 , wherein a strap is provided on the handle body to secure the handle to a limb or other appendage of a user. 
     
     
         9 . A glide handle comprising:
 an elongated handle;   a connecting member that connects the handle and a swivel component;   a pulley assembly connected to the swivel component, the pulley assembly comprising a pulley housing, an axle, and a pulley;   a substantially inelastic cord disposed on a circumferential surface of the pulley;   such that during operation:   a first end of the cord is anchored to a fixed structure;   a second end of the cord is anchored to a load such that resistance is created when the handle is pulled, the swivel allowing rotation of the handle relative to the pulley, and the pulley rotating so that the cord travels through a central bore of the pulley with minimal friction.   
     
     
         10 . The glide handle of  claim 9 , wherein the handle is rotatably coupled to the connecting member. 
     
     
         11 . The glide handle of  claim 9 , wherein the handle has a flat surface. 
     
     
         12 . The glide handle of  claim 9 , wherein the pulley comprises a circumferential groove that receives the cord. 
     
     
         13 . The glide handle of  claim 9 , wherein the cord has a solid round cross-section. 
     
     
         14 . The glide handle of  claim 9 , wherein the handle body has a flat surface. 
     
     
         15 . The glide handle of  claim 9 , wherein the handle body comprises a grip that covers at least a portion of the handle body. 
     
     
         16 . The glide handle of  claim 9 , wherein a strap is provided on the handle body to secure the handle to a limb or other appendage of a user. 
     
     
         17 . The glide handle of  claim 9 , wherein the load is variable.