Rotating strap connector and removable handle for exercise equipment

Abstract

A strap assembly configured for use during exercise includes an inelastic elongated strap member that includes a grip positioned at a first end. The strap assembly also includes a rotating connector positioned along the strap member between the first end and a second end. The rotating connector configured to allow operation of the strap assembly in a first position in which a first portion of the strap located between the first end and the rotating connector is aligned with a second portion of the strap located between the rotating connector and the second end, and in a second position in the first portion of the strap is longitudinally rotated relative to the second portion of the strap.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A strap assembly configured for use during exercise comprises:
 an inelastic elongated strap member that includes a grip positioned at a first end; and   a rotating connector positioned along the strap member between the first end and a second end, the rotating connector configured to allow operation of the strap assembly in a first position in which a first portion of the strap located between the first end and the rotating connector is aligned with a second portion of the strap located between the rotating connector and the second end, and in a second position in the first portion of the strap is longitudinally rotated relative to the second portion of the strap.   
     
     
         2 . The strap assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the first portion of the strap is connected to a first coupler of the rotating connector and the second portion of the strap is connected to a second coupler of the rotating connector. 
     
     
         3 . The strap assembly of  claim 2 , wherein the first portion of the strap is wrapped around a first bar of the first coupler and the second portion of the strap is wrapped around a second bar of the second coupler. 
     
     
         4 . The strap assembly of  claim 2 , wherein the first portion of the strap forms a first loop that is connected back on itself to connect the first portion to the first coupler. 
     
     
         5 . The strap assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the rotating connector comprises a first coupler and a second coupler configured to rotate relative to each other, the first coupler and the second coupler connected to each other via a pin. 
     
     
         6 . The strap assembly of  claim 1 , further comprising a connector cover wherein the connector cover is configured to operate in a restricting position and in a free position, the connector cover positioned over the rotating connector when in the restricting position to restrict rotation of the rotating connector. 
     
     
         7 . The strap assembly of  claim 6 , wherein the connector cover comprises a rigid shell sized to fit over the rotating connector. 
     
     
         8 . The strap assembly of  claim 6 , wherein the connector cover is configured to move away from the rotating connector to allow rotation of the rotating connector when in the free position. 
     
     
         9 . The strap assembly of  claim 6 , wherein the connector cover comprises an opening at one end sized to allow the strap to move therein and to prevent the rotating connector from passing through. 
     
     
         10 . The strap assembly of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a second inelastic elongated strap member that includes a second grip positioned at a first end of the second inelastic elongated strap; and   a second rotating connector positioned along the second strap member between the first end and a second end, the second rotating connector configured to allow operation of the strap assembly in a first position in which a first portion of the second strap located between the first end and the rotating connector is aligned with a second portion of the second strap located between the second rotating connector and the second end, and in a second position in the first portion of the second strap is longitudinally rotated relative to the second portion of the second strap.   
     
     
         11 . The strap assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the grip comprises:
 a core portion comprising a rigid cylinder defining a longitudinal inner cavity and a slot for accessing the inner cavity; and   a cover portion rotatably coupled to the core portion, wherein the cover portion is operable in an open position in which an opening in the cover portion is aligned with the slot and in a closed position in which the opening in the cover portion is not aligned with the slot.   
     
     
         12 . The strap assembly of  claim 11 , wherein the grip is removable from the elongated strap when in the open position. 
     
     
         13 . A hand grip for use on an exercise device comprising:
 a core portion comprising a rigid cylinder defining a longitudinal inner cavity and a slot for accessing the inner cavity; and   a cover portion rotatably coupled to the core portion, wherein the cover portion is operable in an open position in which an opening in the cover portion is aligned with the slot and in a closed position in which the opening in the cover portion is not aligned with the slot.   
     
     
         14 . The hand grip of  claim 13 , wherein the cover portion comprises a lock to retain the cover portion in the open position and in the closed position. 
     
     
         15 . The hand grip of  claim 13 , wherein the cover portion comprises a rib and the core portion comprises a groove, the rib and the groove comprising complimentary shapes to lock the cover portion in the open position or in the closed position. 
     
     
         16 . The hand grip of  claim 13 , wherein the opening and the slot are oriented longitudinally along a length of the cover portion and the core portion, respectively. 
     
     
         17 . The hand grip of  claim 13 , wherein the longitudinal cavity comprises a substantially triangular cross-sectional shape. 
     
     
         18 . The hand grip of  claim 13 , wherein the inner cavity includes a substantially flat surface to support a strap of an exercise device. 
     
     
         19 . The hand grip of  claim 13 , wherein the inner cavity is configured to support a strap of an exercise device and a foot loop. 
     
     
         20 . The hand grip of  claim 13 , wherein the exercise device and the foot loop are independently removable.