ES2997372T3 - Grip assist apparatus with insert - Google Patents

Abstract

A grip-assist device that can be used on either hand and includes a grip portion that includes an insert designed to prevent lifting bars from coming into contact with a vulnerable area in the center of the palm, which is prone to injury. (Automatic translation with Google Translate, no legal value)

Description

DESCRIPTION

Grip assist device with insert

Technical field

The present invention relates to the field of weightlifting and, in particular, to the grip of assistance apparatus for use therein.

State of the art

Strength training has become a widely practiced activity for both men and women. In addition to being a sport in itself, strength training is also used as a conditioning and strengthening exercise for other sports, such as soccer, basketball, and baseball. In addition, athletes who rely on agility, such as tennis players, also benefit from strength training.

In sports, protective equipment is used to prevent injuries to the participant. Regarding strength training, protective equipment is also necessary, as all joints in the body can be subjected to extreme forces. The wrist joint, in particular, is subjected to these extreme forces every time the trainee's hands use a weighted bar during strength training.

It is also important to protect the palm during weight lifting. This is particularly true during weightlifting exercises when the weightlifter pushes the weights away from his or her body, such as with the bench press. Figure 1 is a skeletal representation of the hand. The cross-notched bones form the metacarpus, which consists of the first 608, second 606, third 604, fourth 602, and fifth 600 metacarpals. The shaded portion near the wrist is carpus 614. Lines 612 and 610 show the approximate dimensions of the deep and superficial palmar arches, respectively. The palm of the hand is skeletally formed by the metacarpus, which consists of metacarpal bones 600-608. The metacarpus is the intermediate part of the skeleton of the hand that lies between the phalanges, or finger bones, and the carpus 614, which forms the connection to the forearm. The metacarpals form a transverse arch to which the rigid row of distal carpal bones are attached. The peripheral metacarpals—those of the thumb 608 and the little finger 600—form the sides of the cup of the palmar canal as they meet, deepening this concavity. The shape of the palm above these bones is formed primarily by the radial and ulnar arteries, which form the deep palmar arches 612 and superficial palmar arches 610. The superficial palmar arch 610 reaches its peak at about the middle of the metacarpus, while the deep palmar arch 612 reaches its peak about a quarter of the way between the carpus 614 and the phalanges, above the metacarpus. The ulnar nerve in particular, as well as the radial and median nerves, are affected by pressure on the palm. Exercises that put a lot of pressure on these nerves leave weightlifters susceptible to injuries and syndromes, such as carpal tunnel syndrome and Guyon's canal syndrome.

Now, referring to Figure 2, a diagram of a human hand is provided. Superimposed are indications of the approximate positions of the thumb fat pad 200, the pinky fat pad 202, and the metacarpal fat pad array 204. These fat pads are subcutaneous fatty deposits that effectively frame the palm. The thumb fat pad 200 is positioned beneath the thumb and extends almost to the wrist. The term "thumb fat pad" as used herein is meant to be positioned in this manner, as illustrated. The metacarpal fat pad array 204 is a series of smaller fat pads that roughly cover the tops of the metacarpals 600, 602, 604, 606 (as shown in Figure 1) which together extend across the top of the palm beneath the fingers. The term "metacarpal fat pad array" as used herein is meant to be positioned in this manner, as illustrated. The pinky fat pad 202 is positioned beneath the metacarpal fat pad array 204 and the pinky or little finger and, like the thumb fat pad 200, extends almost to the wrist. The term "pinky fat pad" as used herein is meant to be positioned in this manner, as illustrated. These pads 200, 202, 204 surround the dotted area of vulnerability 206. The area of vulnerability 206 does not include fat deposits, such as the pads 200, 202, 204, and is therefore relatively unprotected compared to the rest of the palm. Comparing Figures 1 and 2, this area of vulnerability 206 corresponds approximately to the area defined within lines 610, 612 corresponding to the superficial and deep palmar arches. The term "area of vulnerability" as used herein is understood to be positioned between the pads 200, 202, 204, and to correspond approximately to the area defined within lines 610, 612, as illustrated. It is this relatively unprotected portion of the palm that is most vulnerable to injury during weightlifting, particularly pushing exercises.

U.S. Patent No. 5,813,950 issued to the present inventor describes a novel development in grip assist apparatus wherein the flexible grip portion covering the palm of the lifter is formed of a tacky, non-slip material that is sewn such that the lifter has free movement of his hands when not gripping the weight bar. The grip assist comprises a grip portion extending from the lifter's wrist to the fingertips and covering the base of the hand and is connected to a wrist strap having a funnel-shaped design that provides support to the wrist. A feature and advantage of the grip assist apparatus invention described in U.S. Patent No. 5,813,950 is that the grip strap should be able to stand upright in front of the hand so that it can easily be wrapped around the lifting bar with the fingertips on the same hand. The grip portion of the aforementioned invention can be used for both pushing and pulling exercises and protects the palm of the hand from friction. The present inventor has discovered that the grip assist apparatus described in U.S. Patent No. 5,813,950 has valuable application in the medical field for orthopedic rehabilitation and health-related applications. In these applications, increased protection for any pushing motion is desired.

U.S. Patent No. 5,771,901 discloses a hand arch support consisting of a plate made to fit the palm of the hand and having supporting ridges. While capable of supporting the palm, this patent's invention does not protect any other part of the hand or wrist that may be affected during strength training, nor does it provide any grip assistance, as is desirable during strength training. Furthermore, it is hand-specific, so one must be purchased for each hand.

U.S. Patent No. 4,374,439 discloses a pitcher's wrist support that includes a flexible body adapted to wrap around the hand and wrist straps to hold it in position, and a pocket into which fits a pad that is positioned in the palm of the hand. The pad is to fill the space between the palm of the hand and the surface of the ball to provide better contact with the ball, leading to improved control. The pad is made of foam plastic material that possesses some resilience. The pad is formed to have two relatively straight edges that meet at a rounded corner where the pad is thickest. This portion of the pad fits at the base of the heel of the hand. An arcuate edge of the pad, where it has been tapered to its minimum dimension, extends from the end of one of the straight edges and is positioned just below the base of the fingers in the palm of the hand when the wrist support is in use. From the other end of the arched edge is a short, straight edge adjacent to the side of the hand, which connects to another straight edge extending near the base of the thumb. Although capable of assisting in bowling, this invention is not suitable for providing palm support for weightlifting purposes. Specifically, the flexible nature of the pad will adjust with changes in pressure, making grip changes on a barbell difficult. Furthermore, because it is contoured to the palm, it is hand-specific. In bowling, where most players use only one hand, this is not an issue, but in weightlifting, this would require the user to re-determine which grip is used on which hand and prevents a pair from being used by two people.

U.S. Patent No. 8,065,749 discloses a protective hand sheet with a hypoallergenic adhesive. The rectangular sheet is folded in half with cutouts for the fingers to slide through. The sides of the invention are open for unobstructed thumb movement. The invention includes a cutout at the base of the hand to prevent any wrinkling of the material when the hand is curved in a grip formation. Furthermore, the invention can be worn under a glove and can be used in any activity that might cause surface staining on the palmar portion of the palm. Although the hypoallergenic sheet protects the hand, and more particularly, the palmar portion of the hand, from skin damage caused by friction, the invention does not protect the vulnerable portion of the hand from internal injuries or carpal tunnel syndrome.

U.S. Patent No. 6,154,882 discloses a protective device intended to reduce the risk and effect of injuries to the hands and arms during a strong impact. The device is composed of two elements, the knuckle guard and a grip element. The grip element is located on the palmar portion of the hand, and the invention supports various designs. All of the grip portion designs in U.S. Patent No.

6,154,882 contain materials that utilize layers for flexible, gliding movement when falling. All designs encourage the hand to grip around the gripping portion upon impact. All gripping portion designs follow the same understanding that if your hand is in a gripping position during falls, i.e., a skiing accident, the risk of injury to the forearm, wrist, small bones of the hand, or fingers is substantially reduced. While the invention protects the user from forceful impacts caused by falls, the invention does not prevent injuries from pushing motions and assist with orthopedic therapy to build strength.

U.S. Patent No. 4,546,495 discloses a weightlifting glove apparatus including a tapered wedge extending from the heel of the hand toward the inside of the palm for use in weightlifting when using presses. The wedge of this invention is somewhat flexible so that it curves or bends with the hand as the hand grips the barbell. The wedge includes a generally flat base extending from the heel of the hand upward toward the palm. Extending between opposite ends of the base is a rounded edge defining the outer periphery of the wedge. The top or upper portion of the wedge is a generally continuous, smooth, concave area. There is a smoothly continuous, convex bottom flare toward the wedge extending from the base outward toward the distal end. The distal end is remote from the base. The thickness of the wedge varies from a maximum at the base to a minimum at the distal end. The concave top and convex bottom are somewhat parallel to each other, though there is a taper from the base to the distal end, and both the concave top and convex bottom taper toward the distal end. Although the wedge in this patent is aimed at weightlifting, it still has drawbacks. Specifically, its flexible nature will adjust with changes in pressure, making grip changes on a bar difficult. Furthermore, because it covers a relatively large area of the hand and is contoured to the hand, it is hand-specific, so one must be purchased for each hand.

There are hand devices in the prior art that can be worn on either hand. U.S. Patent No. 6,102,880, for example, discloses a lightweight wrist brace having a flexible base extending across the palm and receiving a reinforcing member within a pocket and capable of being worn on either the right or left hand. Although useful for some purposes, this wrist brace would be unsuitable for use in weightlifting. Specifically, it is designed to restrict wrist movement, and the ability to use a full range of wrist motion during weightlifting is preferable. Furthermore, it protects only a very small portion of the hand, leaving many areas of the hand exposed that can be affected by weightlifting. Furthermore, because it includes two hand straps that wrap around the hand and connect to each other across the dorsal area of the hand, it may unduly restrict a gripping motion of the hand, whereas an unrestricted grip is extremely important in weightlifting.

U.S. Patent 5,620,399 discloses a grip sleeve for firmly gripping an object with the hand. The grip sleeve is formed from a plate formed of a tight-fitting or gripping material, the plate being connected to a wrist band by a connecting web. The grip sleeve can be placed on the user's wrist with the wrist band, such that the plate rests in the palm of the user's hand. The plate is preferably in the shape of a circle. Although it is capable of providing grip assistance and can be worn on either hand, this invention has its disadvantages. It does not provide additional support for the palm beyond the plate itself. Only the narrow web covers the base of the hand, leaving much of the base of the hand exposed and prone to irritation and/or injury.

U.S. Patent 5,581,809 to Mah (hereinafter "Mah") discloses a protective glove having a back portion, a palmar portion, and a plurality of digital sleeves projecting distally from between the back and palmar portions for use on a wearer's hand. The protective glove provides a plurality of flexible resilient pads for absorbing impact energy positioned on the palmar portion of the glove in non-overlapping and spaced-apart relationship with each other and in substantially non-overlapping relationship to the proximal digital crease, the distal transverse palmar crease, and the longitudinal thenar crease, such that the plurality of flexible resilient pads abut each other in edge-contacting relationship upon flexing of the hand to form a substantially continuous, non-creased shock absorbing layer covering the metacarpal region of the hand. Thus, the gloves are designed to absorb impact at the palm, not to prevent pressure on certain portions of the palm altogether. The gloves also specifically teach that the elastic pads should not cross any of the palmar creases, but are specifically placed around the various palmar creases so that when the hand is flexed, the pads will fold into the palmar creases.

According to Mah, col. 6, lines 43-45, "elastic pads 34, 46, 48, 50, and 52 are retained between the palmar portion 24 and the lining 64." As such, wherever one of Mah's pads is arranged, there are three layers: the pad itself, the palmar portion, and the lining. Several of these pads are arranged over the vulnerable area 206, as shown in Figure 2. Mah's pads substantially cover its palmar portion, and the palmar portion includes at least three layers where the pads are arranged.

Mah's carpal pad 34 is an insert that is, at least gently, U-shaped. The upper portions of this gently U-shaped carpal pad do not dispose anywhere near the array of metacarpal fat pads 204. Mah teaches modifying his carpal pad 34 so that its upper portions reach upward to dispose over the array of metacarpal fat pads. Mah emphasizes that, "[t]he improvement of the present invention... lies in the positioning and composition of a plurality of flexible means... positioned in spaced relationship adjacent to, but substantially not overlapping, the major creases of the hand." [Emphasis added, Mah, col. 4, lines 9-19] Mah explains that the various pads are specifically positioned around the various palmar clefts so that when the hand is in flexion, the pads bend into the palmar clefts. [Mah, col. [4, line 47-col. 5, line 20] In order for Mah 34's carpal pad to extend far enough up the palm so that the upper parts of its smooth U-shaped carpal pad lie over the metacarpal fat pad series, the carpal pad would have to overlap several creases of the hand, which Mah teaches not to do.

It is notable that if the Mah' 34 crescent-shaped elastic carpal pad were arranged higher on the glove so that the upper portions of the soft U-shaped insert were arranged over the metacarpal fat pad, then in order to conform to Mah's edict that the pads not overlap the palmar creases, the connecting portion of the pad would not be arranged near the wrist end. The above discussion holds true regardless of the size of the wearer's hand. Every hand has palmar creases between the metacarpal fat pad series and the wrist area and Mah will always require that those palmar creases not overlap.

The palmar portion of Mah is borderless because Mah discloses a glove. There is no structural cut or edge in the palmar portion of Mah because it extends around the palm and up and between the fingers. Furthermore, since the Mah glove wraps all the way around the wearer's hand, it cannot include contouring at the edges on either side of the palmar portion because the Mah glove has no such edges. Therefore, there is a need for a grip assist device that can be worn on either hand; that includes a palm guard; that adequately protects the portions of the hand that are affected during weightlifting; and that does not unduly restrict the gripping motion of the hand.

U.S. Patent 3,606,319 discloses a bowling aid. Publication WO 2011/109,116 discloses a grip assist apparatus with palm arch support. U.S. Patent 5,581,809 discloses a protective glove. Publication US 2018/213,864 discloses a grip assist apparatus with an insert.

Summary of the invention

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a weightlifting grip assist apparatus as claimed in claim 1.

The present invention is a grip assist apparatus with a built-in arch support insert that will protect the vulnerable area of the hand for any pushing movements promoted in the field of orthopedic rehabilitation. The preferred grip assist apparatus of the present invention includes a grip portion extending from a wrist portion and a releasable wrist fastener. The related inventions of the inventor disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 8,581,950 and U.S. Patent Publication No. US 20110214220 (U.S. Patent Application No. 12/660,856 ). One skilled in the art will recognize that some aspects or details discussed in each of these disclosures, but not discussed herein, may be applicable to the present invention.

In one embodiment, the grip assist apparatus includes a grip portion, which covers at least the palm of the hand when used as intended, and a wrist portion attached to the grip portion. The wrist portion includes straps and fastening means for securing the wrist portion around the user's wrist, allowing the grip portion attached thereto to be held against the user's hand. The grip portion is made of at least two halves or layers. The grip portion of the preferred grip assist apparatus is preferably made of a single, flat piece of material that is folded along a first line of symmetry. It is understood, however, that the grip portion may be made of two separate pieces of material that are affixed to each other so that they are aligned with each other, except that one or more inserts may be included between the two halves. The grip portion of the preferred grip assist apparatus has a finger end at the top, a wrist end opposite the finger end, joining edges near the wrist end, for joining the straps of the wrist portion, and first and second sides between the finger end and the joining edges.

The grip portion also includes an insert, which is an arch support structure, inserted between the two halves, where the insert includes a gap. The insert, when placed between the two halves, causes the grip portion to have three layers everywhere except at the gap, where the grip portion will still only have two layers. The gap is positioned within the insert such that it covers the vulnerable area of a user's hand when the user uses the grip assist apparatus. The insert may have any shape as long as the gap is positioned such that it is over at least a portion of the vulnerable area of the user's hand and the insert is disposed over at least a portion of the thumb fat pad, the pinky fat pad, and the metacarpal fat pad array of the user's hand when the grip assist apparatus is used. This shape may be, for example, a donut shape, either round or rectangular as long as the gap in the middle is correctly positioned as described above. The insert may also be two inserts in the form of parallel strips with the separation between them, the strips being above and below the area of vulnerability or on either side of the area of vulnerability when using the grip assist device.

The insert disposed between the two halves is U-shaped. The U-shaped insert covers at least a portion of the fat pad of the thumb, the fat pad of the little finger, and the series of metacarpal fat pads. The space between the two sides of the U-shaped insert covers the area of vulnerability near the series of metacarpal fat pads and extending from the series of metacarpal fat pads toward the fat pad of the little finger and the fat pad of the thumb when said grip assist apparatus is worn on the palmar portion of the hand as intended. The additional support of the U-shaped insert will assume additional pressure during any pushing motion such that the area of vulnerability does not come into contact with the bar being pushed, thereby preventing stress and injury to the area of vulnerability and promoting unrestricted circulation.

The U-shaped insert has a first side of the U near the first side of the grip portion, a second side of the U near the second side of the grip portion, and a connecting portion connecting the first and second sides of the U and located near the wrist end of the grip portion. Where the U-shaped insert is arranged, the grip portion has at least three layers: the U-shaped insert and the two halves. Between the first and second sides of the U, there is a gap where the grip portion consists of only two layers, i.e., the two halves. The U-shaped insert is positioned within the grip portion such that when the grip assist device is used, the U-shaped insert covers at least a portion of the thumb fat pad, the little finger fat pad, and the metacarpal fat pad array. The gap covers the vulnerable area. The additional support of the U-shaped insert will take additional pressure during lifting so that the vulnerable area does not come into contact with the lifting bar, thus preventing stress and injury to the vulnerable area. The U-shaped insert builds and supports the pinky fat pad, the thumb fat pad, and the metacarpal fat pad series so that pressure on the palm of the hand does not come into contact with the vulnerable area. The grip assist apparatus with a built-in arch support insert is suitable for therapeutic rehabilitation. It is preferred that the grip portion be made of non-slip material and an end piece be included at the finger end of the grip portion between the two halves of the material. The first and second joining edges of the grip portion of the present invention are angled such that when the first and second straps for the wrist portion are secured around the user's wrist via the wrist fastener, the first and second straps and the grip portion form a funnel-shaped enclosure around the wrist and the base of the hand, the enclosure having an opening that is larger at its distal end than at its proximal end. The first and second straps of the wrist portion are substantially rectangular, "substantially" meaning here that the corners may be rounded, rather than perfect right angles. It is preferred that the means for securing the straps of the assistive apparatus of the present invention around the wrist include a ring at the end of the first strap and hook-and-loop fastener sections on the second strap, such that the second strap may be threaded through the hook of the first strap and then fastened to itself by means of its hook-and-loop fastener sections. The grip portion of the grip assist device is rigid enough to be self-supporting and remain extended in front of the user's palm and fingers to allow it to be manipulated by the hand in which it is worn. The grip portion of the grip assist device is flexible enough to allow it to be easily wrapped around a bar, and the two halves forming the grip section of the grip assist device to be secured by sewing them together.

The U-shaped built-in arch support structure insert for the grip assist device will protect the vulnerable area of the user's palm during any pushing motion, thus protecting the user from injury and carpal tunnel syndrome. It will also be useful in orthopedic therapy where a user must develop the muscles in their upper body while also taking care not to incur additional injuries. Several studies have been conducted by medical doctors, and they agree that this built-in arch support insert has positive results for patients recovering from wrist and hand injuries. The built-in U-shaped arch support is made of a firm, flexible material that protects the vulnerable area of the palm by building up the pinky fat pad, thumb fat pad, and metacarpal fat pads. Additionally, the built-in arch support promotes circulation by preventing pressure on the median nerve.

In a preferred embodiment, the grip assist device is symmetrical and can therefore be used in either hand. In this preferred embodiment, each of the halves or layers, which fit flush against each other, has a second line of symmetry. It is this second line of symmetry that allows the grip assist device to be used in either hand. The first and second sides include a mirror-image contour to allow thumb mobility on either side.

It is preferred that the grip portion be made of non-slip material. It is preferred that an end piece be included at the finger end of the grip portion of the preferred grip assist apparatus between the two halves of the material. It is preferred that the first and second joining edges of the grip portion of the preferred grip assist apparatus be angled such that when the first and second straps of the wrist portion are secured around the wrist of the user via the wrist fastener, the first and second straps and the grip portion form a funnel-shaped enclosure around the wrist and the base of the hand, where the enclosure has an opening that is larger at its distal end than at its proximal end. It is preferred that the first and second straps of the wrist portion be substantially rectangular, "substantially" meaning here that the corners may be rounded, rather than perfect right angles. It is preferred that the means for fastening the straps of the preferred grip assist apparatus around the wrist include a ring at the end of the first strap and hook and loop fastener sections on the second strap, such that the second strap can be threaded through the hook of the first strap and then fastened to itself by means of its hook and loop fastener sections. It is preferred that the grip portion of the preferred grip assist apparatus have rigidity such that it is self-supporting and remains extended in front of the palm and fingers of the user to allow it to be manipulated by the hand on which it is worn. Furthermore, it is preferred that the grip portion of the preferred grip assist apparatus be sufficiently flexible to allow it to be easily wrapped around a lifting bar by using only a fingertip of the hand on which it is worn. It is preferred that the two halves of the material forming the grip section of the preferred grip assist apparatus be secured by sewing them together. It is also preferred that the stitching helps hold the U-shaped insert in place and define the gap.

In an alternative embodiment, the grip portion is integrated into a weightlifting glove. In such embodiments, the wrist portion is removed and replaced with a glove made of a flexible material that is shaped and sized to cover the user's palm and at least a portion of each finger. The grip portion covers at least the palm of the hand when used as intended and includes two layers of material and an insert disposed between these layers.

In some such embodiments, the sleeve material covering the user's palm forms the first layer of the grip portion, the insert is positioned over this layer such that it covers at least a portion of the thumb fat pad, the pinky fat pad, and the metacarpal fat pad array, and is secured to the sleeve material by a separate layer of material forming the outer layer of the grip portion when the grip assist apparatus is in use. However, in other embodiments, the grip portion includes two separate layers that are secured together with the insert in the desired position between them, and this grip portion is secured to the glove cover material of the user's palm.

Grip-assist devices are designed to strengthen a lifter's grip by providing support to the wrist and hand. The flexible grip portion covers and protects the palm of the hand. The grip portion is often made from a single piece of symmetrical material that is folded in half. A wrist strap connects to the base of the grip material and provides wrist support. The grip portion of the preferred grip-assist device also includes an arch support structure inserted between the two halves of the grip material. It is preferred that the built-in arch support insert disposed between the two halves of the grip portion be U-shaped. The built-in arch support insert provides additional protection to the vulnerable area of the user's palm. The built-in arch support insert will take additional pressure during any pushing motion so that the weight is evenly distributed and the vulnerable area of the user's palm does not come into contact with the bar being pushed, thereby preventing stress and injury to the vulnerable area. The U-shaped arch support insert can be designed for therapeutic applications in general physical therapy.

The arch support insert is used in a grip assist device and protects the user from injury or the development of carpal tunnel syndrome. The invention is applicable, for example, to pushing movements promoted in orthopedic rehabilitation. Any pushing movement that involves direct compression on the vulnerable area of the palm can contribute to the development of carpal tunnel syndrome. Prolonged pressure will result in compression of the median nerve and reduced blood flow.

The Preferred Grip Assist Device's U-shaped arch support insert is designed to increase the density of the flexor and abductor muscles located just below the thumb and pinky fingers. By building up the sides of the hand, the U-shaped insert acts as an arch support and helps prevent direct pressure on the vulnerable area of the palm, thus leading to unrestricted blood circulation and protection of the median nerve.

For orthopedic rehabilitation, pushing movements will often include a heavy barbell to develop strength in the user's upper body. The U-shaped insert of the preferred grip assist device balances and distributes weight evenly through the hand and creates a unique arch support that allows the user to hold their hand in a natural, extended open-hand position versus a traditional closed fist. The open-hand, non-grip position allows the heavy barbell to rest lower in the hand and closer to the wrist. This hand position improves power transfer by positioning the weighted barbell over the forearm bones, making the weight easier to push. The unique U-shaped arch support design builds up the sides of the user's palm to create space and divert pressure from the weighted barbell away from the area of vulnerability to protect the median nerve. The U-shaped arch support insert's built-in arch support creates a "bridge-like structure" that carries the weight bar over the fragile carpal tunnel area while protecting the median nerve and allowing unrestricted blood flow to the hand.

The preferred glove is a half-finger weightlifting glove and is made, at least in part, of a breathable material. However, in some embodiments, the glove is a full-finger design that is suitable for work or cold-weather use.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide grip assist devices with an arch support structure for preventing injuries that protect the vulnerable area of the user's palm and protect against carpal tunnel syndrome.

A further objective of the invention is to provide additional protection of the metacarpal area of the user's palm when performing any pushing movements.

Another objective of the invention is to provide protection of the ulnar, radial and median nerves and thus promote circulation from the user's wrist to his or her fingers when performing any pushing movements.

These aspects of the present invention are not intended to be exclusive and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art when read in conjunction with the following description and accompanying drawings.

Brief description of the drawings

Figure 1 is a skeletal representation of a human hand.

Figure 2 is a diagram of a human hand depicting the approximate location of the fat pads of the hand.

Figure 3A is a front perspective of the grip assist apparatus of the present invention.

Figure 3B is an isolated view of the U-shaped insert shown in Figure 3A.

Figure 4 is a view of the deployed grip portion.

Figure 5 is a view of the gripping portion superimposed on a hand.

Figure 6 is a detailed view of the seam of the gripping portion. Figure 7 is an isometric view illustrating the funnel-shaped opening of the gripping assist apparatus of the present invention.

Figure 8A is a front view of a human hand loosely holding a bar with the grip assist apparatus of the present invention between the bar and the user's hand.

Figure 8B is a front view of a human hand loosely holding a barbell with the barbell between the user's hand and the grip assist apparatus of the present invention.

Figure 9A is a side view of a human hand wrapping the finger end of the grip assist apparatus of the present invention as shown in Figure 8B around the bar toward the hand.

Figure 9B is a perspective view of a human hand grasping the gripping assist apparatus of the present invention as shown in Figure 9A.

Figure 10 is a front view of an alternative arrangement in which the grip portion is integrated into a weightlifting glove worn on a human hand.

Figure 11A is an assembled view of a grip portion formed by adhering two layers of material together with the insert disposed therebetween.

Figure 11B is an unassembled, exploded view of a grip portion formed by adhering two layers of material together with the insert disposed therebetween.

Best ways to carry out the invention

Referring first to Figure 3A, there is shown the grip assist apparatus 10 of the present invention, which embodies what the inventor believes to be the best mode for carrying out the invention. The grip assist apparatus 10 includes the grip portion 12, the wrist portion 28, and the wrist holder 36.

The gripping portion 12 is sized to cover a human hand from the fingers to below the wrist joint, without impeding movement of the thumb. While flexible enough to be easily wrapped around a lifting bar with only the fingers of the hand on which the gripping assist apparatus 10 is worn, the gripping portion 12 is preferably rigid enough so that it is self-supporting and will remain extended in front of the palm and fingers if not manipulated by the hand on which the gripping assist apparatus 10 is worn.

In the embodiment of Figure 3A, the gripping portion 12 includes the finger end 18, the wrist end 70, the first joining edge 72, the second joining edge 74, the first side 76 and the second side 78. The finger end 18, the first side 76 and the second side 78 are also labeled as the first, second and third edges of the gripping portion 706, 708, 710 indicating that these are edges of the gripping portion 12, i.e., the gripping portion 12 does not extend beyond these edges 706, 708, 710 and does not connect to other structures at these edges 706, 708, 710. It is important to note that any type of glove would not include such edges because the glove, by its nature, will envelop the entire hand. The finger end 18 and the wrist end 70 are opposite each other at the top and bottom of the gripping portion 12, respectively. The wrist end 70 has the first wrist end flank 500 on its side toward the first strap 30 and the second wrist end flank 502 on its other side toward the second strap 31. It is understood that the first and second wrist end flanks 500, 502 denote each side of the wrist end 70. "Flank" is used in this context as a synonym for "side", but the inventor, acting as his own lexicographer, has chosen to use "flank" herein to avoid confusion with the word "side" used in other contexts herein. The first and second joining edges 72, 74 are disposed adjacent the first and second wrist end flanks 500, 502 of the wrist end 70. The first and second sides 76, 78 extend between the finger end 18 and the first and second joining edges 72, 74. The first and second sides 76, 78 each include the contour 16, which accommodates the user's thumb. The concave contour 16 results in a narrowing 702 at the first and second sides 76, 78; a first widening 700 between the narrowing 702 and the finger end 18; and a second widening 704 between the narrowing 702 and the wrist end 70. As will be discussed in more detail below, the first and second joining edges 72, 74 are where the first and second straps 30, 31 extend from the grip portion 12.

In embodiments that can be used in either hand, the grip portion 12 includes the second line of symmetry 14. The second line of symmetry 14 is not a structure that would be readily apparent by looking at the grip portion 12, but rather is an imaginary line that runs the length of the grip portion 12. The symmetry of the grip portion 12 allows the preferred grip assist apparatus 10 to be used in either hand. While it is understood that there are at least two symmetries along the second line of symmetry 14, including symmetry across the plane of the grip portion 12, it is understood that as used herein, "second line of symmetry" refers only to the symmetry that becomes apparent if one were to fold the grip portion 12 along the second line of symmetry 14. It is further understood that while "first" features of the grip portion 12 are indicated on the right and "second" features of the grip portion 12 are indicated on the left, these designations are arbitrary, since the grip portion 12 is symmetrical and all of the "first" and "second" features of the grip portion 12 are mirror images of each other across the second line of symmetry 14.

The grip portion 12 includes the U-shaped insert 80, which is detailed in Figure 3B. Although the U-shaped insert 80 is the preferred shaped insert of the present invention, it is to be understood that any insert including a gap 104 to be disposed over at least a portion of the vulnerability area of a wearer of the grip assist apparatus 10 is sufficient for the present invention. The U-shaped insert 80 is disposed between the halves 71, 73 (shown more clearly in Figure 4) of the grip portion 12. The U-shaped insert 80 includes first and second U-sides 82, 90, each of which includes an outer U-side 84, 92; an inner U-side 86, 94; and a U-top 88, 96. The first and second U-sides 82, 90 are connected by the connecting portion 98 having a wrist end side 100 near the wrist end 70 of the grip portion 12, and a gap side 102 near the gap 104. The wrist end side 100 connects the U-outer sides 84, 92 of the first and second U-sides 82, 90. The gap side 102 connects the U-inner sides 86, 94 of the first and second U-sides 82, 90. The gap 104 is the gap between the first and second U-sides 82, 90 and the connecting portion 98. The first and second U-outer sides 84, 92 are contoured to follow the concave contour 16 of the first and second sides. 76, 78 of the gripping portion 12. The first and second U-sides 82, 90 and the connecting portion 98 form the U-shaped insert 80 such that when the U-shaped insert 80 is arranged between the halves 71, 73, the gripping portion 12 includes three layers of material on the first and second U-sides 82, 90 and the connecting portion 98. At the gap 104, the gripping portion 12 only includes two layers of material, i.e. the halves 71, 73.

The grip portion 12 includes the finger end 18, which is the end of the grip portion 12 that covers the user's fingers. The end piece 20 is disposed at the finger end 18 of the preferred grip portion 12. The end piece 20 is preferably rigid, but flexible, and is preferably rectangular. The end 20 is disposed within the grip portion 12 by any means commonly used in the art, but preferably by being held in place between the layers of the grip portion 12 by sewing it around the end 20 and securing it in place through the use of an adhesive. However, in molded embodiments of the invention, as discussed below with reference to Figure 4, the end piece 20 is molded integral with the grip portion 12.

When the grip assist device 10 is in use, the wrist portion 28 securely and releasably wraps around the user's wrist. The wrist portion 28 includes first and second straps 30, 31, which are both preferably rectangular in shape. The first strap 30 has a free end 34 and a joining end 32, which is joined to the first joining edge 72 of the grip portion 12. The second strap 31 has a free end 35 and a joining end 33, joined to the second joining edge 74 of the grip portion 12. The joining ends of the strap 32, 33 may be joined to the joining edges 72, 74 by any means commonly used in the art, but preferably by inserting the joining ends of the strap 32, 33 between the halves 71, 73 of the grip portion 12 at the joining edges 72, 74 and securing the joining ends of the strap 32, 33 there by sewing and/or gluing or other adhesion. The straps 30, 31 are connected to the grip portion 12 at angle A, which is preferably about 120°. Angle A may be greater or less than 120°, however, depending on the user's hand. Angle A can be customized to best fit the user's hands and to ensure a comfortable fit in either hand. Although straps 30, 31 are not identical in the preferred embodiment, due to the symmetry of grip portion 12, any of straps 30, 31 may be attached to either of the attachment edges 72, 74. In the preferred embodiment, straps 30, 31 include cushioned pads 38 for user comfort. Cushioned pads 38 are preferably formed of foam rubber covered by a low-friction fabric. This is preferred because the fabric covering over the foam allows straps 30, 31 to slide over the cushioned pads 38 and prevents them from catching the foam.

The straps 30, 31 also include a wrist fastener 36 for securing the wrist portion 28 around the wrist of the user. The wrist fastener 36 preferably includes a first section 42 that includes a ring 44 at the free end of the strap 34 of one of the first strap 30. The wrist fastener 36 also preferably includes a second section 46 on the second strap 31, which can be inserted through the ring 44 to secure the wrist portion 28. The second section 46 preferably includes a first length 48 of the loop type fastener and a second length 50 of the hook type fastener such that when the second strap 31 on which the second section 46 is arranged is inserted through the ring 44, the first length 48 and the second length 50 can be releasably joined and secured.

Now, referring to Figure 4, the preferred gripping portion 12 is illustrated before it is folded. The gripping portion 12 is preferably made from a piece of non-slip material 40, such as chlorobutyl rubber, which provides a tacky, adherent surface to allow the gripping portion 12 to adhere to the palm of the user's hand rather than slipping while in use. The material 40 includes a first side of flat material 504 and a second side of flat material, it being understood that the second side of flat material is the opposite side of side 504 and therefore faces away from the viewer. The piece of material 40 is non-slip at least on the side that will face outward when the material 40 is folded. That is, the side of the material 40 that will be folded and aligned against itself may or may not be of non-slip material, but the side that faces outward and will be in contact with the user's hand and/or the bars 66 (as shown in Figures 8 A and 8B) is preferably non-slip. The grip portion 12 is preferably formed by adhering two layers 71, 73 of anti-slip material of appropriate size and shape, preferably by folding over a piece of anti-slip material 40 at the first line of symmetry 41, and sewing the two halves 71, 73 together. When the first side of the flat material 504 is folded along the first line of symmetry 41, both layers 71, 73 will face outward and the second side of the flat material will face toward itself and will not be visible. In such a scenario, the first, outward-facing side of the flat material 504 is preferably non-slip. However, in one embodiment, the material is a moldable material, such as urethane, molded rubber, or others, which is molded into the shape of at least the non-slip grip portion 12. When folded along the first line of symmetry 41, the grip portion 12 has a rigidity such that it is self-supporting and will remain extended in front of the palm and fingers to allow the grip portion 12 to be manipulated by the human hand on which the grip assist apparatus 10 is worn. Despite this rigidity, the grip portion 12 is flexible enough to allow it to be easily wrapped around a lifting bar 66 using only a fingertip.

Now referring to Figure 5, the grip portion 12 is shown superimposed over a hand. For the sake of clarity, the wrist portion 28 has not been included in Figure 5, but is understood to be present as shown in Figure 3A. Although the U-shaped insert 80 is understood to be disposed between the halves 71, 73, they are contoured to indicate their position within the grip portion 12. By comparing Figures 2 and 5, it is clear that when the grip portion 12 is placed over a palm as intended, the following will be true: at least a portion of the first and second U-parts 88, 96 will be disposed over at least a portion of the metacarpal fat pad array 204; at least a portion of the first side of the U 82 is disposed over at least a portion of the pinky fat pad 202; at least a portion of the second side of the U 90 is disposed over at least a portion of the thumb fat pad 200; and at least a portion of the connecting portion 98 is disposed over at least a portion of both the little finger fat pad 202 and the thumb fat pad 200. Again, it is arbitrary whether it is the first or second side of the U-shaped insert 80 82, 90 that is disposed above the thumb or little finger fat pad 200, 202, as the gripping portion 12, including the U-shaped insert 80 is symmetrical along the second line of symmetry 14. Additionally and importantly, at least a portion of the gap 104 is disposed over at least a portion of the vulnerability area 206. These placements of the various portions of the U-shaped insert 80 ensure that more pressure is exerted on the fattier portions of the hand, specifically the thumb fat pad 200, the little finger fat pad 202 and the series of metacarpal fat pads 204. The space 104, surrounded by the area reinforced by the U-shaped insert 80, will prevent the bar 66 from coming into contact with the vulnerable area 206, thus eliminating pressure on this unprotected and unpadded portion of the hand and preventing injuries.

Now referring to Figure 6, the preferred seam 106 is illustrated. The seam 106 is the preferred method for securely attaching the halves 71, 73 to each other. Other commonly used attachment methods, such as gluing or other adhesive, may also be used. In embodiments where the gripping portion 12 is a single molded part, such attachment is not necessary. In Figure 6, except for the perimeter of the grip portion 12, the solid lines indicate the stitching lines 106. The dashed lines indicate the second line of symmetry 14, the position of the end piece 20, the position of the U-shaped insert 80, and the first and second straps 30, 31. The stitching 106 includes at least the first outer section 108, the second outer section 110, the first inner section 112, the second inner section 114, the first upper section 116, the second upper section 118, and the gap-defining section 120. As shown, it is also preferred that the first and second outer sections 108, 110 extend downwardly and meet near the wrist end 70 of the grip portion 12 and that an additional stitching be included to secure the straps 30, 31 to the first and second joining edges. 72, 74. The first and second outer sections 108, 110 follow the concave contour 16 of the first and second sides 76, 78 of the grip portion 12, which extends towards the finger end 18 and towards the first and second joining edges 72, 74 and the wrist end 70. The first outer section 108 is between the first side 76 of the grip portion 12 and the first outer side of the U 84 of the U-shaped insert 80. Therefore, the first outer section 108 is sewn through only the first and second halves 71, 73. The second outer section 110 is between the second side 78 of the grip portion 12 and the second outer side of the U 92 of the U-shaped insert 80. Therefore, the second outer section 110 is sewn through only the first and second halves 71, 73. The first inner section 112 is within the first outer U-side 84 of the U-shaped insert 80. Therefore, the first inner section 112 is sewn through the first and second halves 71,73, as well as the U-shaped insert 80. The second inner section 114 is within the second outer U-side 92 of the U-shaped insert 80. Therefore, the second inner section 114 is sewn through the first and second halves 71,73, as well as the U-shaped insert 80. The first and second upper sections 116,118 are sewn just above the first and second U-tops 88,96, respectively, and are therefore sewn through only the first and second halves 71,73. Finally, the gap defining section 120 follows the first inner side of the U 86, the gap side 102, and the second inner side of the U 94, just inside the gap 104, such that the gap defining section 120 also sews through only the first and second halves 71, 73. The combination of the stitching sections 108-120, particularly with the first and second inner sections 112, 114 passing through the U-shaped insert 80 as well as the halves 71, 73, while all other sections are through the halves 71, 73 only, holds the U-shaped insert 80 in place, securely holds the halves 71, 73 against each other, and clearly defines the gap 104.

Now referring to Figure 7, because the straps 30, 31 join the grip portion 12 at angle A (shown in Figure 3A), they form a funnel-shaped opening 60 when joined together. The funnel-shaped opening 60 serves to grip the user's wrist in order to provide firm support during strength training. The funnel-shaped opening 60 has a distal end 62 that is positioned around the base of the user's hand and a proximal end 64 that is positioned around the user's wrist. Because the distal end 62 is larger than the proximal end 64, friction of the base of the hand is prevented. Furthermore, the nature of the funnel-shaped opening 60 prevents circulation from being restricted in the user's hand while allowing the grip assist apparatus 10 to firmly adhere to the user's wrist. It is noted that it is preferred to position the funnel-shaped opening 60 around the base of the hand when the gripping apparatus is used during pulling exercises. However, when performing pushing exercises, the funnel-shaped opening 60 is preferably positioned around the user's wrist and tightened to provide wrist support.

Now, referring to Figures 8A and 8B, there are provided front views of a human hand loosely holding a barbell with the grip assist apparatus 10. In Figure 8A, the grip portion 12 is between the barbell 66 and the user's hand 68. In Figure 8B, the barbell 66 is between the grip portion 12 and the user's hand 68. Thus, the user can customize their use of the grip assist apparatus 10 to what is most comfortable for them. In particular, the use shown in Figure 8A may be more comfortable for pushing exercises, such as the bench press or chest press. The use shown in Figure 8B may be more comfortable for pulling exercises, such as a pull-up or back pull-down.

Now, referring to Figures 9A and 9B, a progress of use of Figure 8B is provided. In Figure 9B, a side view of a human hand 68 wrapping the finger end 18 of the gripping portion 12 around the bar 66 toward the hand 68 is provided. In Figure 9B, a perspective view of a human hand 68 grasping the gripping portion 12 around the bar 66 past the position shown in Figure 9A is provided. It is understood that a similar progression of use may occur beginning with the use shown in Figure 9A with the grip portion 12 between the bar 66 and the hand 68. In other words, the user has the option of gripping the bar 66 with the grip portion 12 curving away from the hand 68, as suggested in Figure 8A, or curving toward the hand 68, as shown in Figures 9A and 9B.

Referring now to Figure 10, an alternative arrangement is shown in which the grip portion 12 is integrated into a weightlifting glove 300. In such arrangements, the wrist portion of other embodiments is removed and replaced with a glove 300 made of a flexible material that is shaped and sized to cover the user's palm and at least a portion of each finger.

In the arrangement of Figure 10, the glove material 302 covering the palm of the wearer forms the first layer of the grip portion 12, the insert 80 is contoured to indicate its position within the grip portion 12 and is positioned over this layer of glove material 302 and secured in position thereon by an outer layer 43. By comparing Figures 2 and 10, it is clear that when the glove 300 is worn, the grip portion 12 is arranged over a palm, such that at least a portion of the first and second parts of U, 88, 96 will be arranged over at least a portion of the metacarpal pad series 204; at least a portion of the first side of U 82 is arranged over at least a portion of the little finger fat pad 202; at least a portion of the second side of U 90 is arranged over at least a portion of the thumb fat pad 200; and at least a portion of the connecting portion 98 is disposed over at least a portion of both the little finger fat pad 202 and the thumb fat pad 200, and at least a portion of the gap 104 is disposed over at least a portion of the area of vulnerability 206. These placements of the various portions of the U-shaped insert 80 ensure that more pressure is exerted on the fattier portions of the hand, namely the thumb fat pad 200, the little finger fat pad 202, and the metacarpal fat pad array 204. The gap 104, surrounded by the area reinforced by the U-shaped insert 80, will prevent the bar 66 from coming into contact with the area of vulnerability 206, thereby eliminating pressure on this unprotected and unpadded portion of the hand and preventing injury.

Referring now to Figures 11A and 11B, in some embodiments where the grip portion 12 is integrated into a weightlifting glove 300, the grip portion 12 is formed by adhering two appropriately sized and shaped layers 71, 73 of anti-slip material together with the insert 80 disposed therebetween. As shown in Figure 11B, the outer layer 73 is fabricated from a wider sheet of material to allow it to be wrapped over the insert 80 and secured to the inner layer 71. Once secured, the grip portion 12 is attached to the glove material 302 in the position shown in Figure 10. It is noted that Figures 10 and 11A show a U-shaped insert 80. However, it is understood that any of the insert shapes disclosed herein may be substituted to achieve similar results.

Technical applicability

As is evident from the foregoing description, the present invention is a grip-assist device with a built-in arch support insert that is capable of being used in industry. The manufacturing process of the grip-assist device of the present invention and its use are described in detail above.

Claims (8)

1. A grip assist apparatus for weight lifting, wherein said grip assist apparatus is sized to cover a palm of a hand of a user from at least one finger to below a wrist joint such that movement of a thumb of the user is not impeded, wherein said hand comprises a thumb fat pad, a pinky fat pad, a plurality of metacarpal fat pads, and an area of vulnerability therebetween, the grip assist apparatus comprising: a gripping portion (12) formed by fixing first and second halves (71, 73) of flat material of the same shape and size to each other so that said first and second halves are aligned, said gripping portion (12) comprising: one end of the finger (18); a wrist end (70) opposite said finger end (18), said wrist end (70) comprising first and second wrist end flanks (500, 502); a first joining edge (72) disposed adjacent to said first wrist end flank (500) of said wrist end (70); a second joining edge (74) disposed adjacent to said second wrist end flank (502) of said wrist end (70); the first and second sides (76, 78) extending between said first and second joining edges (72, 74) and said finger end (18), wherein each of said first and second sides (76, 78) comprises the concave contour near said first and second joining edges (72, 74), such that when said grip assist apparatus is worn on the palm as intended, movement of the user's thumb is not impeded; a U-shaped insert (80) arranged between said first and second halves (71,73) comprising a spacer (104), wherein when said U-shaped insert (80) is arranged between said first and second halves (71,73): said grip portion (12) comprises three layers comprising said first half (71), said insert (80) and said second half (73) at all locations of said grip portion (12) except where said gap (104) of said insert (80) is disposed between said first and second halves (71, 73); said gripping portion (12) comprises only two layers comprising said first and second halves (71,73) where said gap (104) of said insert (80) is arranged between said first and second halves (71,73); and when said grip assist apparatus is worn on the palm as intended, said separation (104) is disposed over at least a portion of the area of vulnerability near the metacarpal fat pad series and extending from the metacarpal fat pad series toward the pinky fat pad and the thumb fat pad; and wherein said U-shaped insert (80) comprises: a first side of the U (82), comprising: a first external side of the U (84); a first inner U-side (86) opposite said first outer U-side (84); and a first U-top (88) connecting said first outer and inner U-sides (84, 86); a second side of the U (90), comprising: a second outer side of the U (92); a second inner U-side (94) opposite said second outer U-side (92); and a second U-top (96) connecting said second outer and inner U-sides (92, 94); a connecting portion (98) connecting said first and second sides of the U (82, 90), comprising: a wrist end side (100), wherein said wrist end side (100) intersects said first and second outer U sides (84, 92) of said first and second U sides (82, 90); and a gap side (102), wherein said gap side intersects said first and second inner U sides (86, 94) of said first and second U sides (82, 90); and said separation (104) formed between said first and second sides of the U (82, 90); wherein, when said grip assist apparatus is worn on the palm as intended: said wrist end side (100) of said connecting portion (98) is close to said wrist end (70) of said gripping portion (12); said first outer side of the U (84) follows said contour of said first side (86) of said grip portion (12); said second outer side of the U (92) follows said contour of said second side (78) of said grip portion (12); at least a portion of said first and second U-shaped upper parts (88, 96) are disposed over at least a portion of the plurality of metacarpal fat pads; at least a portion of one of said first and second U-shaped sides (82, 90) is disposed over at least a portion of the little finger fat pad; at least a portion of the other of said first and second sides of the U (82, 90) is disposed over at least a portion of the fat pad of the thumb; and at least a portion of said connecting portion (12) is disposed over at least a portion of the fat pad of the little finger and the fat pad of the thumb; a wrist portion (28) comprising a first strap and a second strap (30, 31), wherein: each of said first strap (30) and said second strap (31) comprises a connecting end (32, 33) and a free end (34, 35); said connecting end (32) of said first strap (30) extends from said first connecting edge (72) of said grip portion (12); and said connecting end (33) of said second strap (31) extends from said second connecting edge (74) of said grip portion (12); and a releasable wrist fastener (36) attached to said first and second straps (30, 31), said wrist fastener (36) being sized and shaped to fasten said first strap (30) to said second strap (31) such that said grip assist apparatus is secured around a wrist of the user. 2. The grip assist apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said planar material from which said gripping portion (12) is formed comprises first and second sides of the planar material and at least one of said first and second sides of the planar material is non-slip. 3. The grip assist apparatus as claimed in claim 1, further comprising an end piece (20) disposed between said first and second halves (71,73) at said finger end (18) of said grip portion (12). 4. The grip assist apparatus as claimed in claim 1, further comprising the seam (106) for holding said first and second halves (71, 73) against each other and for holding said U-shaped insert (80) in place between said first and second halves (71, 73), wherein said seam (106) comprises at least: a first outer section (108) between said first side (76) of said grip portion (12) and said first outer U-side (84) of said first U-side (82) of said U-shaped insert (80), wherein said first outer section (108) follows said contour of said first side (76) of said grip portion (12) and is sewn across said first and second halves (71, 73) only; a second outer section (110) between said second side (78) of said grip portion (12) and said second outer U-side (92) of said second U-side (90) of said U-shaped insert (80), wherein said second outer section (110) follows said contour of said second side (78) of said grip portion (12) and is sewn across only said first and second halves (71,73); a first inner section (112) parallel to said first outer section (108), wherein at least a portion of said first inner section (112) is sewn across said first and second halves (71,73) and said first outer U-side (84) of said first U-side (82) of said U-shaped insert (80); a second inner section (114) parallel to said second outer section (110), wherein at least a portion of said second inner section (114) is sewn across said first and second halves (71,73) and said second outer U-side (92) of said second U-side (90) of said U-shaped insert (80); first and second upper sections (116, 118) above said first and second U-shaped upper parts (88, 96) of said first and second U-shaped sides (82, 90) of said U-shaped insert (80), wherein said first and second upper sections (116, 118) are sewn through said first and second halves (71, 73) only; and a gap-defining section (120) adjacent to said first and second U-shaped inner sides (86, 94) of said first and second U-shaped sides (82, 90) and said gap-defining side (102) of said connecting portion (98) of said U-shaped insert (80), wherein said gap-defining section (120) is sewn through only said first and second halves (71,73). 5. The grip assist apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of said first and second joining edges (72, 74) of said grip portion (12) are angled such that when said first strap (30) and said second strap (31) of said wrist portion (28) are secured around a wrist of the user via said wrist fastener (36), said first and second straps (30, 31) and said grip portion (12) form a funnel-shaped enclosure around the wrist and the base of the hand, said enclosure having an opening (60) that is larger at a distal end (62) than at a proximal end (64). 6. The grip assist apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first strap (30) and said second strap (31) of said wrist portion (28) are each substantially rectangular in shape. 7. The grip assist apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said grip portion (12) has a rigidity such that said grip portion (12) is self-supporting and will remain extended in front of the palm and the fingers to allow said grip portion (12) to be manipulated by the human hand on which said grip assist apparatus is used, and wherein said grip portion (12) is flexible enough to allow said grip portion (12) to be easily wrapped around a lifting bar using only the tip of said at least one finger of the human hand on which said grip assist apparatus is used. 8. The grip assist apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said contour is such that said grip portion (12) comprises: a narrowing between said finger end (18) and said wrist end (70); a first widening between said narrowing and said end of the finger (18); and a second widening between said narrowing and said end of the wrist (18).