Hand grip device

Abstract

A hand grip device ( 14 ) which allows a user to execute physical activities, such as weight lifting, physical therapy or carrying items, while relieving stress or pressure on the user's fingers. The device ( 14 ) has a U-shaped grip member ( 1 ) and an adjustable strap ( 3 ). The grip member ( 14 ), preferably made of steel and covered with a rubber coating, is sized so as to be grasped within a user's hand. The adjustable strap ( 3 ) feeds through a slot ( 2 ) on the grip member ( 1 ) and wraps around a wrist ( 11 ) of the user. The strap ( 3 ) has a fastening means ( 4 ), preferably hook and loop type fastening material, and an adjuster ( 5 ), preferably similar to that of a buckle-type nature, to obtain a snug fit against the user's wrist ( 11 ). The user simply places the grip member ( 1 ) around a handle ( 10 ) to use. The user need not maintain a grip on the grip member ( 1 ) as the pressure from the weight will be displaced from the user's fingers ( 12 ) to the wrist ( 11 ).

1 . A hand grip device comprising: 
 a substantially rigid U-shaped grip member having a first end and a second end;    a strap removably attached to the grip member having a front and a back;    the strap having a first end and a second end;    the strap having a predetermined length and a predetermined width; and    a means for fastening the strap first end to the strap second end.    
   
   
       2 . The hand grip device of  claim 1  wherein: 
 the grip member is steel.    
   
   
       3 . The hand grip device of  claim 2  wherein: 
 the grip member is coated with a plastic finish.    
   
   
       4 . The hand grip member of  claim 1  wherein: 
 the grip member has a slot located on the first end; and    the slot is sized so as to accommodate the strap width.    
   
   
       5 . The hand grip member of  claim 1  wherein: 
 the grip member first end is longer than the grip member second end.    
   
   
       6 . The hand grip device of  claim 4  wherein: 
 the grip member first end is longer than the grip member second end.    
   
   
       7 . The hand grip device of  claim 1  wherein: 
 the means for fastening is hook and loop type material.    
   
   
       8 . The hand grip device of  claim 1  further comprising: 
 an adjuster located on said first end of the strap.    
   
   
       9 . The hand grip device of  claim 8  wherein: 
 the adjuster is sized so as to accommodate said width of the strap.    
   
   
       10 . The hand grip device of  claim 7  wherein: 
 the fastening means is located on the front of the strap.    
   
   
       11 . A method of using a hand grip device comprising a substantially rigid U-shaped grip member having a first end and a second end; a strap removably attached to the grip member having a front and a back; the strap having a first end and a second end; the strap having a predetermined length and a predetermined width; and a means for fastening the strap first end to the strap second end, said method comprising the steps of: 
 a. placing the hand grip device in a palm of a user's hand;    b. placing the strap around a wrist of a user;    c. applying the means for fastening; and    d. placing a handle of an object into the U-shaped grip member.    
   
   
       12 . The method claimed in  claim 11  wherein: 
 the object is a shopping bag.    
   
   
       13 . The method claimed in  claim 11  wherein: 
 the object is luggage.    
   
   
       14 . The method claimed in  claim 11  wherein: 
 the object is a briefcase.    
   
   
       15 . The method claimed in  claim 11  wherein: 
 the object is a weight.