Universal exercise band retaining device

Abstract

A universal exercise band retaining device includes a body formed of a continuous section of material. The material is selectively bent to form an attachment eyelet from which a retaining hook section extends. In use, two retaining devices are utilized, such that the ends of an exercise bar extend through the eyelets. The attachment of the retaining devices to an exercise bar allows an exercise band to be attached to the hook sections of the retaining device. Curved stops terminate the ends of a capture section that retains the exercise band to the retaining device. This prevents the exercise band from slipping off the retaining device during use, without imparting any chaffing to the material of the exercise band, thereby extending the operating life and reducing the potential for failure of the exercise band.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A device for retaining an exercise band to an exercise bar comprising:
 an attachment section adapted to be attached to the exercise bar;   a capture section attached extending from said attachment section by a first curved stop section; and   a second curved stop section attached to an end of said capture section,   whereby the exercise band is retained between said first and second curved stop sections.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said attachment section is adapted to pivotably receive the exercise bar. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein said attachment section includes an eyelet. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 3 , wherein said eyelet includes a gap. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 3 , wherein said eyelet is entirely closed. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said device is formed of one continuous section of material. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 6 , where said device is formed of material having a curvilinear cross-section. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said attachment section comprises a release mechanism to selectively attach the device to the exercise bar. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said attachment section is attached to said capture section by an elongated section. 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 8 , wherein said attachment section is not parallel to said capture section. 
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said first and second stop sections include concave surfaces that oppose each other. 
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the radius of curvature for said concave surfaces are the same. 
     
     
         13 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the attachment section comprises a threaded end. 
     
     
         14 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the attachment section is terminated at an end, such that a retention bore is proximate to said end. 
     
     
         15 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said attachment section includes a bearing. 
     
     
         16 . A kit comprising:
 an exercise bar having a bore disposed therethrough; and   a retention device comprising:
 an attachment section adapted to be received in said bore; 
 a capture section attached extending from said attachment section by a first curved stop section; and 
 a second curved stop section attached to an end of said capture section, 
 whereby the exercise band is retained between said first and second curved stop sections. 
   
     
     
         17 . The kit of  claim 16 , wherein said attachment section comprises a threaded end. 
     
     
         18 . The kit of  claim 16 , further comprising a fastener, wherein said attachment section comprises an end having a bore disposed proximate to said end configured to receive said fastener therein. 
     
     
         19 . The kit of  claim 16 , wherein said attachment section includes a bearing.