WO2018137035A1

WO2018137035A1 - Configurable handle and method

Info

Publication number: WO2018137035A1
Application number: PCT/CA2018/050090
Authority: WO
Inventors: Brian K. Robinson; Gregory Lloyd CORRIGAN; Benjamin Charles ZUCKERMAN
Original assignee: 9614206 Canada Inc.
Priority date: 2017-01-26
Filing date: 2018-01-26
Publication date: 2018-08-02

Abstract

An adjustable handle includes a handlebar portion being mountable to a reference portion of the handle. The handlebar portion is displaceable between different engaged positions. The handlebar portion is mounted to the reference portion in a first orientation in one of the engaged positions, and the handlebar portion is mounted to the reference portion in a second orientation different from the first orientation in another one of the engaged positions. The handlebar portion is fixed in position with respect to the reference portion upon being mounted to the reference portion.

Description

CONFIGURABLE HANDLE AND METHOD

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application No. 62/450,730 filed January 26, 2017, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The application relates generally to handles and, more particularly, to adjustable handles.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Exercise machines have handles and other user interfaces that allow a user to use the machine to perform resistance or load-bearing exercises. When performing some exercises, or when switching between exercises, it is often desirable to change the orientation of the handle. Changing the orientation of the handle on a conventional exercise machine often requires substituting the handle for a different one, which is time-consuming and cumbersome. During a workout session, a user may wish to change the orientation of a limb such as a leg or an arm to exercise a different muscle of the limb, but there may not be enough handles with different orientations to accommodate the user. Acquiring many different handles is expensive and impractical because they need to be stored when not in use.

SUMMARY

[0004] In one aspect, there is provided an adjustable handle, comprising: a handlebar portion having a first grip segment and at least a second grip segment extending away from the first grip segment at an angle thereto, the first grip segment being mountable to a reference portion of the handle, the first and second grip segments being displaceable between different engaged positions, in one of the engaged positions the first grip segment is mounted to the reference portion and at least the second grip segment has a first orientation with respect to the reference portion, and in another one of the engaged positions the first grip segment is mounted to the reference portion and at least the second grip segment has a second orientation with respect to the reference portion different from the first orientation, the first and second grip segments being fixed in position with respect to the reference portion upon the first grip segment being mounted to the reference portion .

[0005] In an embodiment, the first grip segment is removably mountable to the reference portion, the first grip segment being removable from the reference portion and remountable thereto to displace the first and second grip segments between the engaged positions.

[0006] In an embodiment, at least the second grip segment lies in a first plane in the first orientation and a second plane in the second orientation , the first and second planes being transverse to one another.

[0007] In an embodiment, the first grip segment of the handlebar portion is mountable to the reference portion at a joint of the handle, the joint having a first member and a second member, the first and second members having complementary cross-sectional shapes.

[0008] In an embodiment, the first member of the joint includes a female portion, and the second member includes a male portion, the male portion having a non-circular cross-sectional shape being complementary to a non-circular cross-sectional shape of the female portion.

[0009] In an embodiment, the complementary non-circular cross-sectional shapes of the male and female portions prevent relative rotational displacement between the first grip segment and the reference portion upon the first grip segment being mounted to the reference portion

[0010] In an embodiment, the first member of the joint includes a cavity defined by planar inner walls, and the second member includes a protrusion having planar outer walls receivable within the cavity, the protrusion and the cavity having complementary polygonal cross-sectional shapes.

[0011] In an embodiment, the first and second grip segments are displaceable between N different engaged positions, where N is an integer corresponding to a number of the inner and outer walls.

[0012] In an embodiment, displacement of at least the second grip segment between the N different engaged positions provides a plurality of orientations of the second grip segment, an angular offset being defined between the plurality of orientations, the angular offset being equal to 360ΎΝ.

[0013] In an embodiment, a cable extends between the first grip segment and the reference portion.

[0014] In an embodiment, the cable is resilient to apply tension to draw the first grip segment and the reference portion together.

[0015] In an embodiment, the adjustable handle further comprises a third grip segment extending away from the second grip segment at an angle thereto, the third grip segment being displaceable between the engaged positions, the third grip segment lying in a first horizontal plane in one of the engaged positions and lying in a second horizontal plane in another one of the engaged positions, the first and second horizontal planes being vertically spaced from one another, the third grip segment being fixed in position with respect to the reference portion upon the first grip segment being mounted to the reference portion.

[0016] In an embodiment, the third grip segment is parallel to the first grip segment in all the engaged positions.

[0017] In another aspect, there is provided an adjustable handle, comprising: a handlebar portion being mountable to a reference portion of the handle, the handlebar portion being displaceable between different engaged positions, the handlebar portion mounted to the reference portion and having a first orientation in one of the engaged positions, and the handlebar portion mounted to the reference portion and having a second orientation different from the first orientation in another one of the engaged positions, the handlebar portion being fixed in position with respect to the reference portion upon being mounted to the reference portion.

[0018] In an embodiment, the handlebar portion is removably mountable to the reference portion, the handlebar portion being removable from the reference portion and remountable thereto to displace the handlebar portion between the engaged positions.

[0019] In an embodiment, the handlebar portion is mountable to the reference portion at a joint of the handle, the joint having a first member and a second member, the first and second members having complementary cross-sectional shapes.

[0020] In an embodiment, the first member of the joint includes a female portion, and the second member includes a male portion, the male portion having a non-circular cross-sectional shape being complementary to a non-circular cross-sectional shape of the female portion.

[0021] In an embodiment, the complementary non-circular cross-sectional shapes of the male and female portions prevent relative rotational displacement between the handlebar portion and the reference portion upon the handlebar portion being mounted to the reference portion.

[0022] In an embodiment, the first member of the joint includes a cavity defined by planar inner walls, and the second member includes a protrusion having planar outer walls receivable within the cavity, the protrusion and the cavity having complementary polygonal cross-sectional shapes.

[0023] In an embodiment, the handlebar portion is displaceable between N different engaged positions, where N is an integer corresponding to a number of the inner and outer walls. [0024] In an embodiment, displacement of the handlebar portion between the N different engaged positions provides a plurality of orientations of the handlebar portion, an angular offset being defined between the plurality of orientations, the angular offset being equal to 360 N.

[0025] In an embodiment, a cable extends between the handlebar portion and the reference portion.

[0026] In an embodiment, the cable is resilient to apply tension to draw the handlebar portion and the reference portion together.

[0027] In yet another aspect, there is provided an exercise apparatus having the adjustable handle disclosed herein.

[0028] In yet another aspect, there is provided a method of adjusting a handle, comprising: seizing a handlebar portion of the handle, the handlebar portion being engaged with a reference portion of the handle in an engaged position and having a first orientation; and disengaging the handlebar portion in the engaged position from the reference portion and reengaging the handlebar portion with the reference portion in a new engaged position, the handlebar portion in the new engaged position having a second orientation different from the first orientation, the handlebar portion being fixed in position with respect to the reference portion whenever the handlebar portion is engaged with the reference portion.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Reference is now made to the accompanying figures in which:

[0030] Fig. 1A is a perspective view of an exercise apparatus with an adjustable handle having an orientation, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0031] Fig. 1 B is a perspective view of the adjustable handle shown in Fig. 1A, the adjustable handle having an orientation different from the orientation shown in Fig. 1 A; [0032] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the adjustable handle shown in Fig. 1A having separate handle portions each with a different orientation;

[0033] Fig. 3A is a perspective view of a joint of the adjustable handle shown in Fig. 1 A;

[0034] Fig. 3B is another perspective view of the joint of Fig. 3A;

[0035] Fig. 4 is a schematic illustration of different cross-sectional shapes for members of the joint of Fig. 3A;

[0036] Fig. 5 is a perspective view of an adjustable handle, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0037] Fig. 6 is a perspective view of an adjustable handle, according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0038] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of an adjustable handle, according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] Figs. 1A and 1 B illustrate an exercise apparatus 1 1 having an adjustable handle 10. The exercise apparatus 1 1 includes structural links 1 1 A, pulleys 1 1 B, cables 1 1 C, and weights so that a user can perform resistance or load-bearing exercises as a part of an exercise regimen. The adjustable handle 10 is the interface through which the user interacts with the exercise apparatus 1 1 . The adjustable handle 10 (sometimes referred to herein simply as "handle 10") is therefore mounted to the exercise apparatus 1 1 .

[0040] The handle 10 is adjustable or configurable in that one or more of its components can be manipulated by a user of the handle 10 to form different configurations of the handle 10. The handle 10 is reconfigurable and repeatedly adjustable because it can be repeatedly manipulated by the user to form the different configurations. In so doing, the user is able to adjust the handle 10 so that its configuration or orientation is better suited to the exercise that the user wishes to perform.

[0041] In the depicted embodiment, the handle 10 is removably mounted to the exercise apparatus 1 1 . The handle 10 can therefore be manipulated by the user to perform resistance or load-bearing exercises as a part of the exercise regimen. Although shown and described herein as being used with the exercise apparatus 1 1 , the handle 10 is not limited to being used only with exercise apparatus 1 1 . Indeed, in an alternate embodiment, the handle 10 is used independently of another device. In yet another embodiment, the handle 10 is used with another type of apparatus. Similarly, although the handle 10 is shown and described herein as being manipulated by the hand of the user, the handle 10 is not limited to being only manipulated by hand. The handle 10 may be manipulated by another appendage (e.g. the foot) of the user, or by another part of the body of the user (e.g. the back, the neck, the head, the chest, etc.).

[0042] The handle 10 includes a handlebar portion 20 and a reference portion 30. The handlebar and reference portions 20,30 form different parts of the handle 10. The reference portion 30 includes a bracket or clip to mount the handle 10 to the exercise apparatus 1 1 . The handlebar portion 20 is engaged to the reference portion 30, and displaceable relative to the reference portion 30 to change the orientation of the handle 10. In the depicted embodiment, the handlebar portion 20 is moveable, and is displaced with respect to the stationary reference portion 30. In an alternate embodiment, the reference portion 30 is moveable and displaceable with respect to the stationary handlebar portion 20. In yet another alternate embodiment, both the handlebar and reference portions 20,30 are moveable, and displaceable with respect to each other. It will be appreciated that the reference portion 30 serves as a reference object or marker to which the displacement of the handlebar portion 20 can be compared. The terms "engaged" and "engageable" refer to the relationship of the handlebar and reference portions 20,30, such that the handlebar portion 20 can be connected to the reference portion 30 and also displaced with respect to the reference portion 30. As will be described in greater detail below, the engagement between the handlebar and reference portions 20,30 can take different configurations in order to achieve such functionality.

[0043] The handlebar portion 20 is a bar or similar elongated object that can be gripped by the user. In the embodiment of Figs. 1A and 1 B, the handlebar portion 20 includes multiple segments. More particularly, the handlebar portions includes a first grip segment 22, a second grip segment 24, and a third grip segment 26. Each grip segment 22,24,26 occupies a length of the handlebar portion 20, and the grip segments 22,24,26 collectively define the total length of the handlebar portion 20. Each grip segment 22,24,26 is a part of the handlebar portion 20 that is meant to be gripped by the user when performing exercises. In the depicted embodiment, each grip segment 22,24,26 is covered by a grip 28 to improve the frictional contact between the hand of the user and the handlebar portion 20.

[0044] The second grip segment 24 is integral with the first grip segment 22, and extends away therefrom at an angle Θ. The angle Θ is defined between the first and second grip segments 22,24, and has a non-zero value. In the depicted embodiment, the angle Θ is greater than 0° and less than approximately 180°. In the depicted embodiment, the angle Θ is approximately 90°. In the depicted embodiment, the second grip segment 24 extends away from a distal end of the first grip segment 22. In an alternate embodiment, the second grip segment 24 extends away from a portion of the first grip segment 22 between its extremities. In an alternate embodiment, the second grip segment 24 is mounted to the first grip segment 22.

[0045] The third grip segment 26 is mounted to, or integral with, the second grip segment 24, and extends away therefrom at an angle a. The angle a is defined between the second and third grip segments 24,28, and is roughly 90° in the depicted embodiment. Other values for the angle a are also within the scope of the present disclosure. In the depicted embodiment, the first and third grip segments 22,26 are substantially parallel to each other.

[0046] Still referring to Figs. 1A and 1 B, the first grip segment 22 is mountable to, and removable from, the reference portion 30 of the handle 10. The first grip segment 22 therefore engages the reference portion 30, such that the first grip segment 22 can be connected to the reference portion 30 and also displaced with respect to the reference portion 30. Since the first and second grip segments 22,24 are attached to one another, the displacement of the first grip segment 22 causes the second grip segment 24 to also displace. More particularly, the first and second grip segments 22,24 are displaceable between different engaged positions. In each engaged position, the first grip segment 22 is mounted to the reference portion 30, and the second grip segment 24 has a different orientation. Displacing the first and second grip segments 22,24 between the engaged positions therefore allows the user to adjust the orientation of the handlebar portion 20, and thus to adjust the orientation of the handle 10, as described in greater detail below.

[0047] Fig. 1A shows one of the engaged positions between the first grip segment 22 and the reference portion 30, and one of the orientations of the second grip segment 24. The first grip segment 22 is mounted to the reference portion 30 and the second grip segment 24 has a first orientation. The term "orientation" refers to the position of the second grip segment 24, or any other grip segment 22,26, with respect to the reference portion 30. For example, in the first orientation of the second grip segment 24 shown in Fig. 1 A, the second grip segment 24 is substantially horizontal and aligned with the reference portion 30. The second grip segment 24 is positioned as lying in a first plane P1 being substantially horizontal, and part of the reference portion 30 also lies in the first plane P1 .

[0048] Fig. 1 B shows another one of the engaged positions between the first grip segment 22 and the reference portion 30, and another one of the orientations of the second grip segment 24. The first grip segment 22 in Fig. 1 B is also mounted to the reference portion 30, and the second grip segment 24 has a second orientation. In the second orientation of the second grip segment 24 shown in Fig. 1 B, the second grip segment 24 is substantially vertical and misaligned with the reference portion 30. The second grip segment 24 is positioned as lying in a second plane P2 that is substantially vertical, which is transverse to the plane P1 in which part of the reference portion 30 lies. [0049] The first and second planes P1 ,P2 are therefore transverse to one another. The first and second planes P1 ,P2 are not parallel to one another. Since the orientation of planes P1 ,P2 of the second grip segment 24 changes between the different engaged positions, it can therefore be appreciated that the orientation of the second grip segment 24 in one of the engaged positions is different from the orientation of the second grip segment 24 in one or more of the other engaged positions. As the first and second grip segments 22,24 are displaced through the different engaged positions, the position of the second grip segment 22 relative to the reference portion 30 will be changed.

[0050] In the embodiment of Figs. 1 A and 1 B, the first grip segment 22 is parallel to the reference portion 30 and aligned therewith. Therefore, the orientation of the first grip segment 22 with respect to the reference portion 30 will remain the same as the first and second grip segments 22,24 are displaced through the different engaged positions. In an alternate embodiment described below, the first grip segment 22 extends at an angle to the reference portion 30, and therefore its orientation with respect to the reference portion 30 changes as the first grip segment 22 is displaced through the different engaged positions. The third grip segment 26 is also displaceable with the first and second grip segments 22,24 between the engaged positions. The third grip segment 26 lies in the horizontal first plane P1 shown in Fig. 1A in one of the engaged positions. In another one of the engaged positions, and as shown in Fig. 1 B, the third grip segment 26 lies in another horizontal plane P3 that is vertically spaced or offset from the first plane P1 . In the depicted embodiment, the third grip segment 26 is parallel to the first grip segment 22 in all the engaged positions.

[0051] In the depicted embodiment, the engagement of the first grip segment 22 with the reference portion 30 and the displacement of the grip segments 22,24,26 occurs as follows. In one of the engaged positions, the first grip segment 22 is mounted to the reference portion 30. To change the orientation of one of the grip segments 22,24,26 from this initial engaged position, the user pulls the first grip segment 22 from the reference portion 30, rotates the first grip segment 22 which causes the other grip segments 24,26 to also rotate, and remounts the rotated first grip segment 22 to the reference portion 30. The first grip segment 22 is thus mounted to the reference portion 30 in a new engaged position, and the orientation of the grip segments 22,24,26 has been changed. This manner of adjusting the handle 10 allows the user to displace the grip segments 22,24,26 between the engaged positions to obtain the desired orientation. Although the first grip segment 22 is shown in Figs. 1 A and 1 B as being displaced between sequential or adjacent engaged positions, it will be appreciated that the first grip segment 22 may also be displaced irregularly or randomly in order to be in any one of the engaged positions desired by the user. Other embodiments for the engagement of the first grip segment 22 with the reference portion 30 and for the displacement of the grip segments 22,24,26 are described below.

[0052] The grip segments 22,24,26 are fixed in position with respect to the reference portion 30 when the first grip segment 22 is mounted to the reference portion 30. By "fixed in position", it is understood that the grip segments 22,24,26 cannot be displaced by the user relative to the reference portion 30 unless the user performs the procedure to disengage the first grip segment 22 and change its engaged position. Therefore, irrespective of its orientation, the handlebar portion 20 is fixed in place in each of the engaged positions. The user is therefore prevented from changing the orientation of the handlebar portion 20 by normal use of the handle 10, and instead must manipulate the handlebar portion 20 and/or the reference portion 30 in the correct manner in order to change the orientation of the handlebar portion 20. Many configurations of this fixed positioning of the handlebar portion 20 are within the scope of the present disclosure, and some are described in greater detail below. In the depicted embodiment where the handle 10 is used with the exercise apparatus 1 1 , normal manipulation of the handle 10 by the user will not cause the orientation of the handlebar portion 20 to change. Therefore, in the normal course of their exercise regimen, the user is able to push and apply torque to the handlebar portion 20 in order to displace the handle 10 and generate resistance. These actions by the user will not cause the orientation of the handlebar portion 20 to change.

[0053] The handle 10 shown in Figs. 1 A to 2 has two handlebar portions: a first handlebar portion already referred to herein as the handlebar portion 20, and a second handlebar portion 120. The second handlebar portion 120 is also mounted to the reference portion 30 of the handle 10. The second handlebar portion 120 has identical features to, and operates in the same manner as, the first handlebar portion 20, and will therefore not be described in greater detail herein.

[0054] Fig. 2 shows the orientation of the first handlebar portion 20 and that of the second handlebar portion 120. The orientations of the first and second handlebar portions 20,120 are independently adjustable of one another. The user is therefore free to choose the desired orientation of the grip segments 22,24,26 of each handlebar portion 20,120. In the embodiment where the handle 10 is used with the exercise apparatus 1 1 , this versatility helps the user to choose the orientation of the handle 10 that is most suitable to the exercise being performed. In the depicted embodiment, the first grip segment 22 of the first handlebar portion 20 is engaged with the reference portion 30, and the first grip segment 122 of the second handlebar portion 120 is also engaged with the reference portion 30. In the illustrated engaged position, the orientation of the second grip segment 24 of the first handlebar portion 20 with respect to the reference portion 30 is different from the orientation of the second grip segment 124 of the second handlebar portion 120 with respect to the reference portion 30. Similarly, the orientation of the third grip segment 26 of the first handlebar portion 20 with respect to the reference portion 30 is different from the orientation of the third grip segment 126 of the second handlebar portion 120 with respect to the reference portion 30. In an alternate embodiment, the grip segments 22,24,26 and 122,124,126 of the first and second handlebar portions 20,120 have the same orientation with respect to the reference portion 30 for all engaged positions.

[0055] Figs. 3A and 3B show a joint 40 between the handlebar and reference portions 20,30. More particularly, the handlebar and reference portions 20,30 are engaged at the joint 40. The joint 40 therefore allows, in the depicted embodiment, the handlebar portion 20 to be disengaged from one of the engaged positions with the reference portion 30, and to be reengaged with the reference portion 30 in a new engaged position. The joint 40 is made up of components, and has a first member 41 and a second member 42. As seen in the depicted embodiment, and as further explained below, the first and second members 41 ,42 have complementary cross-sectional shapes. The term "complementary" refers to the compatibility of the cross-sectional shapes of the first and second members 41 ,42 of the joint 40, in that the cross-sectional shapes combine to allow the handlebar portion 20 to be displaced relative to the reference portion 30, and to fix the handlebar portion 20 in place in each of the engaged positions.

[0056] For example, and as shown in Figs. 3A and 3B, each of the first and second members 41 ,42 have a free extremity with a hexagonal cross-sectional shape. The cross-section lies in a plane that is normal to a center axis of each of the first and second members 41 ,42. The hexagonal cross-sectional shape has six sides, which allow six different orientations for the handlebar portion 20, and some of its grip segments 22,24,26. To change the handlebar portion 20 from a first orientation to a subsequent orientation, the user manipulates the joint 40 to separate the first member 41 from the second member 42, and rotates the first grip segment 22 of the handlebar portion 20 to the desired orientation. The user then reengages the first member 41 to the second member 42 to place the handlebar portion 20 in the subsequent orientation. The first grip segment 22 of the handlebar portion 20 is prevented from being further rotated because of the complementary sides of the hexagonal cross-sectional shapes of the first and second members 41 ,42. Since the reference portion 30 is fixed in place, torque applied to any of the grip segments 22,24,26 of the handlebar portion 20 will not cause the handlebar portion 20 to further rotate. The complementary hexagonal cross- sectional shapes therefore help to fix the handlebar portion 20 in place in each of the engaged positions.

[0057] In the illustrated embodiment, the first member 41 of the joint 40 includes a female portion 43, and the second member 42 includes a male portion 44. The male portion 44 is insertable into the female portion 43. Although the female portion 43 is shown in Figs. 3A and 3B as being part of the first grip segment 22 of the handlebar portion 20, it will be appreciated that in other embodiments the female portion 43 is part of the reference portion 30. The female and male portions 43,44 have complementary, non-circular cross-sectional shapes. The female portion 43 includes a socket 45 defined by interconnected inner planar walls 46 or straight sides, and the male portion 44 includes a protrusion 47 to be received within the socket 45. The protrusion 47 has planar outer walls 48 which defined its non-circular cross-sectional shape. The protrusion 47 and the socket 45 have complementary polygonal and non-circular cross- sectional shapes. For example, in the depicted embodiment, the non-circular cross- sectional shape of the socket 45 and of the protrusion 47 is hexagonal. The non-circular cross-sectional shape helps to prevent slip or rotation between the protrusion 47 and the socket 45 when the user applies a torque or force to one of the grip segments 22,24,26 of the handlebar portion 20. The complementary non-circular cross-sectional shapes of the male and female portions 43,44 therefore help to prevent relative rotational displacement between the first grip segment 22 and the reference portion 30 when the first grip segment 22 is mounted to the reference portion.

[0058] The polygonal, non-circular cross-sectional shapes include any two-dimensional figure with at least three straight sides. The number N of straight inner and outer walls 46,48 of the polygonal cross-sectional shape corresponds to the number of orientations of the handlebar portion 20. Indeed, the grip segments 22,24,26 of the handlebar portion 20 are displaceable relative to the reference portion 30 between N distinct engaged positions, where N is an integer corresponding to the number of straight inner and outer walls 46,48 of the socket 45 and the protrusion 47, respectively. In the depicted embodiment, the sides of each polygonal cross-sectional shape have the same length, and the number N of straight sides is even. In the depicted embodiment, the number N of straight sides is six. An angular offset is defined between the plurality of orientations of the grip segments 22,24,26. The angular offset is the angle value between adjacent orientations of one of the grip segments 22,24,26 of the handle portion 20. For example, the orientations of the second grip segment 24 are offset from one another by the angular offset. The angular offset is equal to 360ΎΝ.

[0059] Other examples of suitable non-circular cross-sectional shapes for the first and second members 41 ,42 are shown in Fig. 4. It will be appreciated that the shapes are not limited to those shown, and that other shapes are within the scope of the present disclosure. The top row of shapes include complementary non-circular polygonal shapes (i.e. triangular, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal). In an embodiment, the sides of each polygonal shape are equal in length. The bottom row shows other shapes which are not polygonal. In an alternate embodiment, the cross-sectional shapes of the first and second members 41 ,42 are still complementary but not identical. In such an embodiment, the first member 41 has a cross-section shaped like an "X", as shown in Fig. 4, and the second member 42 has a cross-section shaped like a "<". The "<" shape engages half of the "X" shape, allowing four different orientations for the handlebar portion 20 and its grip segments 22,24,26. It will therefore be appreciated that many non-circular cross-sectional shapes for the first and second members 41 ,42 of the joint 40 are within the scope of the present disclosure, provided that the shapes prevent the first and second members 41 ,42, when engaged, from displacing relative to one another. This helps to fix the handlebar portion 20 in place.

[0060] Referring back to Figs. 3A and 3B, the handlebar portion 20 is removably attached to the reference portion 30. The handlebar portion 20 can therefore be separated from the reference portion 30. In the depicted embodiment, a cable 50 extends between the first grip segment 22 and the reference portion 30. The cable 50 links the first grip segment, and thus the handlebar portion 20, to the reference portion 30, and prevents them from becoming permanently separated, lost, or misplaced. The cable 50 is resilient, and its default state or function is to apply tension to draw the first grip segment 22 and the reference portion 30 together. When the handlebar portion 20 is separated from the reference portion 30, the cable 50 applies a tension to draw the handlebar and reference portions 20,30 back together again. This helps the user to connect the handlebar portion 20 to the reference portion 30 after having chosen the next engaged position of the handlebar portion 20. It will be appreciated that other techniques for applying tension to the cable 50, such as a pulley system, are also within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0061] Another embodiment of the handle 1 10 is shown in Fig. 5. The handle 1 10 has a handlebar portion 120 engaged to a reference portion 130. In the depicted embodiment, the handlebar portion 120 has only one grip segment 125. The single grip segment 125 forms an angle β with the reference portion 130. As the grip segment 125 is displaced between the different engaged positions, its orientation with respect to the reference portion 130 will change. Another possible orientation for the grip segment 125 is shown in dotted lines. The grip segment 125 is fixed in position with respect to the reference portion 130 when it is engaged with the reference portion 130.

[0062] Another embodiment of the handle 210 is shown in Fig. 6. The handle 210 has a handlebar portion 220 engaged to a reference portion 230. In the depicted embodiment, the handlebar portion 220 has first and second grip segments 222,224. Both the first and second grip segments 222,224 are transverse to a horizontal plane HP. Both the first and second grip segments 222,224 do not have a horizontal orientation in any of the engaged positions. Another possible orientation for the grip segments 222,224 is shown in dotted lines. The second grip segment 224 is attached to the first grip segment 222 and extends outwardly therefrom at an angle.

[0063] Another embodiment of the handle 310 is shown in Fig. 7. The handle 310 has two handlebar portions 320 engaged to a reference portion 330. In the depicted embodiment, each of the handlebar portions 320 has first, second, and third grip segments 322,324,326. In the depicted embodiment of Fig. 7, the fixed configuration of the handlebar portions 320 with respect to the reference portion 330 is not dependent on a complementary geometry of the members of the joint. In Fig. 7, the first grip segment 322 and the reference portion 330 have a circular cross-sectional shape. The first grip segment 322 is insertable into a cavity 332 of the reference portion 330. Holes in the first grip segment 322 line up with holes 334 in the reference portion 330. When the desired orientation of the grip members 322,324,326 is achieved and the holes 334 are aligned, a pin 336 is inserted through the holes 334 in the reference portion 330 and in the first grip segment 322. The first grip segment 322 is therefore prevented from rotating with respect to the reference portion 330, and the grip segments 322,324,326 are therefore fixed in position with respect to the reference portion 330. To change the orientation of the grip segments 322,324,326, the user removes the pin 336 from the holes 334, rotates the first grip segment 322 to choose another engaged position, and reinserts the pin 336 into the holes 334. [0064] Other configurations for the engagement between the first grip segment 22 and the reference portion 30 are within the scope of the present disclosure. The examples described above rely on the complementary geometries of the first and second members 41 ,42 of the joint 40. In other embodiments, the fixed configuration of the handlebar portion 20 is not dependent on the geometry of the first and second members 41 ,42. In one such embodiment, the first and second members 41 ,42 have a circular cross-sectional shape. The second member 42 has spring-actuated push button that is insertable into different holes of the first member 41 . Each of the holes defines a different engaged position. In this embodiment, the first grip segment 22 is permanently connected to the reference portion 30. When the push button is inserted into one of the holes, the grip segments 22,24,26 are fixed in position with respect to the reference portion 30. In another embodiment, the first and second members 41 ,42 have a ratchet- pawl arrangement allowing rotation of the first grip segment 22 of the handlebar portion 20 in only one direction between different engaged positions. In this embodiment, the first grip segment 22 is permanently connected to the reference portion 30.

[0065] Referring to Figs. 3A and 3B, there is also disclosed a method of adjusting the handle 10. The method includes seizing the handlebar portion 20 which is engaged with the reference portion 30 in one of the engaged positions. The handlebar portion 20 has a first orientation. The method includes disengaging the handlebar portion 20 in the engaged position from the reference portion 30, and reengaging the handlebar portion 20 with the reference portion 30 in a new engaged position. The handlebar portion 20 in the new engaged position has a second orientation that is different from the first orientation.

[0066] The above description is meant to be exemplary only, and one skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made to the embodiments described without departing from the scope of the invention disclosed. Still other modifications which fall within the scope of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art, in light of a review of this disclosure, and such modifications are intended to fall within the appended claims.

Claims

1 . An adjustable handle, comprising: a handlebar portion having a first grip segment and at least a second grip segment extending away from the first grip segment at an angle thereto, the first grip segment being mountable to a reference portion of the handle, the first and second grip segments being displaceable between different engaged positions, in one of the engaged positions the first grip segment is mounted to the reference portion and at least the second grip segment has a first orientation with respect to the reference portion, and in another one of the engaged positions the first grip segment is mounted to the reference portion and at least the second grip segment has a second orientation with respect to the reference portion different from the first orientation, the first and second grip segments being fixed in position with respect to the reference portion upon the first grip segment being mounted to the reference portion.

2. The adjustable handle as defined in claim 1 , wherein the first grip segment is removably mountable to the reference portion, the first grip segment being removable from the reference portion and remountable thereto to displace the first and second grip segments between the engaged positions.

3. The adjustable handle as defined in claim 1 or 2, wherein at least the second grip segment lies in a first plane in the first orientation and a second plane in the second orientation, the first and second planes being transverse to one another.

4. The adjustable handle as defined in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first grip segment of the handlebar portion is mountable to the reference portion at a joint of the handle, the joint having a first member and a second member, the first and second members having complementary cross-sectional shapes.

5. The adjustable handle as defined in claim 4, wherein the first member of the joint includes a female portion, and the second member includes a male portion, the male portion having a non-circular cross-sectional shape being complementary to a non-circular cross-sectional shape of the female portion.

6. The adjustable handle as defined in claim 5, wherein the complementary non- circular cross-sectional shapes of the male and female portions prevent relative rotational displacement between the first grip segment and the reference portion upon the first grip segment being mounted to the reference portion

7. The adjustable handle as defined in any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the first member of the joint includes a cavity defined by planar inner walls, and the second member includes a protrusion having planar outer walls receivable within the cavity, the protrusion and the cavity having complementary polygonal cross- sectional shapes.

8. The adjustable handle as defined in claim 7, wherein the first and second grip segments are displaceable between N different engaged positions, where N is an integer corresponding to a number of the inner and outer walls.

9. The adjustable handle as defined in claim 8, wherein displacement of at least the second grip segment between the N different engaged positions provides a plurality of orientations of the second grip segment, an angular offset being defined between the plurality of orientations, the angular offset being equal to 360ΎΝ.

10. The adjustable handle as defined in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein a cable extends between the first grip segment and the reference portion.

1 1 . The adjustable handle as defined in claim 10, wherein the cable is resilient to apply tension to draw the first grip segment and the reference portion together.

12. The adjustable handle as defined in any one of claims 1 to 1 1 , further comprising a third grip segment extending away from the second grip segment at an angle thereto, the third grip segment being displaceable between the engaged positions, the third grip segment lying in a first horizontal plane in one of the engaged positions and lying in a second horizontal plane in another one of the engaged positions, the first and second horizontal planes being vertically spaced from one another, the third grip segment being fixed in position with respect to the reference portion upon the first grip segment being mounted to the reference portion.

13. The adjustable handle as defined in claim 12, wherein the third grip segment is parallel to the first grip segment in all the engaged positions.

14. An adjustable handle, comprising: a handlebar portion being mountable to a reference portion of the handle, the handlebar portion being displaceable between different engaged positions, the handlebar portion mounted to the reference portion and having a first orientation in one of the engaged positions, and the handlebar portion mounted to the reference portion and having a second orientation different from the first orientation in another one of the engaged positions, the handlebar portion being fixed in position with respect to the reference portion upon being mounted to the reference portion.

15. The adjustable handle as defined in claim 14, wherein the handlebar portion is removably mountable to the reference portion, the handlebar portion being removable from the reference portion and remountable thereto to displace the handlebar portion between the engaged positions.

16. The adjustable handle as defined in claim 14 or 15, wherein the handlebar portion is mountable to the reference portion at a joint of the handle, the joint having a first member and a second member, the first and second members having complementary cross-sectional shapes.

17. The adjustable handle as defined in claim 16, wherein the first member of the joint includes a female portion, and the second member includes a male portion, the male portion having a non-circular cross-sectional shape being complementary to a non-circular cross-sectional shape of the female portion.

18. The adjustable handle as defined in claim 17, wherein the complementary non- circular cross-sectional shapes of the male and female portions prevent relative rotational displacement between the handlebar portion and the reference portion upon the handlebar portion being mounted to the reference portion

19. The adjustable handle as defined in any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein the first member of the joint includes a cavity defined by planar inner walls, and the second member includes a protrusion having planar outer walls receivable within the cavity, the protrusion and the cavity having complementary polygonal cross- sectional shapes.

20. The adjustable handle as defined in claim 19, wherein the handlebar portion is displaceable between N different engaged positions, where N is an integer corresponding to a number of the inner and outer walls.

21 . The adjustable handle as defined in claim 20, wherein displacement of the handlebar portion between the N different engaged positions provides a plurality of orientations of the handlebar portion, an angular offset being defined between the plurality of orientations, the angular offset being equal to 360 N.

22. The adjustable handle as defined in any one of claims 14 to 21 , wherein a cable extends between the handlebar portion and the reference portion.

23. The adjustable handle as defined in claim 22, wherein the cable is resilient to apply tension to draw the handlebar portion and the reference portion together.

24. An exercise apparatus having the adjustable handle as defined in any one of claims 1 to 23.

25. A method of adjusting a handle, comprising: seizing a handlebar portion of the handle, the handlebar portion being engaged with a reference portion of the handle in an engaged position and having a first orientation; and disengaging the handlebar portion in the engaged position from the reference portion and reengaging the handlebar portion with the reference portion in a new engaged position, the handlebar portion in the new engaged position having a second orientation different from the first orientation, the handlebar portion being fixed in position with respect to the reference portion whenever the handlebar portion is engaged with the reference portion.