# US 9,433,816 B1 · Pronged band connector, and method for securing an elastic exercise band > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 9,433,816 B1 - Document ID: US9433816B1 - Status: Granted - Kind: B1 - Application number: 13/751,545 - Filed: 2013-01-28 - Granted: 2016-09-06 - Earliest claimed: 2013-01-28 - Applicants: Donald Jeffrey Boatwright - Inventors: Donald Jeffrey Boatwright - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US9433816B1 ## CPC - A63B 21/04: attached to static foundation {, e.g. a user} - A63B 21/00069: {Setting or adjusting the resistance level; Compensating for a preload prior to use, e.g. changing length of resistance or adjusting a valve} - A63B 21/0442: {Anchored at one end only, the other end being manipulated by the user} - A63B 21/0557: {Details of attachments, e.g. clips or clamps} - A63B: APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT (apparatus for passive exercising, massage A61H) ## Abstract A pronged band connector is adapted for securing a flat elastic exercise resistance band to an adjacent structure. The exercise band has a length, width, and thickness. The exemplary band connector comprises a base and a plurality of spaced-apart elongated rigid prongs. The prongs extend substantially perpendicular to the base, and are adapted for receiving a portion of the exercise band between adjacent prongs. A length of each prong may be greater than the width of the exercise band. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A combination comprising: a flat elastic exercise resistance band having a length, width, and thickness, and the exercise resistance band being formed in a closed loop and adapted for being longitudinally folded to define opposing first and second free ends, and the first free end of the exercise band adapted for receiving an elongated exercise bar; a pronged band connector adapted for being grasped by a user and inserted by hand at the second free end of the exercise band for securing the second free end of the exercise band to an adjacent structure, the band connector comprising: a base; and at least three spaced-apart elongated rigid prongs, fixedly attached to the base, and each having a straight distal end extending substantially perpendicular to the base for receiving a portion of the exercise band therebetween, and a beveled tip formed at the straight distal end, wherein a length of each prong is greater than the width of the exercise band, and wherein a distance between adjacent prongs is between approximately 0.5 and 1.0 inches. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) A combination according to claim 1, wherein said base and said prongs are integrally-formed together of a homogenous solid metal. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) A combination according to claim 1, wherein the length of each prong is between approximately 2 and 5 inches. ### Claim 4 (depends on 3) A combination according to claim 3, wherein the width of said exercise band is between approximately 0.5 and 5 inches. ### Claim 5 (depends on 4) A combination according to claim 4, wherein the thickness of said exercise band is between approximately 0.125 and 0.500 inches. ### Claim 6 (depends on 5) A combination according to claim 5, wherein said exercise band comprises graduated markings. ### Claim 7 (depends on 1) A combination according to claim 1, wherein said prongs are substantially identical in length and diameter. ### Claim 8 A combination comprising: an elastic exercise resistance band formed in a closed loop and adapted for being longitudinally folded to define opposing first and second free ends, and the first free end of the exercise band adapted for receiving an elongated exercise bar; a pronged band connector adapted for being grasped by a user and inserted by hand at the second free end of the exercise band for securing the second free end of the exercise band to an adjacent structure, the band connector consisting of: a base; and three spaced-apart elongated rigid prongs, fixedly attached to the base and adapted for receiving a portion of the exercise band therebetween, and each prong having a straight distal end extending substantially perpendicular to the base, and a beveled tip formed at the straight distal end, wherein a distance between adjacent prongs is between approximately 0.5 and 1.0 inches. ### Claim 9 (depends on 8) A combination according to claim 8, wherein said exercise band comprises a homogenous flat rubber band having a length, width, and thickness. ### Claim 10 (depends on 9) A combination according to claim 9, wherein said exercise band comprises graduated markings. ### Claim 11 (depends on 10) A combination according to claim 10, the thickness of said exercise band is between approximately 0.125 and 0.500 inches. ### Claim 12 (depends on 11) A combination according to claim 11, wherein the width of said exercise band is between approximately 0.5 and 5 inches. ### Claim 13 (depends on 12) A combination according to claim 12, wherein a length of each prong is greater than the width of said exercise band. ### Claim 14 (depends on 13) A combination according to claim 13, wherein the length of each prong is between approximately 2 and 5 inches. ### Claim 15 (depends on 14) A combination according to claim 14, wherein said prongs are substantially identical in length and diameter. ### Claim 16 A combination comprising: a stationary exercise stand; a flat elastic exercise resistance band having a length, width, and thickness, and the exercise resistance band being formed in a closed loop and adapted for being longitudinally folded to define opposing first and second free ends, and the first free end of the exercise band adapted for receiving an elongated exercise bar; a pronged band connector adapted for being grasped by a user and inserted by hand at the second free end of the exercise band for securing the second free end of the exercise band to the exercise stand, the band connector comprising: a base; and at least three spaced-apart elongated rigid prongs, fixedly attached to the base, and each having a straight distal end extending substantially perpendicular to the base for receiving a portion of the exercise band therebetween, and a beveled tip formed at the straight distal end, wherein a length of each prong is greater than the width of the exercise band, and wherein a distance between adjacent prongs is between approximately 0.5 and 1.0 inches. ### Claim 17 (depends on 16) A combination according to claim 16, wherein the length of each prong is between approximately 2 and 5 inches.