WEIGHTLIFTING GRIP DEVICE AND SYSTEM FOR WEIGHTLIFTING EXERCISING AND TRAINING

Abstract

Exercise devices useful for weightlifting exercises and training are provided. More specifically, a weightlifting exercise device and system is provided for improving the grip and support of a weightlifting bar or barbell when in use. The present exercise device provides the user with a better grip on the weightlifting bar, while enabling the user to change hand positions along the weightlifting bar to vary the exercise routine or accommodate the physical requirements of the user. The weightlifting exercise device is designed to fit easily around the circumference of weightlifting bar or barbell. The present exercise device is also portable and easy to store.

Claims

1. A weightlifting grip device comprising: a semi-cylindrical body having an outer surface and an inner surface; and, at least one roller positioned within an opening on the inner surface, wherein the inner surface and the at least one roller contact a weightlifting bar received within the inner surface.

2. The weightlifting grip device of claim 1, wherein the outer surface of the body is configured for a hand of a user.

3. The weightlifting grip device of claim 2, wherein the outer surface has a width for engaging a portion of the hand of the user.

4. The weightlifting grip device of claim 3, wherein at least one finger of the hand of the user extends beyond the width of the outer surface of the device when the hand engages the device.

5. The weightlifting grip device of claim 1, wherein the device further includes a handle on the outer surface.

6. The weightlifting grip device of claim 5, wherein the handle is configured for receiving a hand of a user.

7. The weightlifting grip device of claim 1, wherein the inner surface of the device has a concave surface having a radius for receiving a weightlifting bar.

8. The weightlifting grip device of claim 1, wherein the at least one roller is embedded within a portion of the opening on the inner surface.

9. The weightlifting grip device of claim 8, wherein the at least one roller contacts the weightlifting bar when the weightlifting bar is within the inner surface of the device.

10. The weightlifting device of claim 9 wherein the at least one roller is capable of moving the device laterally along a length of a weightlifting bar.

11. The weightlifting grip device of claim 1, wherein at least two sets of rollers are positioned within openings within the inner surface.

12. The weightlifting device of claim 11, wherein the sets of rollers are positioned on opposing sides of the inner surface.

13. A weightlifting exercise system comprising: an elongated bar having a first end and an opposing second end, the first end and second end configured for receiving a plurality of removeable weights; a gripping device configured for engagement with a hand of a user and the elongated bar, the gripping device comprising: a semi-cylindrical body having an outer surface and an inner surface; an opening within the inner surface; and, at least one roller embedded within the opening in the inner surface.

14. The weightlifting exercise system of claim 13, wherein the outer surface has a width for engaging a portion of the hand of the user.

15. The weightlifting exercise system of claim 13, wherein the inner surface has an inner radius for receiving the elongated bar.

16. The weightlifting exercise system of claim 13, wherein the at least one roller is positioned within the opening at a depth for contacting with the elongated bar when the elongated bar is within the inner surface.

17. A weightlifting training system comprising: an elongated bar having a first end and an opposing second end, the first end and second end configured for receiving a plurality of removeable weights; a gripping device configured for engagement with a hand of a user and the elongated bar, the gripping device comprising: a semi-cylindrical longitudinal body having center section and opposing flange ends, the center section having an inner surface with a radius for receiving the elongated bar; a plurality of openings within the inner surface of the body; and a plurality of rollers embedded within the openings at a depth above a top of the inner surface, wherein the plurality of rollers contact the elongated bar when the bar is received within the inner surface.

18. The weightlifting training system of claim 17, wherein the center section has a width for engaging a portion of the hand of the user.

19. The weightlifting training system of claim 18, wherein at least one finger of the hand of the user extends beyond the width of the center section of the body for contact with the elongated bar when the elongated bar is positioned within the inner surface and the hand engages the device.

20. The weightlifting training system of claim 18, wherein the plurality of rollers is located along the inner surface and flange ends of the semi-cylindrical body.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The drawing figures depict one or more implementations in accord with the present concepts, by way of example only, not by way of limitations. In the figures, like reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements.

[0020] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a weightlifting exercise device according to the present disclosure;

[0021] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the weightlifting exercise device according to the present disclosure;

[0022] FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of the weightlifting exercise device according to the present disclosure;

[0023] FIG. 4A illustrates a back view of the weightlifting exercise device according to the present disclosure;

[0024] FIG. 4B illustrates the back view of the weightlifting exercise device in use on a barbell;

[0025] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the weightlifting exercise device in a closed, stored position;

[0026] FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of the weightlifting exercise device in a closed, stored position;

[0027] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of the weightlifting exercise device and system of the present disclosure in use; and,

[0028] FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of the weightlifting exercise device and system of the present disclosure in use in a different position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] The present disclosure relates to exercise devices useful for weightlifting exercises and training. More specifically, a weightlifting exercise device and system is provided for improved gripping and supporting of a weightlifting bar or barbell when in use. The present exercise device provides the user with a better grip on the weightlifting bar, while enabling the user to change hand position along the weightlifting bar to vary the exercise routine. The weightlifting exercise device is designed to fit easily around the circumference of weightlifting bar or barbell. The present exercise device is also portable and easy to store.

[0030] Now referring to the figures, wherein like numerals refer to like parts, FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a perspective view of an embodiment of a weightlifting exercise device according to the present disclosure. FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of the weightlifting exercise device according to the present disclosure. FIG. 4 illustrates a back view of the weightlifting exercise device according to the present disclosure. FIG. 4a illustrates the back view of the weightlifting exercise device in use on a barbell. FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate a perspective view of the weightlifting exercise device in a closed, stored position. FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate perspective views of the weightlifting exercise device and system of the present disclosure in use in different positions.

[0031] Weightlifting exercises and training are improved through use of the weightlifting grip device 10 of the present disclosure. The present weightlifting grip device 10 enables the user to have an improved, secure grip on the elongated bar 100 of a barbell or weightlifting bar, while also permitting the user to change hand location along the bar to vary an exercise routine, and/or to accommodate the hand and arm position of a particular user.

[0032] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 3, the present weightlifting grip device 10 includes a semi-cylindrical 12 or C-shaped body. The body 12 of the device generally has a longitudinal length slightly longer than width of the average hand, which allows a user of the device to obtain a comfortable grip on the device. The shape of the body 12 is similar to that of a dumbbell, having a center section 12a with opposing extending flanges 12b forming the ends of the body. The weightlifting grip device 10 can be constructed from any suitable material, but generally a smooth hard plastic is a preferred material for durability and ease of manufacture.

[0033] The body 12 of the device includes an outer surface 14 and an inner surface 16. The outer surface 14 is convex and can be either smooth or include an optional pattern, either raised or embossed within the surface. A patterned surface may provide aesthetics and additional grip to the surface. The center section 12a of the body 12 has a width which is approximately the same as the palm of the average hand 200 of a user. Ideally, the center section 12a is not so wide that the user cannot wrap several, if not all, of his/her fingers around the device 10, as shown in FIG. 7. The confirmation of the center section 12a of the body 12 gives the user not only a more comfortable grip on the device, but also control over placement and movement of the grip device 10 on the elongated bar 100.

[0034] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 4a, the outer surface 14 of the body 12 can include an optional handle or strap 18. The handle 18 is secured through openings 19 at the flange ends 12b of the body. The handle 18 is ideally a Velcro® strap, which is adjustable for accommodating a hand 200 of a user as he/she grips the outer surface of the device 10 (FIG. 4a). The handle or strap 18 may also be used to hang or otherwise store the grip device 10 when not in use.

[0035] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 3, the inner surface 16 of the device has a generally convex shape. The inner surface 16 has a width or radius, which matches the radius of a standard weightlifting bar or barbell 100, so that the weightlifting grip device 10 engages the bar as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. The inner surface 16 includes at least one recess or opening 20 disposed within the inner surface. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the opening 20 has a T-shape for receiving the roller bearings 22 incorporated into the device 10. Additionally, in this particular embodiment, two opposing pairs of openings 20 are shown at either flange end 12b of the body 12 of the device. However, it should be understood that the recesses or openings can have any shape to accommodate a particular roller bearing 22, and the location of the openings within the inner surface can also vary. For example, there may be two opposing openings 20 in the center of the inner surface 16. Another option may be a single long opening spanning the length of the inner surface for accommodating any number of roller bearings 22. Thus, the number, shape and location of recesses or openings 20 incorporated into the grip device 10 are not limited to those shown in the figures.

[0036] As noted, the grip device 10 is movable laterally along the length of the weightlifting or barbell 100. The ability to move the grip device 10 along the weightlifting bar allows the user to change the spacing between his/her hands 200, as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8. The sliding motion of the device 10 is accomplished using a roller or plurality of rollers positioned within the openings 20 of the inner surface 16 of the body 12. FIGS. 1-3 illustrate an embodiment of the type of roller bearing 22 useful in the present device. These particular rollers 22 are dual shaft roller bearings on an axle that are press-fit or embedded into the cross-shaped openings 20. However, as with the openings 20, it should be understood that any suitable roller design, and number and location of the rollers can be used in the present device 10. Additionally, the rollers 22 may or may not be embedded into the inner surface 16.

[0037] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the rollers 22 are embedded into the cross-shaped opening 20 at a depth such that about one-third to one-fourth of the roller extends above the top of the inner surface 16. In this manner, the rollers 22 are secured within the body 12 of the grip device 10 but are minimally exposed enough to contact the weightlifting bar 100 when the bar is seated within the inner surface. Seating the rollers 22 in this manner protects the rollers from damage and provides a more secure fit for longevity of the grip device 10.

[0038] As illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, the weightlifting grip device 10 is useful in a system for weightlifting exercise and training. The user simply places his or her hand 200 through the handle 18a and wraps the hand around the center section 12a of the body 12 of the device. When the grip device 10 is placed onto a weightlifting bar 100, the bar contacts the inner surface 16 of the device and it also contacts the roller or rollers 22. The rollers 22 permit the user to slide the grip device into different positions, changing the spacing between his/her hands 200 either closer together or further apart on the bar, as reflected in FIGS. 7 and 8. The width of the center section 12b of the grip device 10 permits the user to wrap his/her fingers around the device and contact the bar 100, which allows the user to control and/or stop the movement of the grip device 10 along the length of the bar (FIG. 7).

[0039] Depending on the abilities and/or goals of the user, the grip devices 10 are typically used in pairs one in each hand, on a weightlifting bar 100 for weightlifting exercise and training. Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, it is preferable to keep a pair of grip devices 10 together for storage and portability. Storing a pair of weightlifting grip devices 10 is easily accomplished using magnets 30. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, magnets are inserted flush into the surface of each flange end 12b of the body 12 of the device. Specifically, opposing magnets 30 with opposite poles on opposite diagonals are positioned one on each flange end 12b, so that no matter the orientation of the grip devices, the magnets will lock together.

[0040] It should be noted that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages. Further, references throughout the specification to “the invention” are nonlimiting, and it should be noted that claim limitations presented herein are not meant to describe the invention as a whole. Moreover, the invention illustratively disclosed herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any element which is not specifically disclosed herein.