Claw

Abstract

An architecture is presented that provides a weightlifting wrist guard. The weightlifting wrist guard comprises a wrist support component with at least one claw-like component secured to an end of the wrist support component. Preferably, there are two claw-like components positioned to engage a standard diameter weightlifting bar. The claw-like components wrap around the bar and support a user's wrist against the weight of the bar and associated free weights. Furthermore, the weightlifting wrist guard comprises a means for securing the wrist support component to a user. Preferably, the means for securing comprises two straps secured around a user's forearm and an additional strap secured around a user's wrist. The straps can contain padding to cushion the upper portion of the user's hand, and will strap around a user's arm leaving a user's hands free at all times.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE

This application claims priority from Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/306,494 filed Feb. 21, 2010.

BACKGROUND

A significant number of weightlifters experience pain and injuries in their fingers, hands and wrists while lifting weights. Further, weightlifters with prior injuries or weak wrists are especially vulnerable to such pain and/or injuries. In addition to the physical dangers of placing excess strain on the hands and wrists, this practice can also reduce the overall effectiveness of the weightlifting session.

Consequently, a need exists for a device that protects a user's wrists while increasing the efficiency of the workout. The wrist guard device of the present invention provides weightlifters with a device that reduces the amount of strain placed on a weightlifter's tendons, wrists, hands and fingers. The wrist guard device supplies a thin layer of rigid support to the hand and wrist area thereby enabling weightlifters to reduce the likelihood of injury while exercising.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one aspect thereof, comprises a weightlifting wrist guard. The weightlifting wrist guard comprises a wrist support component with at least one claw-like component secured to an end of the wrist support component. Preferably, there are two claw-like components positioned to engage a standard diameter weightlifting bar. The claw-like components wrap partially around the bar and support a user's wrist against the weight of the bar and associated free weights. The claw-like components along with the wrist support component assist the user in maintaining control of the weightlifting bar by effectively distributing a portion of the weight or load being lifted away from the wrist area and closer to the forearm of the user. Additionally, when the weightlifting bar is in the upright position during curling, the claw-like components aid in the balancing of the free weights used and allow the user to rest and move his/her fingers freely for a moment to allow circulation of the blood flow to the fingers and hands without having to put the weightlifting bar and associated free weights down.

Furthermore in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the weightlifting wrist guard comprises a means for securing the wrist support component to a user. Preferably, the means for securing comprises two straps secured around a user's forearm area and an additional strap secured around a user's wrist. The straps can contain padding to cushion the upper portion of the user's hand, and will strap around a user's arm leaving a user's hands free at all times.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and is intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the weightlifting wrist guard of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the weightlifting wrist guard depicted in FIG. 1, wherein the straps are secured together in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the weightlifting wrist guard depicted in FIG. 1, secured to a user in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the weightlifting wrist guard depicted in FIG. 1, engaging a weightlifting bar in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the weightlifting wrist guard depicted in FIG. 1, in use in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof.

Typically, weightlifters experience pain and injuries in their fingers, hands and wrist area while weightlifting. In addition to the physical dangers of placing excess strain on these areas, the excess strain can also reduce the overall effectiveness of the weightlifting session. A need exists for a device that protects a user's hand and wrist area while increasing the efficiency of the workout. The wrist guard device provides weightlifters with a device that reduces the amount of strain placed on a weightlifter's tendons, wrists and hands by supplying a thin layer of rigid support to the hand and wrist area thereby enabling weightlifters to reduce the likelihood of injury while lifting weights and improve the overall efficiency of the workout.

Accordingly, the disclosed weightlifting wrist guard provides users with a wrist support component and at least one claw-like component positioned to engage a standard diameter weightlifting bar. The claw-like component wraps partially around the bar and supports a user's hand and wrist area against the weight of the bar and associated free weights. Furthermore, the weightlifting wrist guard comprises straps for securing the wrist support component to a user leaving a user's hands free at all times.

Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a preferred embodiment of weightlifting wrist guard 100. In the preferred embodiment, the weightlifting wrist guard 100 comprises a wrist support component 102 with at least one claw-like component 104 secured to an end of the wrist support component 102. The wrist support component 102 is typically a firm, durable plastic component. However, the wrist support component 102 can also be made from any similar material as is known in the art including, without limitation, metal or wood, without affecting the overall concept of the present invention. The at least one claw-like component 104 is secured to an end of the wrist support component 102. Preferably, there are two claw-like components 104, but any number of claw-like components can be added depending on the wants and needs of a user, without affecting the overall concept of the present invention. The claw-like components 104 are positioned to partially engage a standard diameter weightlifting bar, such as a barbell or a dumbbell. However, the claw-like components 104 can also engage a nautilus or pulley-type weightlifting device as well. In the preferred embodiment, the claw-like components 104 wrap partially around the bar, such that the bar rests within claw like component 104 when the user's arm is in the upright position as best illustrated in FIG. 5, and supports a user's wrist against the weight of the bar and associated free weights. The claw-like components 104 along with the wrist support component 102 assist the user in maintaining control of the weightlifting bar 502 by effectively distributing a portion of the weight or load being lifted away from the wrist area and closer to the forearm of the user, which typically contains more muscle mass. Additionally, by effectively transferring a portion of the weight being lifted to the user's forearm area, the user is less prone to injuries to the hand and wrist area and able to increase their repetition sets, which is desirable.

Furthermore, when the weightlifting bar 502 is in the upright position during curling, the claw-like components 104 aid in the balancing of the free weights used and allow the user to rest and move his/her fingers freely for a moment to allow circulation of the blood flow to the fingers and hands without having to put the weightlifting bar 502 and associated free weights down. Thus, allowing a user to complete the repetition set without interruption, which saves time and increases workout performance.

Furthermore, the weightlifting wrist guard 100 comprises a means for securing the wrist support component 102 to a user. The means for securing comprises at least one strap 106 that straps around the wrist support component 102 and is secured. The strap 106 can be secured by Velcro, snaps, buckles, or any other suitable material that is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the present invention. Further, the strap 106 can be made of any suitable material such as fabric or nylon. The strap 106 straps around the wrist support component 102, holding the wrist support component 102 in place on the back of a user's hand. Preferably, the means for securing comprises two straps 106 secured around a user's forearm and an additional strap 108 secured around a user's wrist. The straps can contain padding to cushion the upper portion of the user's hand, and will strap around a user's arm leaving a user's hands free at all times.

Typically, the wrist support component 102 is approximately 2 and ½ inches in height at the claw-like component 104 and tapers to ¼ inches at the base, and 7-8 inches in length, and 2-4 inches wide, with the widest part being in the middle against the back of a user's fist. However, the wrist support component 102 can be any suitable dimensions based on the size and needs of a user, without affecting the overall concept of the present invention. Further, the weightlifting wrist guard 100 can be made with enough room to allow a user to wear weightlifting gloves (not shown) underneath the wrist guard 100 for further support and comfort.

FIG. 2 illustrates the weightlifting wrist guard 100, wherein the straps 106 and 108 are secured together. The strap 106 can be secured by Velcro, snaps, buckles, or any other suitable material that is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the present invention. Further, the strap 106 can be made of any suitable material such as fabric or nylon. The strap 106 straps around the wrist support component 102, holding the wrist support component 102 in place on the back of a user's hand. Preferably, the weightlifting wrist guard 100 comprises two straps 106 secured around a user's forearm and an additional strap 108 secured around a user's wrist. The straps can contain padding to cushion the upper portion of the user's hand, and will strap around a user's arm leaving a user's hands free at all times.

Further, the claw-like components 104 are secured to the wrist support component 102. The claw-like components 104 wrap partially around a weightlifting bar and support a user's wrist against the weight of the bar and associated free weights. The claw-like components 104 along with the wrist support component 102 help to hold the weightlifting bar at a vertical stance thereby allowing a user to save energy and increase their repetition sets.

FIG. 3 illustrates the weightlifting wrist guard 100 secured to a user 300. In use, the wrist support component 102 and claw-like components 104 of the weightlifting wrist guard 100 are secured to the wrist and forearm of a user 300 via straps 106 and 108. The straps 106 and 108 strap around the wrist support component 102, holding the wrist support component 102 in place on the back of a user's hand. Preferably, the weightlifting wrist guard 100 comprises two straps 106 secured around a user's forearm and an additional strap 108 secured around a user's wrist. The straps 106 and 108 will strap around a user's arm leaving a user's hands free at all times.

FIG. 4 illustrates the weightlifting wrist guard 100 engaging a weightlifting bar 400. The weightlifting wrist guard 100 comprises a wrist support component 102 with two claw-like components 104 secured to an end of the wrist support component 102. The claw-like components 104 are positioned to engage a standard diameter weightlifting bar 400, such as a barbell or a dumbbell. However, the claw-like components 104 can also engage a nautilus, pulley-type weightlifting device (not shown) as well. The claw-like components 104 wrap partially around the bar 400 and supports a user's wrist against the weight of the bar and associated free weights. The claw-like components 104 along with the wrist support component 102 help to hold the weightlifting bar 400 at a vertical stance thereby allowing a user to save energy and increase their repetition sets. Further, the wrist support component 102 and the claw-like components 104 of the weightlifting wrist guard 100 are secured to the wrist and forearm of a user 402 via straps 106 and 108. The straps 106 and 108 strap around the wrist support component 102, holding the wrist support component 102 in place on the back of a user's hand.

FIG. 5 illustrates the weightlifting wrist guard 100 in use. Typically, a user 500 secures the weightlifting wrist guards 100 to their wrists and grabs the weightlifting bar 502 in a traditional manner. The weightlifting wrist guards 100, via the claw-like components, would wrap partially around and engage the weightlifting bar 502, supporting the wrists of the user 500 against the weight of the bar and associated free weights. The user 500 can then lift as usual, with the weightlifting wrist guards 100 helping to hold the weight at a vertical stance thereby allowing the user 500 to save energy and increase their repetition sets.

What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.

Claims

1. A weightlifting wrist guard, comprising:

a wrist support component with at least one claw-like component secured to an end of the wrist support component; and

a means for securing the wrist support component to a user.

2. The weightlifting wrist guard of claim 1, further comprising a second claw-like component secured to a second end of the wrist support component.

3. The weightlifting wrist guard of claim 2, wherein the means for securing comprises at least one strap that straps around the wrist support component and is secured by Velcro.

4. The weightlifting wrist guard of claim 2, wherein the means for securing comprises at least one strap that straps around the wrist support component and is secured by a buckle.

5. The weightlifting wrist guard of claim 3, wherein the at least one strap is fabric or nylon.

6. The weightlifting wrist guard of claim 2, wherein the means for securing comprises two straps secured around a user's forearm and an additional strap secured around a user's wrist.

7. The weightlifting wrist guard of claim 1, wherein the wrist support component is designed to engage a weightlifting bar.

8. The weightlifting wrist guard of claim 1, wherein the wrist support component is plastic.

9. The weightlifting wrist guard of claim 1, wherein a weightlifting glove can be worn by a user underneath the wrist support component.

10. A wrist guard, comprising:

a wrist support component for securing to a user; and

at least one strap attached to said wrist support component for attaching said wrist support component to said user.

11. The wrist guard of claim 10, further comprising at least one claw-like component secured to an end of the wrist support component for engaging a weightlifting bar.

12. The wrist guard of claim 11, further comprising a second claw-like component secured to said end of the wrist support component for engaging a weightlifting bar.

13. The wrist guard of claim 10, wherein the at least one strap comprises padding.

14. The wrist guard of claim 13, wherein the at least one strap comprises two straps for attaching said wrist support component to said user.

15. A weightlifting wrist support, comprising:

a wrist support component with at least one claw-like component secured to an end of the wrist support component for engaging a weightlifting bar; and

at least one strap that straps around the wrist support component to secure the wrist support component to a user.

16. The weightlifting wrist support of claim 15, further comprising a second claw-like component secured to said end of the wrist support component for engaging a weightlifting bar.

17. The weightlifting wrist support of claim 15, wherein a weightlifting glove can be worn by a user underneath the wrist support component.

18. The weightlifting wrist support of claim 15, wherein the at least one strap comprises two straps secured around a user's forearm and an additional strap secured around a user's wrist.

19. The weightlifting wrist support of claim 18, wherein the at least one strap is secured by Velcro.

20. The weightlifting wrist support of claim 15, wherein the wrist support component is plastic.