WEIGHT LIFTING DEVICE
A barbell-engageable weight lifting device having a body adapted for a rotational engagement on a barbell which is used during weight lifting. Handles extending from a sidewall of the body provide hand grips for a user who uses the barbell during exercise to help maintain the barbell in position. Curved portions of the handles or ball shaped ends of the handles prevent slippage of the grip of the user off the ends of the handles.
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/673,626, filed on May 18, 2018, which is incorporated herein in its entirety by this reference thereto.
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThis invention relates in general to weight lifting. More particularly, it relates to a balance-improving device which is engageable to a barbell to aid a user in maintaining control of the weighted barbell during a squatting exercise and the like. Concurrently, the device allows for a more comfortable grip and posture for the user during such squat exercises.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONIn a weight training regimen, while many users choose weight machines on which to exercise, other users prefer to employ conventional barbells with weights engaged on opposing ends of the barbell. Further, for some exercises there is no available weight machine for such users to employ and they must use weighted barbells for the exercise.
For example, weightlifting, where weight-based exercise of the legs is desired, for example squats, lunges and calf exercises, can be difficult to accomplish, and in some cases dangerous, where heavy weights are engaged to the barbell being employed.
Conventionally, when exercising various leg muscles using free weights engaged on a bar, the user must position the weight-laden bar in front of or behind their neck where it is held in a precarious position during the leg exercises such as squats. During the exercise where the heavy barbell is held under the neck, and against the upper torso of the user, it requires the user to bend their wrists in an unnatural fashion toward their neck while concurrently maintaining a grip around the heavy bar which has heavy weights engaged at opposing ends.
This unnatural positioning of the arms and wrists is not only uncomfortable, it can easily result in injury to the user or spotter, should the heavy bar drop, should they lose their balance or lose their grip on the bar which is held precariously against their upper chest. Further still, because of the uncomfortable body, arm, and wrist positioning required for squat exercises and the like, many people who enjoy and participate in weight training, avoid leg exercises with free weights which also help strengthen the torso and other muscles.
The bar engageable device herein described and disclosed provides a solution to the shortcomings present in weight lifting for those wishing to use free weights engaged to opposite ends of a bar for squat and similar exercises. The device provides handle grips which are located in positions allowing more natural gripping and a more comfortable positioning and balancing of the weighted bar against the body of the user. Further, the grips are formed by members extending from engagements to a body of the device, which is adapted to rotationally engage upon the bar to which weights are engaged. This removable rotational engagement allows the device to rotate during squats and other exercises to allow the user to maintain a comfortable and ergonomic grip on both members providing grips to the hands.
The forgoing examples of related art as to free weights engaged with barbells for leg exercises and limitation related therewith are intended to be illustrative and not exclusive, and they do not imply any limitations on the invention described and claimed herein. Various limitations of the related art will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading and understanding of the specification below and the accompanying drawings.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTIONIt is an object of this invention to provide an easily engageable grip device adapted to removably rotationally engage around any conventional bar to which weights are engaged for exercising.
It is a further object of this invention to provide such a device which is easily engaged or disengaged to any bar employed with weights thereon without modification to the bar itself, to encourage widespread use and thereby reduce injuries and encourage squat and other exercises.
These and other objects, features, and advantages of the present bar grip aiding invention, as well as the advantages thereof over existing prior art, which will become apparent from the description to follow, are accomplished by the improvements described in this specification. Such are additionally described in the following detailed description which fully discloses the invention, but should not be considered as placing limitations thereon.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONIn accordance with the purposes of the present invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, the present invention provides a solution to the uncomfortable and unnatural hand and wrist positioning required of weight lifters desiring to perform leg exercises such as squats while holding the metal bar engaged with weights at opposing ends against their upper chest. Conventionally, the weight lifter must hold the weight-laden bar with their hands while their wrists are bent unnaturally. The device herein, once rotationally engaged on the bar, provides for the repositioning of the hands and wrists of users to a more ergonomic position during such exercises. Concurrently, this repositioning of the hands and wrists also provides for better positioning to achieve balance and control of the bar with the heavy weights attached. Consequently, both user safety and comfort are enhanced with the device engaged.
The device features an elongated body portion having an axial passage running between a first end and second end of the body. The diameter of the axial passage is sized to form a frictional rotational contact with and around a conventional elongated bar to which weights are engaged at opposing ends and which is gripped during squat type leg exercises.
From the body portion of the device extends a first member and a second member, both of which are engaged at respective first ends to the elongated body, and both of which extend to distal ends. The first member and second member extend from a central area of the body of the device in between the first and second end. They are spaced from each other a distance to position both the first member and second member in front of the chest of the user during use, while the body rotationally engaged upon the bar which communicates through the axial passage. This spacing can be a space determined to be an average adapted for easy gripping by both hands of users in an ergonomic position, or it may be adjusted and customized for individual users such as elite athletes with their own gyms or customized training. Further, the body of the device may be formed to allow a sliding engagement of the two projecting members so they may be adjusted for the user.
The first and second members extending from engagements to the body of the device may be linear or in the preferred mode of the device, both may have a curved portion in a central area of each member positioned between the first end and distal end. Alternatively, grip enhancement may be positioned at the distal ends of each member. Such includes ball or globe shaped components or a curved portion extending from the distal end having a diameter thereof wider than a diameter of each member.
The device is engageable to a bar of a barbell to an as-used position, by a positioning of the bar within the axial passage of the body such that the body can rotate upon the bar. This axial engagement is in a central portion of the bar, in between where weights are attached to both ends thereof.
With the body portion rotationally engaged around the bar having weights engaged at opposing ends, where provided, the curved areas will curve upward between the first end and second end of both members providing non slip grips for both hands of the user. This upward curved area thereby positions the hands of the user gripping the first and second members in the curved area, in a saddle type of engagement where the hands will not easily slip in either direction during use.
In other preferred modes, balls or globes may be positioned at the distal ends of both the first and second members to form a slip prevention barrier to prevent the sliding of the user's hands from either member. The balls may be included on straight or curved members but must have a diameter thereof which is larger than a diameter of the member to which it engages to provide slipping prevention.
In an additional preferred mode of the device, curved end portions may be positioned at the distal end areas of each of the two members. These curved end portions can provide additional areas for gripping as well as prevent the sliding of the hands of the user from the end of the members. Optionally, the curved end portions can be rotationally engaged to allow the user to position them to curve up or downward during use if such is more comfortable for the individual user.
The body portion may be formed of plastic or polymeric material or from fiberglass or carbon fiber material, or in some case may be formed of metal where the axial passage is engaged around the bar from one end of the bar prior to engagement of weights thereon. In a particularly preferred mode of the device, the body can be formed of the above noted materials which are adapted to flex to allow a passage running along the length of the body to temporarily enlarge to allow the body to slide over the bar for both engagement and disengagement.
Still further, it is envisioned that in an OEM version of a bar, the device and disclosed embodiments thereof herein could be permanently connected in a rotating engagement or even on fixed bearings on the bar, thereby permanently positioning the device on a bar which is engaged with weights at opposing ends.
During use with the device in the as-used position where the body is rotationally engaged around the bar, the user will grip both the first member and second member and use their hands to maintain the position of the bar on or against their person during exercises and maintain their hands, arms, and wrists in an ergonomic positioning. Further, the elongated first and second members provide the user with a mechanical advantage when holding the elongated and weighted bar in the proper position against their body during exercising. This makes the weighted bar more easily balanced while held in position during squats and other exercises.
With respect to the above description, before explaining at least one preferred embodiment of the herein disclosed rotationally engageable weight bar grip invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangement of the components in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The bar grip device herein described and disclosed in the various modes and combinations is also capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways which will be obvious to those skilled in the art upon reading this disclosure. Any such alternative configuration as would occur to those skilled in the art is considered within the scope of this patent. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which this disclosure is based may readily be utilized as a basis for designing of other weighted bar engageable devices which provide hand grips and a rotational bar engagement, and for carrying out the several purposes of the present disclosed device. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent construction and methodology insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form a part of the specification, illustrate some but not the only nor exclusive examples of embodiments and/or features of the disclosed weight bar engageable hand grip device. It is intended that the embodiments and figures disclosed herein are to be considered illustrative of the invention herein, rather than limiting in any fashion.
In the drawings:
Now referring to drawings in
This preferred rotational engagement is provided by an axial passage 16 which communicates through the body 12 between a first side and second side thereof. As noted, the axial passage 16 is formed to have a diameter which is equal to or just slightly larger, than the diameter of the bar 14 around which it is adapted to engage in a rotational engagement. Experimentation has shown that this is much better than a fixed engagement which would not rotate because it provides for smooth rotation when required by the suer moving the bar and balancing it during exercise.
As shown in
As noted and as shown in
Shown in
In another mode of the device as shown in
This separable mode of the body 12 in
As noted in
In
Also shown in
This positioning is preferred because it was found during experimentation with the device 10 that the weight of the bar 14 and attached weights 15 could possibly cause a flexing of the flexible sidewall 26, and disengagement when positioned under the bar 14. However, if the separation 24 is located on a side of the body 12 opposite this lower side contact such as a top or a rear side of the sidewall 26, such cannot occur. As shown in
In
In
In
As shown in
As noted, any of the different configurations and components can be employed with any other configuration or component shown and described herein. Additionally, while the present invention has been described herein with reference to particular embodiments thereof and steps in the method of engagement to a bar on which weights are engaged, a latitude of modifications, various changes and substitutions are intended in the foregoing disclosures, and it will be appreciated that in some instance some features, or configurations, or steps could be employed without a corresponding use of other features without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims. All such changes, alternations and modifications as would occur to those skilled in the art are considered to be within the scope of this invention as broadly defined in the appended claims.
Further, the purpose of any abstract of this specification is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, the public generally, and especially the scientists, engineers, and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. Any such abstract is neither intended to define the invention of the application, which is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting, as to the scope of the invention in any way.
Claims
1. A weight lifting device, comprising:
- a body, said body extending from a first end to a second end;
- said body having a sidewall surrounding an axial passage communicating through said body, from a first opening at said first end to a second opening at said second end;
- said axial passage of said body adapted for a rotational engagement upon an elongated bar which has weights engaged at positions adjacent opposite ends thereof;
- a first member extending from a first end thereof, in an engagement with said sidewall on a first side of said sidewall, to a second end thereof; and
- a second member extending from a first end thereof, in an engagement with said sidewall on said first side of said sidewall, to a second end thereof, wherein with said axial passage in said rotational engagement upon a said bar, said first member defines a first hand grip, and said second member defines a second hand grip, adapted for gripping by a user of said bar.
2. The weight lifting device of claim 1, additionally comprising:
- a separation communicating through said sidewall to said axial passage;
- said sidewall formed of flexible material; and
- said separation forming a passage for said bar into said rotational engagement withing said passage in said body.
3. The weight lifting device of claim 1, additionally comprising:
- a first curved portion of said first member positioned in between said first end and said second end thereof;
- a second curved portion of said second member positioned in between said first end and said second end thereof; and
- whereby said first curved portion and said second curved portion form respective saddles adapted to prevent slipping of a hand of a user gripping said first or second member.
4. The weight lifting device of claim 2, additionally comprising:
- a first curved portion of said first member positioned in between said first end and said second end thereof;
- a second curved portion of said second member positioned in between said first end and said second end thereof; and
- whereby said first curved portion and said second curved portion form respective saddles adapted to prevent slipping of a hand of a user gripping said first or second member.
5. The weight lifting device of claim 1, additionally comprising:
- a first ball shaped portion located at said second end of said first member, said first ball shaped portion having a diameter exceeding a diameter of said first member; and
- a second ball shaped portion located at said second end of said second member, said second ball shaped portion having a diameter exceeding a diameter of said second member.
6. The weight lifting device of claim 2, additionally comprising:
- a first ball shaped portion located at said second end of said first member, said first ball shaped portion having a diameter exceeding a diameter of said first member; and
- a second ball shaped portion located at said second end of said second member, said second ball shaped portion having a diameter exceeding a diameter of said second member.
7. The weight lifting device of claim 3, additionally comprising:
- a first ball shaped portion located at said second end of said first member, said first ball shaped portion having a diameter exceeding a diameter of said first member; and
- a second ball shaped portion located at said second end of said second member, said second ball shaped portion having a diameter exceeding a diameter of said second member.
8. The weight lifting device of claim 4, additionally comprising:
- a first ball shaped portion located at said second end of said first member, said first ball shaped portion having a diameter exceeding a diameter of said first member; and
- a second ball shaped portion located at said second end of said second member, said second ball shaped portion having a diameter exceeding a diameter of said second member.
9. The weight lifting device of claim 1, additionally comprising:
- a first hook shaped portion located at said second end of said first member; and
- a second ball hook portion located at said second end of said second member.
10. The weight lifting device of claim 2, additionally comprising:
- a first hook shaped portion located at said second end of said first member; and
- a second ball hook portion located at said second end of said second member.
11. The weight lifting device of claim 3, additionally comprising:
- a first hook shaped portion located at said second end of said first member; and
- a second ball hook portion located at said second end of said second member.
12. The weight lifting device of claim 4, additionally comprising:
- a first hook shaped portion located at said second end of said first member; and
- a second ball hook portion located at said second end of said second member.
Type: Application
Filed: May 20, 2019
Publication Date: Nov 21, 2019
Inventor: Dionicio Monarrez, JR. (Chula Vista, CA)
Application Number: 16/417,484