EXERCISE GRIP AND METHOD

Abstract: An exercise apparatus (10) includes a dumbbell (12) having a handle portion (14). The handle portion (14) has a first end (16), and a second end (18). The dumbbell (12) has weights (20) disposed adjacent the first end (16), and second end (18). The exercise apparatus (10) includes a grip (22) disposed about the handle portion (14). A grip (22) for an exercise dumbbell (12) or exercise barbell includes a first layer (24) that contacts the dumbbell (12) or barbell. The grip (22) includes a second layer (26) disposed about the first layer (24). The second layer (26) is adapted for contact with the user when the user grips the second layer (26). A method for making an exercise apparatus (10) includes the steps of taping a tapered end (32) of a grip (22) to a barbell or dumbbell (12). The inner surface (28) has teeth (30). The grip (22) is then wrapped around the barbell or dumbbell (12) with the edges of the grip (22) abutting. Both ends of the grip (22) are taped to the barbell or dumbbell (12). A method of exercising includes the steps of gripping a dumbbell (12) with a grip (22) wrapped around the handle portion (14) of the dumbbell (12). The grip (22) has an inner surface (28) with teeth (30) that contacts the handle portion (14). The dumbbell (12) is then lifted.

Description: EXERCISE GRIP AND METHOD FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention is related to a grip for a barbell or dumbbell. More specifically, the present invention is related to a grip for a barbell or dumbbell that has a first layer for contacting the handle portion of a dumbbell or barbell and a second layer which covers the first layer. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Dumbbells and barbells are used in "free weight" exercise regimes. A user grips the dumbbell or barbell, which has a desired weight, and moves them in a prescribed fashion to exercise a specific muscle or muscle group. During exercise, it is important to maintain a secure and firm grip so the dumbbell or barbell is held safely and the desired motion is attained. Furthermore, the grip by the user should be comfortable so the user can hold the dumbbell or barbell as long as necessary. An uncomfortable or painful grip in and of itself will hinder or prevent the exercise process with the dumbbell or barbell. The present invention facilitates a firm grip of a dumbbell or barbell which is also comfortable. ■ 2 - SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention pertains to an exercise apparatus. The exercise apparatus comprises a dumbbell having a handle portion. The handle portion has a first end and a second end. The dumbbell has weights disposed adjacent the first end and second end. The exercise apparatus comprises a grip. The grip is disposed about the handle portion. The present invention pertains to a grip for an exercise dumbbell or exercise barbell. The grip comprises a first layer that contacts the dumbbell or barbell. The grip comprises a second layer disposed about the first layer. The first layer is adapted for contact with the user when the user grips the second layer. The present invention pertains to a method for making an exercise apparatus. The method comprises the steps of taping a tapered end of a grip to a barbell or dumbbell with an inner surface of the grip contacting the barbell or dumbbell. The inner surface has teeth. Then there is the step of wrapping around the barbell or dumbbell the grip with the edges of the grip abutting. Next there is the step of taping both ends of the grip to the barbell or dumbbell. ■ 3 - The present invention pertains to a method of exercising. The method comprises the steps of gripping a dumbbell with a grip wrapped around the handle portion of the dumbbell. The grip has an inner surface with teeth that contacts the hand portion. Then there is the step of lifting the dumbbell. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the accompanying drawings, the preferred embodiment of the invention and preferred methods of practicing the invention are illustrated in which: Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a cross section of a grip on a handle portion of a dumbbell. Figures 2a, 2b, 2c and 2d are schematic representations of the grip being applied to the handle portion, in sequential order, respectively. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference numerals refer to similar or identical parts throughout the several views, and more specifically to figure 1 thereof, there is shown an exercise apparatus 10. The exercise apparatus 10 comprises a dumbbell 12 having a handle portion 14. The handle portion 14 has a first end 16 and a second end 18. The dumbbell 12 has weights 20 disposed adjacent the first end 16 and second end 18. The exercise apparatus 10 comprises a grip 22. The grip 22 is disposed about the handle portion 14. Preferably, the grip 22 is wrapped about the handle portion 14. The grip 22 is preferably comprised of a first layer 24 that contacts the handle portion 14. Preferably, the grip 22 is comprised of a second layer 26 disposed about the first layer 24, said first layer 24 adapted for contact with a user when the user grips the second layer 26. The first layer 24 preferably has an inner surface 28 with teeth 30 for gripping the handle portion 14, said inner surface 28 of contacting telephony handle abortion. Preferably, the first layer 24 is made of neoprene which provides padding. The second layer 26 is preferably made of nylon for providing abrasion resistence. A grip 22 for an exercise dumbbell 12 or exercise barbell. The grip 22 comprises a first layer 24 that contacts the dumbbell 12 or barbell. The grip 22 comprises a second layer 26 disposed about the first layer 24. The first layer 24 is adapted for contact with the user when the user grips the second layer 26. A method for making an exercise apparatus. The method comprises the steps of taping a tapered end 32 of a grip 22 to a barbell or dumbbell with an inner surface 28 of the grip 22 contacting the barbell or dumbbell, as shown in figure 2a. The inner surface 28 has teeth 30. Then there is the step of wrapping around the barbell or dumbbell the grip 22 with the edges of the grip 22 abutting, as shown in figure 2b. Next there is the step of taping both ends of the grip 22 to the barbell or dumbbell, as shown in figure 2d. Preferably, before the taping step, there is the step of cutting the end of the grip 22 to a length that matches the length of the barbell or dumbbell 12, as shown in figure 2c. A method of exercising. The method comprises the steps of gripping a dumbbell 12 with a grip 22 wrapped around the handle portion 14 of the dumbbell 12. The grip 22 has an inner surface 28 with teeth 30 that contacts the hand portion. Then there is the step of lifting the dumbbell 12. In the operation of the preferred embodiment, a grip 22 is formed of a first layer 24 of neoprene, and a second layer 26 of nylon which covers the first layer 24. The first layer 24 is typically between a sixteenth of an inch and three eighths of an inch and preferably one eighth of an inch thick. The first layer 24 has an inner surface 28 with teeth 30. The neoprene serves as padding for the grip 22 to make it more comfortable for the user when the user - 6 - grips the grip 22 during exercise of the dumbbell around which the grip 22 is wrapped. The second layer 26, which is made of nylon covers the first layer 24 and is sewn to the first layer 24. The first layer 24, being of Nylon, provides abrasion resistence to the user during exercise so as to minimize the possibility of blisters or irritation to the hands. The second layer 26 is sewn to the first layer 24 in a standard manner. The grip 22 has a tapered end 32 which facilitates the proper application of the grip 22 onto the handle portion 14 of the dumbbell 12 so as the grip 22 is wrapped around the handle portion 14, the edges of the grip 22 abut and form a complete cover of the handle portion 14 of the grip 22. It should be noted that the discussion herein is also applicable to a barbell. The grip 22 is wrapped around the handle portion 14 by the tapered end 32 of the grip 22 first being taped to the first end 16 of the handle portion 14 alongside the weight that is attached to the first end 16 of the handle portion 14. The grip 22 is typically 1/2 inch to 1 1/2 inches wide and preferably about 3/4 inches wide. The grip 22 is then wrapped tightly around the dumbbell 12. Because of how the tapered end 32 is angled when it is first taped to the handle portion 14, the grip 22 is wrapped at an angle which causes the grip 22 to wind about the handle portion 14 and move ■ 7 - towards the second end 18 of the handle portion 14 as it wraps around the handle portion 14. When the grip 22 has covered the entire handle portion 14, the end of the grip 22 is cut so that its aligns with and contacts the weight at the second end 18 of the handle portion 14. Tape 34 is then applied to the grip 22 at the first end 16 and second end 18 of the handle portion 14 to secure the grip 22 in place. In this way, the entire handle portion 14 is wrapped with the grip 22 so when the user exercises with the dumbbell, the user's hands is protected from direct contact with the handle portion 14. Furthermore, by their being teeth 30 on the inner surface 28 of the first layer 24, the teeth 30 minimize or prevent slippage of the first layer 24 and thus the grip 22 during use. The neoprene padding serves to cushion the gripping action of the user's hand during exercise and serves to prevent or make injury more difficult than if there was no grip 22 present. Although the invention has been described in detail in the foregoing embodiments for the purpose of illustration, it is to be understood that such detail is solely for that purpose and that variations can be made therein by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention except as it may be described by the following claims.

Claims: WHAT IS CLAIMED IS: 1. An exercise apparatus comprising: a dumbbell having a handle portion, said handle portion having a first end and a second end, said dumbbell having weights disposed adjacent the first end and second end; and a grip, said grip disposed about the handle portion. 2. An apparatus as described in Claim 1 wherein the grip is wrapped about the handle portion. 3. An apparatus as described in Claim 2 wherein the grip is comprised of a first layer that contacts the handle portion. 4. An apparatus as described in Claim 3 wherein the grip is comprised of a second layer disposed about the first layer, said first layer adapted for contact with a user when the user grips the second layer. 5. An apparatus as described in Claim 4 wherein the first layer has an inner surface with teeth for gripping ■ 9 - the handle portion, said inner surface contacting said handle portion. 6. An apparatus as described in Claim 5 wherein the first layer is made of neoprene which provides padding. 7. An apparatus as described in Claim 6 wherein the second layer is made of nylon for providing abrasion resistence . 8. A grip for an exercise dumbbell or exercise barbell comprising: a first layer that contacts the dumbbell or barbell, ; and a second layer disposed about the first layer, said first layer adapted for contact with the user when the user grips the second layer. 9. A method for making an exercise apparatus comprising the steps of : taping a tapered and of a grip to a barbell or dumbbell with an inner surface of the grip contacting the barbell or dumbbell, said inner surface having teeth; ■ 10 - wrapping around the barbell or dumbbell the grip with the edges of the grip abutting; and taping both ends of the grip to the barbell or dumbbell . 10. A method as described in Claim 9 wherein before the taping step, there is the step of cutting the end of the grip to a length that matches the length of the barbell or dumbbell . 11. A method of exercising comprising the steps of gripping a dumbbell with a grip wrapped around the handle portion of the dumbbell, said grip having an inner surface with teeth that contacts the hand portion; and lifting the dumbbell.

Inventors: COOK ARNOLD J, COOK, ARNOLD, J.
Applicants: COOK ARNOLD J, COOK, ARNOLD, J.
Application year: 1999
Main classification: A63B21
IPC codes: A63B21, A63B23