Patent Publication Number: US-2019168063-A1

Title: Grips for weight lifting

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention provides a pair of grips that enable safer and more efficient exercising. More specifically the grips are used to lift weights in a manner that is safe and more ergonomically correct to effect proper weight lifting technique. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Human exercise for the purpose of preparation in war or sport is ancient. The written histories of the Ancient Egyptians, Greeks, Romans and Asian civilizations are replete with examples of all manner of cardio and weight bearing exercise. In the first recorded Olympics in Ancient Greece, recorded exercise regiments included both cardio and weightlifting of the participating athletes. 
     In modern times, exercise by lay persons in countries like the United States has become a multi-billion dollar industry. It can fairly be said that in some parts of the world, exercise and the industry that supports it is one part obsession and another part capitalism. The exercise industry comprises all manner of invention for the novice to the professional. Some such inventions fall within the category of fad, but others have found use and even longevity. 
     In weightlifting, many devices have been created since the dawn of weight bearing exercise. Most such devices have focused on their ability to aid in moving, pushing, lifting, and/or carrying a weight. The obvious object has been to move the weight itself with little to no thought about the actual safety of moving the weight in the manner proscribed. As injuries have mounted, a need to create safer ways to exercise with weights has arisen. 
     Weight bearing exercises enabled by a neutral grip are rare. Using a neutral grip when weight lifting can lower the incidence of injury and induce much less stress in non targeted muscles in a weight bearing exercise. Today, neutral grips are achieved without the aid of a device, but instead is taught by a trainer to a weight lifter. Most exercise enthusiasts do not know what a neutral grip is or how to achieve it. The reduction in pain and/or injury by consistently being able to use neutral grips in exercising is paramount but also most recently, a problem with no ready solution. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention provides a portable grip for exercise and comprises a gripping portion configured to receive a user&#39;s hand; an axis of connection having a first end and second end, the gripping portion being connected to the first end of the axis of connection; and a clamping portion adjacently connected to the second end of the axis of connection, the clamping portion being releasably connectable to a weighted object for exercise. 
     In one embodiment herein, the gripping portion is rotatably movable about the first end of the axis of connection. In another, the clamping portion is rigidly affixed to the second end of said axis of connection. In yet another embodiment herein, the gripping portion is positioned within a cradle. 
     Preferably, the portable grip&#39;s gripping portion comprises a release mechanism. Also preferably, the release mechanism is actuated thereby causing the gripping portion to be rotatably movable about the cradle. 
     The grip portion can be rotatably movable about the cradle at an angle ranging from −90° to about 90°. The grip portion may also be rotatably movable about the cradle at an angle ranging from −45° to about 45°. The grip portion may also be rotatably movable about the cradle at an angle ranging from −25° to about 25°. 
     The axis release trigger is preferably attached to the axis of connection. The axis release trigger is releasable by a user. At release of the axis release trigger, the gripping portion is rotatably movable about the axis of connection. 
     In practice, the portable grip comprises a holding strength of at least 50 pounds. In another embodiment herein, the portable grip comprises a holding strength of at least 100 pounds. In yet another embodiment herein, the portable grip comprises a holding strength of at least 200 pounds. In a further embodiment herein, the portable grip comprises a holding strength of at least 300 pounds. 
     Herein, clamping portion is configured to affixedly grip a handle of a weight. The clamping portion affixedly grips the handle of the weight by a click and hold mechanism. 
     During use, the portable grip reduces grip and wrist fatigue of a user by at least twenty percent. Preferably, the portable grip reduces grip and wrist fatigue by at least forty percent. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, which will become more apparent as the description proceeds, are described in the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a planar view of the portable grip; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the portable grip of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3A  is an alternate planar view of the portable grip of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3B  is a top view of the portable grip of  FIG. 3A . 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the use of the portable grips of  FIG. 1  by a user; (two grips on one bar) 
         FIG. 5A  is a perspective views of the use of the portable grips of FIG. positioned onto a weight baring bar; 
         FIG. 5B  is a perspective view of the grips and bar of  FIG. 5A  with a human model in position to lift the bar using the grips; 
         FIG. 6A  is a perspective view of the grips of  FIG. 1  in use for holding a box; and 
         FIG. 6B  is a perspective view of the grips and box of  FIG. 6A  being held by a person. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The term “weightlifter” is used herein to mean a user or exerciser that lifts weights to exercise. The terms “weightlifter” and “user” are interchangeable herein. 
     By the term “neutral grip” it is meant herein a user&#39;s gripping of one or more weights in which the user&#39;s palms face one-another. 
     The invention provides a portable grip for exercise and comprises a gripping portion configured to receive a user&#39;s hand; an axis of connection having a first end and second end, the gripping portion being connected to the first end of the axis of connection; and a clamping portion adjacently connected to the second end of the axis of connection, the clamping portion being releasably connectable to a weighted object for exercise. 
     Typically, the portable grip or “grips” come in pairs. A user uses a pair of grips for those weights or surfaces requiring both of a user&#39;s hands. For example, a user performing shoulder shrugs with a straight bar would attach a grip on the left side of the bar (i.e., not the left end of the bar but the portion of the bar left of center of the bar) and a grip on the right side of the bar (i.e., not the right end of the bar but the portion right of center of the bar). A user&#39;s left hand grips the left most grip while his/her right hand grips the right most grip. 
     A pair of grips is used when single weights are used also. For example, a user may use a grip to pick up and press/pull/move a weight while also using a grip in the left hand for doing same with a separate weight for the left hand. A user may grip each of a pair of weighted plates (e.g., 15 lbs., 25 lbs., 35 lbs., 45 lbs., etc.) with a grip to perform a number of well known exercises. 
     The grips herein are specifically designed to feel and operate optimally for the user&#39;s safety and to enhance her exercise performance. Ideally, when each grip is used in its optimal configuration, desired muscle groups are targeted for use while easing and preferably substantially eliminating unnecessary physical stresses on other non-targeted areas of a user&#39;s body. For example, a user herein using a pair of grips to pick-up, push, rotate, etc. a weighted bar (or weight itself) can do so without also unduly straining his/her wrists, hands, lower back, upper back, etc. while performing an exercise for a targeted area (e.g., shoulders, gluteus maximus, calves, thighs, and the like). 
     To aid in such safety, relief and/or enhancement, an embodiment of the grips herein is provided in which the gripping portion is rotatably movable about the first end of the axis of connection. Such rotational movability enables a user to put his/her hands, wrists, forearms and elbows in the most relaxed positions while lifting weight, thereby aiding in a user&#39;s safety from injury and also enhancing a lift to isolate and work on the desired muscle or muscle group. In yet another embodiment herein, the gripping portion is positioned within a cradle. 
     To be clear, each grip herein is preferably rotatable in at least two planes. The gripping portion is rotatable about the first end of the axis of connection in the x-plane. Also, the gripping portion is rotatable about the z-plane within its cradle. The preferred embodiment of grips herein provides rotation about the x-plane and the z-plane respectively. The grips herein will preferably provide at least one plane of rotation, in either the x-plane or the z-plane. 
     Preferably, the portable grip&#39;s gripping portion comprises a release mechanism. The preferred release mechanism herein is built into the gripping portion. In use, a user would press the release mechanism upwardly into the gripping portion thereby freeing the gripping portion from its fixed position and allowing it to rotate in the x-plane as discussed hereinabove. This release mechanism is the first release mechanism. A second release mechanism may also be included that enables the gripping portion to rotate in the z-plane within a cradle. The preferred location of the second release mechanism resides on a side of the gripping portion at point adjacent to the cradle. When the second release mechanism is actuated, the gripping portion becomes rotatably movable about the cradle until the second release mechanism is released, thereby affixing the gripping portion in a new z-plane position. 
     In practice, the grip portion can be rotatably movable about the cradle at an angle ranging from −90° to about 90° in the z-plane. The grip portion may also be rotatably movable about the cradle at an angle ranging from −45° to about 45° in the z-plane. The grip portion may also be rotatably movable about the cradle at an angle ranging from −25° to about 25° in the z-plane. 
     [The axis release trigger is preferably attached to the axis of connection. The axis release trigger is releasable by a user. At release of the axis release trigger, the gripping portion is rotatably movable about the axis of connection.] 
     Each portable grip herein is built to be strong and durable. It is expected that grips herein will endure heavy and even careless use. Ideal materials from which to make the grips herein are one or more of the kinds of heavy duty plastics well known in the art, super strong, non-flexing aluminum, blends of steel and aluminum, steel or other metals useful in the formation and use of grips of the kinds provided herein. 
     In practice, the portable grip comprises a holding strength of at least 50 pounds. By the terms “holding strength” or “hold strength” it is meant herein a grip&#39;s ability to hold a weight of prescribed poundage without failure, deformity and/or the creation of an unsafe condition. In another embodiment herein, the portable grip comprises a holding strength of at least 100 pounds. In yet another embodiment herein, the portable grip comprises a holding strength of at least 200 pounds. In a further embodiment herein, the portable grip comprises a holding strength of at least 300 pounds. In an additional embodiment herein, the portable grip comprises a holding strength of at least 400 pounds. It will be understood by a person of skill in the art herein that when a pair of grips is used to exercise with a weight, and that such grips are clamped to the same weight, that each grip will bear one-half of the total weight held. 
     The terms “clamping portion” and “clamp” are interchangeable herein. In practice, the clamping portion is rigidly affixed to the second end of the axis of connection. The clamp is configured to affixedly grip a handle of a weight. The term “affixedly grip” means herein that the clamp of the grip, once properly positioned, grips and holds a weight or weighted object without intentional release thereof by a user. That is, once the clamp grips a weight or weighted object, the grip, under normal wear and tear conditions, will not release the weight or weighted object without the user intentional doing so. The clamp is also configured to affixedly grip a grippable portion of a weight (e.g., a weighted plate). 
     In one example herein, the clamping portion affixedly grips the handle of a weight or a weight itself by a preferred click and hold mechanism. The click and hold mechanism (or “mechanism”) operates thusly: a bar or grippable portion of a weight (e.g., a handle) is brought into close proximity of the click and hold mechanism; the bar is pushed into the mechanism; the mechanism slightly resists but also slightly flexes to allow the bar entry; and the bar is fixed into place within the mechanism once it moves beyond the opening thereof and snaps or clicks the bar into place, preferably, by an audible clicking sound that signals completion of the mechanism&#39;s work. 
     In another example herein, the clamping portion affixedly grips the handle of a weight or a weight itself by a release and hold mechanism. The release and hold mechanism is actuated by a switch preferably located on or within the grip portion of the grip. When actuated, the clamp opens, receives a grippable portion of a weight (or a weight itself) and then closes around the grippable portion thereof, producing a secure hold. 
     As has been discussed at length hereinabove, during use, the portable grip reduces grip and wrist fatigue of a user by at least twenty percent. Preferably, the portable grip reduces grip and wrist fatigue by at least forty percent. 
       FIG. 1  is a planar view of the portable grip  10 . Grip  10  is divided into two sections: a gripping portion  11  and a clasping portion  13 . Axis of connection  12  connects gripping portion  11  to clasping portion  13 . In practice, a user&#39;s hand grips bar  14  of grip  4 . 
     Clasping portion  13  comprises clasping mechanism  20  and locking device  25 . Clasping mechanism  20  has a diameter created to house and hold bars of standard diameter in a typical gym with weights. In use, a weight lifter grasps grip  10  and then connects it to a bar. The bar slides into clasping mechanism  20  past locking device  25  which then moves upwardly away from the passing bar until it passes. Once passed, locking device  25  clicks into place (i.e., reassumes its first position) to hold the bar fast and prevent it from moving out of clasping mechanism  20 . A weightlifting can move locking device  25  upwardly to allow a bar to move out of clasping mechanism  20 . 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of portable grip  10  of  FIG. 1 . In fact,  FIG. 2  shows hand  40  of a user or weightlifter grasping grip  10 . The internal structure of clasping portion  13  of grip  10  ( FIG. 1 ) enables both the clasping of a bar and its hold throughout a lift thereof. As is also shown, locking device  25  is connected at the front of clasping mechanism  20 . Locking device  25  is pivotable about its connection point thereby enabling its movement up away from clasping mechanism  20  to allow a bar to enter therein. 
       FIG. 2  provides user&#39;s hand  40  whereby the thumb thereof is positioned most closely to the front  42  of grip  10 . Conversely, the back  44  of grip  10  held furthest away from the user&#39;s thumb. Though user&#39;s thumb on user&#39;s hand  40  is not shown, persons of skill in the at will readily recognize the probably and most likely position of user&#39;s thumb as applied to grip  10 . 
     In most common practice, user&#39;s hand  40  will be oriented as shown in  FIG. 2 . Such orientation facilitates the grip and hold of locking device  25  to a bar or other object suitably configured to be held by grip  10 . Alternatively, the orientation of user&#39;s hand  40  onto grip  10  can be reversed from that discussed hereinabove. Namely, user&#39;s hand  40  can be oriented onto grip  10  such that the user&#39;s thumb is positioned closest to the back  44  of grip  10  and furthest away from the front  42  of grip  10 . 
       FIG. 3  is an alternate planar view of portable grip  10  of  FIG. 1 . Grip  10  provides a revolving element  50  that enables gripping portion  11  to rotate about an axis into the z-plane thereby enabling a more ergonomic grip by a user or weight lifter. Such rotation might also enable a more convenient grip as a weight or item is lifted, held and/or transported from one spot to another. 
     It should be noted herein that revolving element  50  can be incorporated into the grip design of grip  10  of  FIG. 1  whereby gripping portion  11  is rotatable about axis of connection  12 . In such inclusion, it is preferred that gripping portion  11  is rotatable about the z-plane and x-plane as is shown in  FIGS. 3  and  FIGS. 4 . 
       FIG. 4  is a top planar view of grip  10  of  FIG. 3 . Grip  10  is shown in the x-plane. Bar  14  of grip  10  is shown rotated away from axis of connection  12 . Such rotation occurs in the x-plane. This rotation occurs between zero degrees (0°) and 180 degrees (180°) from alignment with axis of connection  12 . Such rotatability enables comfort, convenience and ergonomic advantage to a user holding a weight, a bar or item being lifted, held or transported. 
     In a non weighting lifting context, having the ability to rotate bar  14  to adjust for the geometry, weight distribution or general awkwardness of a gripped item to be carried (e.g., tools, boxed items, construction equipment and the like) can be highly valuable if not critical. 
       FIGS. 5A &amp; 5B  are perspective views of the use of portable grips  10  of  FIG. 1  by a user on a weight bearing bar.  FIG. 5A  clearly shows grips connected to weight bearing bar  50  or bar  50 . As shown, grips  10  are positioned about shoulder length apart for a would-be weight lifter. When the weight lifter&#39;s hands grasp grips  10 , they will immediately be fixed into a neutral position thereby providing an ergonomic benefit not resident is a standard grip of bar  50  itself. Such ergonomic eases the strain of use on the weight lifter&#39;s hands, wrists, arms, shoulders, large muscle groups, and stabilizing muscle groups. 
     Grips  10  are designed to help a weight lifter carry large loads with less strain to critical muscle groups, ligaments and bones. Each portable grip  10  herein is built to be strong and durable. As is shown in  FIG. 5A , it is expected that grips  10  herein will endure heavy and even careless use. Ideal materials from which to make grips  10  herein are one or more of the kinds of heavy duty plastics well known in the art, super strong, non-flexing aluminum, blends of steel and aluminum (i.e., aluminum/steel composites), steel or other metals useful in the formation and use of grips of the kinds provided herein. 
       FIG. 5B  provides a perspective view of  FIG. 5A  in which weight lifter  60  is crouched to lift weighted bar  55  using grips  10 . As is shown, weight lifter&#39;s  60  hands grasp grips  10  in neutral positions whereby his hands face one-another. As shown, grips  10  are spaced about shoulder length apart thereby allowing weight lifter  60  to crouch between grips  10  at a low angle to engage his legs and gluts to prepare to lift bar  55 . Such position takes undue strain from weight lifter&#39;s  60  lower and upper back as well his shoulders, arms, wrists and hands. 
     Ideal connection of grips  10  is at an angle, as shown, which allows grips  10  to align with weight lifter&#39;s  60  hands, wrists and arms. Such alignment makes the weight lifting easier, more efficient and less dangerous with respect enabling less strain on a weight lifter&#39;s body while lifting, holding or transporting. 
       FIG. 6A  is an alternative perspective view of the use of the portable grips  10  of  FIG. 1  by a user. Importantly, grips  10  herein have application beyond exercise. Because grips  10  provide for ergonomic lifting, holding and moving of heavy objects, properly configured, they can also be used to lessen the strain and potential injuries of lifted items in a work or home setting. 
     In one example herein, grips  10  may be used by a user to pick up box  70 . Properly configured, grips  10  could be used to pick up box  70  from its bottom or its top. Grips  10 , properly configured, can also attached to box  70  at its holes  75 . At such attachment, a user holds and lifts box  70  by grips  10 . Preferably, grips  10  in  FIG. 6A  are of the kind discussed in  FIGS. 3 and 4  herein whereby gripping portion  11  is rotatable about the, at least, x-plane. In such an execution, bar  14  would be rotated at or nearly fully perpendicular to axis of connection  12  (see  FIG. 4 ). 
       FIG. 6B  shows worker  25  lifting box  5  using grips  10 . As noted hereinabove, grips  10  enable worker  25  to maintain a neutral grip while holding box  5 . Such neutral grip allows worker  25  to effectively lift, hold and move box  70  while also minimizing the strain of such grip on worker&#39;s hands, wrists, arms, shoulders, back, gluts and legs. Also, while limiting such strain, worker  5  is better able to engage his core to maintain greater overall stability. Such better stability ensures worker&#39;s better balance. This is particularly key when worker  5  walks with and otherwise moves box  5  from one point to another. 
     Preferably, grips  10 , as noted hereinabove, are rotatable about the x-plane and/or z-plane to allow an even more ergonomic and comfortable grip. Such grip rotation can enable less strain, particularly, to a worker&#39;s upper and lower back. It can also enable better use of the key, necessary muscles for lifting, holding and moving heavy items like box  70 . 
     Ideally, grips  10  are readily detachable and applicable to multiple surfaces. Once attached, grips  10  can be locked in place by locking mechanism  20 . Locking mechanism  20  ensures that a grip  10  stays in place while worker  15  lifts, holds or moves box  70   
     This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.