Patent ID: 7963891

Claim:
A lifting adapter used with an exercise weight or other heavy object having a horizontally grip bar, handle or strap grasped by hand, said adapter comprising: a horizontal bar member having a smooth outer surface and defining a first and second end, each said first and second end attaching an upper end of an arm, each said arm further having a lower end defining a grip bar retaining hook, said grip bar retaining hook further comprising a first expansion member extending from said lower end of each said arm and a second expansion member defining an expansion opening within which said first expansion member is slidably engaged, said second expansion member further defining and upward retaining projection, each first expansion member and second expansion member further providing a plurality of axially aligned holes which are aligned and maintained at selected width dependant upon the size of said grip bar, handle or strap of said weight or other object cradled within said expandable hook, said first and second expansion members held in place by a locking pin inserted through said axially aligned holes; and a grip sleeve surrounding said horizontal bar member and loosely engaging said horizontal bar to allow for rotation of said sleeve around said member, wherein said bar retaining hook securely retains said grip bar, handle or strap of said weight or object throughout exercise movement or applied force, said grip sleeve freely rotating around said horizontal bar member, positioning a direction of force of said weight in a straight downward vertical direction or adjusting the direction according to the linear direction of applied force, no matter what position said weight or object may be during arm movement, reducing stress on the hands, wrist, bone joints, tendons and ligaments of the arm and shoulders.