Patent ID: 7736284

Claim:
An apparatus for providing weightlifters a secure gripping surface when handling a dumbbell and the like, said apparatus comprising: a body having a deformably resilient cylindrical shape provided with a centrally disposed longitudinal axis extending along a length thereof, said body further having opposed open end portions and an axial bore formed therebetween for defining a sleeve through which the dumbbell can be slidably registered, said body further having separable longitudinal edge portions adapting said body between expanded and equilibrium arrangements such that said apparatus can be nested about the dumbbell, wherein said body comprises: a plurality of monolithically formed layers having varying thicknesses respectively, an outer one of said body layers including a plurality of vinyl strips registered about said opposed open end portions of said body respectively, an inner one of said body layers being formed from non-skid rubber material having a unitary and continuous shape extending along an entire length of the axis, a medial one of said body layers being partially interfitted between said inner and outer body layers such that a user can maintain surface area contact with said medial body layer without engaging said outer body layer; and means for tethering said body to a user's wrist such that said apparatus can be maintained within a restricted spatial distance from the user during operating conditions, said tethering means being formed from flexible material adjustably adaptable between alternate lengths.