Weightlifting grip device and system for weightlifting exercising and training

Abstract

Exercise devices useful for weightlifting exercises and training are provided. More specifically, a weightlifting exercise device and system is provided for improving the grip and support of a weightlifting bar or barbell when in use. The present exercise device provides the user with a better grip on the weightlifting bar, while enabling the user to change hand positions along the weightlifting bar to vary the exercise routine or accommodate the physical requirements of the user. The weightlifting exercise device is designed to fit easily around the circumference of weightlifting bar or barbell. The present exercise device is also portable and easy to store.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A weightlifting grip device comprising:
 a semi-cylindrical body having an outer surface and an inner surface; and,   at least one roller positioned within an opening on the inner surface, wherein the inner surface and the at least one roller contact a weightlifting bar received within the inner surface.   
     
     
         2 . The weightlifting grip device of  claim 1 , wherein the outer surface of the body is configured for a hand of a user. 
     
     
         3 . The weightlifting grip device of  claim 2 , wherein the outer surface has a width for engaging a portion of the hand of the user. 
     
     
         4 . The weightlifting grip device of  claim 3 , wherein at least one finger of the hand of the user extends beyond the width of the outer surface of the device when the hand engages the device. 
     
     
         5 . The weightlifting grip device of  claim 1 , wherein the device further includes a handle on the outer surface. 
     
     
         6 . The weightlifting grip device of  claim 5 , wherein the handle is configured for receiving a hand of a user. 
     
     
         7 . The weightlifting grip device of  claim 1 , wherein the inner surface of the device has a concave surface having a radius for receiving a weightlifting bar. 
     
     
         8 . The weightlifting grip device of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one roller is embedded within a portion of the opening on the inner surface. 
     
     
         9 . The weightlifting grip device of  claim 8 , wherein the at least one roller contacts the weightlifting bar when the weightlifting bar is within the inner surface of the device. 
     
     
         10 . The weightlifting device of  claim 9  wherein the at least one roller is capable of moving the device laterally along a length of a weightlifting bar. 
     
     
         11 . The weightlifting grip device of  claim 1 , wherein at least two sets of rollers are positioned within openings within the inner surface. 
     
     
         12 . The weightlifting device of  claim 11 , wherein the sets of rollers are positioned on opposing sides of the inner surface. 
     
     
         13 . A weightlifting exercise system comprising:
 an elongated bar having a first end and an opposing second end, the first end and second end configured for receiving a plurality of removeable weights;   a gripping device configured for engagement with a hand of a user and the elongated bar, the gripping device comprising:   a semi-cylindrical body having an outer surface and an inner surface;   an opening within the inner surface; and,   at least one roller embedded within the opening in the inner surface.   
     
     
         14 . The weightlifting exercise system of  claim 13 , wherein the outer surface has a width for engaging a portion of the hand of the user. 
     
     
         15 . The weightlifting exercise system of  claim 13 , wherein the inner surface has an inner radius for receiving the elongated bar. 
     
     
         16 . The weightlifting exercise system of  claim 13 , wherein the at least one roller is positioned within the opening at a depth for contacting with the elongated bar when the elongated bar is within the inner surface. 
     
     
         17 . A weightlifting training system comprising:
 an elongated bar having a first end and an opposing second end, the first end and second end configured for receiving a plurality of removeable weights;   a gripping device configured for engagement with a hand of a user and the elongated bar, the gripping device comprising:   a semi-cylindrical longitudinal body having center section and opposing flange ends, the center section having an inner surface with a radius for receiving the elongated bar;   a plurality of openings within the inner surface of the body; and   a plurality of rollers embedded within the openings at a depth above a top of the inner surface, wherein the plurality of rollers contact the elongated bar when the bar is received within the inner surface.   
     
     
         18 . The weightlifting training system of  claim 17 , wherein the center section has a width for engaging a portion of the hand of the user. 
     
     
         19 . The weightlifting training system of  claim 18 , wherein at least one finger of the hand of the user extends beyond the width of the center section of the body for contact with the elongated bar when the elongated bar is positioned within the inner surface and the hand engages the device. 
     
     
         20 . The weightlifting training system of  claim 18 , wherein the plurality of rollers is located along the inner surface and flange ends of the semi-cylindrical body.