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Weight-lifting device and method of use thereforRelated Patent Categories: Exercise Devices, User Manipulated Force Resisting Apparatus, Component Thereof, Or Accessory Therefor, Utilizing Weight ResistanceWeight-lifting device and method of use therefor description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20050255973, Weight-lifting device and method of use therefor. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates generally to weight-lifting devices, and more specifically to a weight-lifting device adapted to grasp and permit the rapid release, drop or disengagement of a weight-bearing bar therefrom, wherein the weight or load carried by the weight-bearing bar is effectively transferred to the user's wrist(s), thereby significantly reducing or eliminating the amount of hand strength or gripping force required to retain the bar within the user's hand(s). The present invention is particularly suitable for, although not strictly limited to, application within the weight-training arena, wherein amateur weight-lifters and/or professional bodybuilders alike may utilize the device to assist in weight-training, weight-lifting, establishing proper lifting form, and/or reducing exercise-induced bodily injury. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] For many individuals engaged in a regular exercise regimen, weight-training is recognized as a crucial and effective method of building muscle mass, improving muscle and bone strength, and providing an overall low-impact cardiovascular exercise. [0003] The vast majority of upper body weight-training exercises are typically effectuated via the repetitive lifting and/or directionally-concentrated displacement of a weight-bearing bar carrying a selected number of calibrated weight plates thereon, wherein the lifter usually grasps the weight-bearing bar with one or both hands and retains the bar within his/her hand grip via a sustained grasping hand force. However, because typical weight-training regimens require multiple sets and repetitions of a selected weight to effectively train a selected muscle group, such sustained hand force around the weight-bearing bar can impart a concentrated pressure on the lifter's palm(s), finger joints and/or wrist(s), thus resulting in muscle and joint fatigue, and/or potential injury thereto. [0004] Accordingly, a multitude of available devices seek to reduce or eliminate the amount of hand strength or gripping force required to retain a weight-bearing bar within a lifter's hand(s), wherein such devices either transfer the weight to the lifter's wrist(s) and/or evenly distribute the pressure over the lifter's hand(s) and wrist(s). An example of such a device includes straps or tethers of sufficient length to securely wrap around the lifter's wrist and the weight-bearing bar, thereby facilitating lifting of the bar. Similar devices utilize straps to securely wrap around the lifter's wrist, wherein a rigid hook-shaped support member, clasp or carabiner carried by the strap is supportively engaged with the weight-bearing bar. Still other devices utilize straps extending from a glove worn by the lifter, wherein the straps similarly securely wrap around the weight-bearing bar to facilitate lifting of same. [0005] Although the above-described available devices may sufficiently transfer the weight of the weighted bar to the lifter's wrist(s) and/or evenly distribute the pressure from same over the lifter's hand(s) and wrist(s), such devices share a disadvantageous commonality that renders use of each device highly impractical and potential injurious to the lifter. [0006] Specifically, to ensure the secured engagement of the straps around the weight-bearing bar, the strap must often be tightly wound multiple times around the bar and the lifter's wrist(s). As such, should the lifter become fatigued or experience muscle strain, utilization of such straps can prevent the lifter from quickly releasing and dropping the bar from his/her person, thereby subjecting the lifter to potential muscle and joint injury. Straps with supportive hooks or carabiners also retard or prevent quick-release and subsequent drop of the weight bar from the lifter's person, wherein such hooks often possess a high degree of curvature so as to securely retain or support the bar thereon, and wherein carabiners, having a characteristic oblong ring-shape with a spring-hinged side, lockingly receive and secure the bar therewithin. Additionally, due to the inherent weight and resistive forces of the weighted bar acting on the straps wrapped around the lifter's wrist, the lifter's wrist is often subjected to significant skin chafing, bruising, and potential impedance of proper blood flow. [0007] Therefore, it is readily apparent that there is a need for a weight-lifting device that provides a user with the ability to securely grasp a weighted bar, yet rapidly release and drop same from the user's person. In addition thereto, there is a further need for such a device that effectively transfers the weight or load carried by the weight-bearing bar to the user's wrist(s), thereby significantly reducing the amount of hand strength or gripping force required to retain the bar within the user's hand(s). There is yet a further need for such a device that effectively transfers the weight or load carried by the weight-bearing bar to the user's wrist(s), without subjecting the user's wrist(s) to skin chafing, bruising, and/or potential impedance of proper blood flow, due to the inherent weight and resistive forces of the weighted bar acting thereon. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0008] Briefly described, in a preferred embodiment, the present invention overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages and meets the recognized need for such a device by providing a weight-lifting device and method of use therefor, wherein a user is able to securely grasp a weight-bearing bar, yet rapidly release and drop same from his/her person upon a sensation of fatigue or general muscle strain, and wherein the present invention further effectively transfers the weight or load carried by the weight-bearing bar to the user's wrist(s), without subjecting the user's wrist(s) to skin chafing, bruising, and/or potential impedance of proper blood flow. [0009] According to its major aspects and broadly stated, the present invention in its preferred form is a weight-lifting accessory or device and method of use therefor, comprising, in general, a grapple assembly and wrist belt. [0010] More specifically, the present invention is a weight-lifting device and method of use therefor, preferably comprising a grapple assembly possessing a series of cooperatively engageable grasping and lifting members pivotally engaged to a support ring carried by a wrist belt. The cooperatively engageable grasping and lifting members of the grapple assembly preferably function according to the principle of lifting tongs, wherein engagement of each member over a weight-bearing bar, and subsequent upward displacement of the grapple results in the grasping members "catching" the weight-bearing bar, and thus, producing a tighter grip therearound as the inherent weight/load and resistive forces of the bar collectively downwardly bear against or act on each member, thereby permitting the lifting of the weight-bearing bar via minimal exertion of hand force by the user. [0011] Preferably, each lifting member possesses a degree of curvature sufficient to permit a weight-bearing bar to be grasped and retained therewithin via minimal hand force, as described above. However, the curvature of each lifting member is shallow enough such that should the user/lifter become fatigued or sense muscle strain during a particular exercise regimen, the user simply releases his/her minimal hand grip, thus permitting the weight-bearing bar to disengage from the grapple assembly. Additionally, the present invention effectively evenly distributes the weight and pressure, if any, from the weight-bearing bar over the lifter's fingers and palms, and further transfers the weight of the weight-bearing bar to the lifter's wrist via the communicating wrist belt and support ring. [0012] Accordingly, a feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to enable a user to securely grasp a weight-bearing bar, yet to rapidly release and drop same from his/her person, if desired. [0013] Another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to evenly distribute weight and pressure, if any, from the weight-bearing bar over the lifter's fingers and palms. [0014] Still another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to effectively transfer the weight or load carried by the weight-bearing bar to the user's wrist, without subjecting the user's wrist to skin chafing, bruising, and/or potential impedance of proper blood flow, as a result of the inherent weight and resistive forces of the weighted bar acting thereon. [0015] Yet another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to assist a user with convenient and safe lifting of dumbbell bars, curling bars, and/or other weight bearing bars. [0016] These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent to one skilled in the art from the following description and claims when read in light of the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0017] The present invention will be better understood by reading the Detailed Description of the Preferred and Alternate Embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawing figures, in which like reference numerals denote similar structure and refer to like elements throughout, and in which: [0018] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a weight lifting device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; [0019] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a weight lifting device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; [0020] FIG. 3 is a side view of a weight lifting device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, shown in use; and, Continue reading about Weight-lifting device and method of use therefor... Full patent description for Weight-lifting device and method of use therefor Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Weight-lifting device and method of use therefor patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Weight-lifting device and method of use therefor or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Motion responding electrically blinking jump rope (ii) Next Patent Application: Exercise device Industry Class: Exercise devices ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Weight-lifting device and method of use therefor patent info. 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