RESISTANCE BAND COVER
A cover assembly for a resistance band including one or more sleeves each having a base and an attachment structure, the latter removably securing a respective sleeve in a covering disposition on the resistance band. The base and attachment structure are disposable between open and closed orientations. The covering disposition includes the base, having a padded construction, disposed in overlying relation to an inner surface of the resistance band and the attachment structure, including a plurality of elongated flaps, overlapping one another and collectively disposed in overlying relation to an outer surface of the resistance band, concurrent to being in the closed orientation.
The present application is based on and a claim of priority is made under 35 U.S.C. Section 119(e) to a provisional patent application that is currently pending in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, namely, that having Ser. No. 62/795,358 and a filing date of Jan. 22, 2019 and which is incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the InventionThe present invention is directed to a cover assembly comprising one or more sleeves disposable in a covering disposition to at least a majority of a length of a resistance band, which may be elastic and have a closed loop configuration.
Description of the Related ArtFor many years physical fitness has enjoyed a continuous increase in popularity as evidenced, at least in part, by numerous types of exercise equipment now available to the public. Such equipment is designed for use both in commercial gymnasiums and/or fitness centers, as well as in the home. However, the complexity, cost and in many instances the size and weight of popular exercise equipment has prevented its private use by individuals, in their personal domestic environment.
In contrast, one form of exercise apparatus is commonly known and referred to as a resistance band or exercise band. Such bands typically vary in size, configuration and “strength”. Common structural characteristics include the band being made of a stretchable, elastic material such as, but not limited to natural or synthetic rubber. Further, the elastic material from which the bands are formed is structured to endure repeated expansion and contraction, such as by “stretching”, thereby facilitating its extended use during the performance of any one of a plurality of different exercise routines.
In addition, resistance bands are popular for both physical/strength training as well as rehabilitation. This popularity is due in part to the fact that it efficiently facilitates individuals to build and develop individual muscles and/or muscle groupings with convenience. Further, such resistance bands may include an elongated strap, which may also include a closed loop configuration. As indicated, the popularity of resistance bands of all shapes and sizes is based at least in part on convenience. More specifically, because of their lightweight, compact structure, and flexibility, resistance bands may be folded and stored in small areas and in some instances even carried on the person of a user. Such features have an obvious advantage compared to other known strengthening equipment such as dumbbells and/or hand held free weights.
Depending upon their structure and overall intended use, resistance bands facilitate the attachment to a static structure while engaging a body part of the user thereby allowing resistance to exerted on the user body part in a repeated. The versatility of resistance bands is evidenced by providing effective forms of exercise for lower body, upper body as well as the conditioning of a user's core. As such, the conventional resistance band allows an individual to perform a full range of motion, incorporating numerous physical fitness routines, while targeting muscles that may not be affected with other types of equipment including, but not limited to, the aforementioned barbells, free weights, etc.
Also, as is recognized one category of usage of such bands is the at least partial encircling or enclosing of a portion of the user's body to which the repeated resistance may be applied. However, a potential problem area with use of such resistance bands, in the manner set forth above, includes frequent direct engagement with the skin of the user and/or the body part being at least partially enclosed. This may provide damage and/or irritation to the body part, resulting in discomfort as well as skin damage. Also, dependent on the intended use, there may be a tendency of the one or more resistance bands two slide or roll out of an intended and preferred position, as well as curling or folding about itself, thereby. As a result, the use of conventional resistance bands in the typical fashion may lessen the effectiveness thereof and cause discomfort to the user.
Accordingly, in an attempt to overcome the problems and disadvantages when using resistance bands of the type set forth above, there is a need in the physical fitness industry for a cover assembly. Such a preferred and proposed cover assembly would include at least one sleeve but in certain practical applications a plurality of sleeves which are individually capable of being attached and removed relative in overlying, covering relation along different lengths of the resistance band. Further, an improved cover assembly would be capable of being removably disposed in overlying covering relation to at least a majority, or in certain instances, the entirety of the length of the band. Such protective engagement may also be accomplished when the band comprises a closed loop configuration. Further, the structuring of the one or more sleeves comprising such an improved and proposed cover assembly may include a padded or cushioned base portion. Such a padded or cushioned construction would be operatively disposed in a protective position between the skin of the body part of the user and the interior surface of the resistance band itself.
Therefore, overcoming the problems and disadvantages of conventional resistance bands and their repeated use would be the structuring of an improved cover assembly in a manner which would allow easy and effective connection and removal to a resistance band, regardless of the dimension and configuration of the band. Also, the flexibility other characteristics of the material of the one or more sleeves of the cover assembly would facilitate the accommodation to the changing shapes of a resistance band during its repeated stretching and contraction. Also, the material from which sleeves of the cover assembly is formed would allow for the protection of the resistance band itself from sweat, body heat and excessive frictional engagement between the friction band and the skin of the user.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention is directed to a cover assembly for a resistance band of the type commonly used in physical fitness activities. As such, the resistance band may be elastic and have a closed loop or at least partially circular configuration. Further, the cover assembly include operative and structural features which overcome the noted disadvantages and problems associated with the common usage of resistance bands of the type referred to herein and other similar or equivalent resistance band type structures.
In more specific terms, the cover assembly of the present invention may be formed of a nylon material, wherein certain components may also be formed of a neoprene material, silicone material and or a blend thereof. Further, the cover assembly includes at least one but preferably a plurality of at least two elongated sleeves. Each of the one or more sleeves is formed of a material which is sufficiently flexible to be attached along at least a majority of the curvilinear length of the resistance band in an overlying, covering relation thereto. Further, each of the sleeves includes an elongated base and an attachment structure movably connected to the base. The movable connection of the attachment structure to the base facilitates the positioning of the base and the attachment structure into a closed orientation and an open orientation.
Further, the attachment structure of each of the one or more sleeves comprises at least one or a plurality of at least two attachment segments. Preferably one or more embodiments of the cover assembly of the present invention includes each of the one or more attachment segments being in the form of an elongated flap having a length which may be substantially equal to the length of the base. In the alternative, the longitudinal dimension of each of the one or more attachment flaps may be sufficient to extend along at least a majority of the length of the base.
Accordingly, when in a covering disposition on a resistance band, the base and the one or more attachment segments or flaps, are respectively disposed on opposite sides of the band being covered. In more specific terms, at least one preferred embodiment of the cover assembly includes the base being disposed in overlying, covering relation to the inner surface of the resistance band. Concurrently, the attachment structure, including one or more of the attachment segments/flaps are disposed in overlying, covering relation to the exterior surface of the resistance band, concurrent to the one or more sleeves being in the aforementioned closed orientation.
Further, the plurality of attachment flaps, when in the covering disposition and closed orientation, may be removably connected in overlapping relation to one another. A variety of different connectors may be used to removably secure the plurality of attachment flaps in such an overlapping disposition. Different ones of the plurality of connectors may include a hook and loop type structure, zippers, buttons, clasps, etc.
The open orientation of each of the one or more sleeves comprises the one or more attachment segments or flaps being movably positioned outwardly from an inner surface of the base in spaced outwardly extending relation from the base and from one another. In this open orientation, the resistance band is placed in overlying relation to the exposed inner surface of the base, between the outwardly disposed attachment flaps. When the resistance band is so positioned, each of the one or more sleeves is disposed in the aforementioned closed orientation. As such, the attachment flaps are then folded inwardly in overlying, covering relation to the correspondingly disposed length of the resistance band and in overlapping relation to one another, to define the covering disposition of the one or more sleeves.
As set forth above, the covering disposition of each of the one or more sleeves includes the base thereof being disposed in overlying covering relation to the inner surface of the resistance band. As typically utilized, an arm, leg, body part, etc. of the user is disposed within or is at least partially enclosed by the resistance band. Therefore, the covering disposition of the one or more sleeves comprises, the base being disposed between the body part of the user and the interior of the resistance band and in engageable relation with the body part. Also, the base may have a padded or cushioned construction. Such padding or cushioning facilitates comfort to the body part and possibly prevent abrasive damage thereto, during the physical fitness activity being performed.
Also, the outer at least partially exposed surface of the base, which comes in contact with the aforementioned body part of the user, may be at least partially formed of and/or include a neoprene material, a silicone coating and/or a plurality of silicone “dots”, wherein the silicone dots may be a blend of neoprene/nylon/silicone. Such materials and/or a combination thereof facilitates comfort to the body part being engaged by the corresponding inner surface of the base during the performed physical activity. Also, such materials may have a “tacky” characteristic and thereby facilitate at least a minimally gripping or frictional, non-abrasive engagement with the exposed portion of the body part to which the resistance band is connected. As a result of such non-abrasive engagement, each of the one or more sleeves and the resistance band which they cover will not be inadvertently displaced. Further, the structural and operative feature of the sleeves as well is the one or more tales from which they are formed will prevent or significantly restrict the rolling or folding of the resistance band on itself, thereby further restricting displacement of the band.
As noted, the spirit and scope of the present invention contemplates the cover assembly including at least one elongated sleeve of sufficient length to be disposed in the covering disposition along at least a majority of the length of the resistance band including, but not limited to, when the resistance band has the closed loop configuration. However, one alternative embodiment includes the cover assembly comprising a plurality of at least two sleeves each having substantially equivalent structural and operative features.
Therefore, when a plurality of at least two sleeves are utilized, their collective length is such as to be disposed in the aforementioned covering disposition to at least a majority of the length of the band whether or not it includes a closed loop configuration. Also, the plurality of at least two sleeves may be collectively dimensioned to extend along substantially the entirety of the resistance band. Accordingly, the covering disposition of this embodiment comprises the plurality of at least two sleeves being disposed in substantially successive end-to-end relation to one another such that the plurality of at least two sleeves collectively extend along at least a majority of the length of the resistance band or substantially the entirety of thereof, as indicated. As used herein, the successive, “end-to-end” covering disposition is meant to include both a contiguous relation of corresponding ends of the at least two sleeves and/or at least some spacing between correspondingly positioned opposite ends of the resistance band. As such, the plurality of sleeves can be described as being collectively disposed in the covering disposition to at least a majority of the circumstantial length of the resistance band and/or the entirety thereof.
These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become clearer when the drawings as well as the detailed description are taken into consideration.
For a fuller understanding of the nature of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:
Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTAs represented in the accompanying Figures the present invention is directed to a cover assembly generally indicated as 10 for a resistance band 12. In conventional fashion, the resistance band 12 may be formed of an elastic material capable of being repeatedly stretched and retracted in the conducting of different physical fitness routines and/or exercises.
The cover assembly 10 includes at least one but preferably a plurality of sleeves 14 selectively and removably disposed in a covering disposition relative to the resistance band 12 to which it is connected. As represented in at least Figures land 2, operative interaction between the cover assembly 10 and its covering disposition on a resistance band 12 includes at least one or in other practical applications a plurality of at least two sleeves 14.
As further represented in
With reference to at least
In cooperation therewith each of the attachment segments or flaps 24 also include an elongated configuration of substantially the same, or at least minimally shorter length, as compared to that of the base 16. The elongation and similar longitudinal dimensioning of the base 16 and the one or more flaps 24 facilitates the removable but secure mounting of the one or more sleeves 14 in their intended covering disposition along different lengths of the resistance band 12.
For purposes of clarity, at least one embodiment of the cover assembly 10 includes a plurality of two sleeves 14 cooperatively dimensioned to be secured in the aforementioned covering disposition to a resistance band 12 of the type to be used with the leg or legs of a user. By way of non-limiting example, the resistance band 12 may have a length of generally about 10-12 inches, formed of an elastic, stretchable material and have a width or transverse dimension of generally about 2 inches. The cooperative dimensioning of the plurality of sleeves 14, when collectively mounted on a resistance band 12, may be cooperatively dimensioned to cover substantially the entirety of the length of the resistance band 12, as represented in
In more specific terms, when the band 12 is not in its expanded or outwardly stretched orientation, the plurality of sleeves 14 are disposed in their covering disposition and collectively cover substantially the entire length of the band 12, as represented in at least
As represented in at least
With primary reference to
Removable mounting or securement of each of the one or more sleeves 14 on the resistance band 12, in their covering disposition, is represented in at least
Therefore, when in a covered disposition on a resistance band 12, the base 16 and the one or more attachment segments or flaps 24, are respectively disposed on opposite sides of the band 12 being covered. In more specific terms, at least one preferred embodiment of the cover assembly 10 includes the base 16 being disposed in overlying, covering relation to the inner surface 18 of the resistance band 16. Concurrently, the attachment structure 20, including one or more of the attachment segments/flaps 24 are disposed in overlying, covering relation to the exterior surface 18 of the resistance band 12, concurrent to the one or more sleeves 24 being in the aforementioned closed orientation.
As indicated, the plurality of attachment flaps 24, when in the covering disposition and closed orientation as represented in at least
Also, the open orientation of each of the one or more sleeves 14, as represented in at least
As set forth above, the covered disposition of each of the one or more sleeves 14 includes the base 16 thereof being disposed in overlying covering relation to the inner surface 12″ of the resistance band 12. As typically utilized, an arm, leg, body part, etc. of the user may be operatively disposed within or at least partially enclosed by the resistance band 12 during an intended routine or activity. Therefore, the covering disposition of the one or more sleeves 24 comprises, the base 16 being disposed between the body part (not shown) of the user and the interior surface 12″ of the resistance band 12 and in engaging relation with the body part.
As indicated herein, the outer surface 19 of the base 16 is disposed and/or disposable in engagement with the body part of a user, wherein the body part is disposed on the interior of the resistance band 12. Accordingly, one feature of the base is the formation and/or structuring of the outer surface 19 in a manner which will eliminate or significantly restrict any damage to the body part by virtue of abrasive engagement of the outer surface 19 with the body part. Therefore, as represented in
In more specific terms, additional embodiments of the cover assembly 10 includes each or different ones of the one or more sleeves 14 having a base 16, wherein the outer surface 19 is formed from a predetermined material which will eliminate or significantly restrict discomfort to the body part which the outer surface 19 engages. Moreover,
It is emphasized that the material from which the outer surface 19 of the base 16 is formed or structured may vary from those material set forth above and represented in
As a result of such non-abrasive engagement, each of the one or more sleeves 14 and the resistance band 12 which they cover will not be inadvertently displaced. Further, the structural and operative feature of the sleeves 14 as well is the one or more materials from which they are formed will prevent or significantly restrict the rolling or folding of the resistance band on itself, thereby further restricting displacement of the band 16, from its intended location on the body part of the user, during the practice of an exercise your fitness routine.
Also, in some embodiments the base 16 may have a padded or cushioned construction. Such padding or cushioning facilitates comfort to the body part of the user and possibly prevents abrasive damage thereto, during the physical fitness activity being performed.
Since many modifications, variations and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiment of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.
Claims
1. A cover assembly for a resistance band, said cover assembly comprising:
- at least one sleeve including a base and an attachment structure,
- said attachment structure operative to removably secure said at least one sleeve in a covering disposition on the resistance band,
- said base and said attachment structure movably connected to one another and collectively disposable in an open orientation and a closed orientation, and
- said covering disposition comprising said base and said attachment structure respectively disposed in confronting engagement with opposite surfaces of the resistance band, when in said closed orientation.
2. The cover assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said covering disposition further comprises said base disposed in overlying, covering relation to an inner surface of said band, concurrent to said closed orientation.
3. The cover assembly as recited in claim 2 wherein said base includes a padded construction disposed in engaging relation to a body part of a user of the resistance band, concurrent to said covering disposition.
4. The cover assembly as recited in claim 2 wherein said covering disposition further comprises said attachment structure disposed in overlying, covering relation to an exterior surface of the resistance band, concurrent to said closed orientation.
5. The cover assembly as recited in claim 4 wherein said attachment structure includes at least one attachment segment disposed in said overlying, covering relation to an exterior surface of the resistance band, concurrent to said closed orientation.
6. The cover assembly as recited in claim 5 wherein said base and said at least one attachment segment each includes an elongated configuration disposed in substantially coextensive relation to one another.
7. The cover assembly as recited in claim 4 wherein said attachment structure comprises at least two attachment segments collectively disposed in said overlying, covering relation to an exterior surface of the resistance band, concurrent to said closed orientation.
8. The cover assembly as recited in claim 7 wherein said covering disposition further comprises said at least two attachment segments disposed in overlapping relation to one another, in said overlying, covering relation to an exterior surface of the resistance band, concurrent to said closed orientation.
9. The cover assembly as recited in claim 8 further comprising a connector structure disposed in removable interconnecting relation to said at least two attachment segments, in said overlapping relation to one another.
10. The cover assembly as recited in claim 7 wherein said base and said at least two attachment segments each include an elongated configuration disposed in substantially coextensive relation to one another, concurrent to said closed orientation.
11. The cover assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said sleeve is at least partially formed of a Neoprene® material.
12. A cover assembly for a resistance band, said cover assembly comprising:
- at least one sleeve including a base and an attachment structure,
- said attachment structure operative to removably secure said at least one sleeve in a covering disposition on the resistance band,
- said attachment structure comprising a plurality of attachment segments movably connected to said base and disposable in an open orientation and a closed orientation, and
- said covering disposition comprising said base and said plurality of attachment segments respectively disposed in covering relation to an inner surface and an outer surface of the resistance band, concurrent to said closed orientation.
13. The cover assembly as recited in claim 12 wherein said base includes a padded construction disposed in engaging relation to a body part of a user of the resistance band, concurrent to said covering disposition.
14. The cover assembly as recited in claim 12 wherein said covering disposition further comprises said plurality of attachment segments disposed in overlapping relation to one another, concurrent to said closed orientation.
15. The cover assembly as recited in claim 12 wherein said plurality of attachment segments each include an elongated flap disposed in substantially coextensive relation to said base, concurrent to said closed orientation.
16. A cover assembly for an elastic resistance band, said cover assembly comprising:
- a plurality of sleeves each including a base and an attachment structure,
- said attachment structure operative to removably secure respective ones of said plurality of sleeves in a covering disposition on the resistance band,
- said base and said attachment structure of each of said plurality of sleeves movably connected to one another and disposable in an open orientation and a closed orientation, and
- said covering disposition comprising said plurality of sleeves disposed in an end to and relation to one another and collectively in covering relation to at least a majority of a length of the resistance band.
17. The cover assembly as recited in claim 16 wherein said covering disposition comprises said base and said attachment structure of each of said plurality of sleeves respectively disposed in confronting engagement with opposite surfaces of the resistance band.
18. The cover assembly as recited in claim 16 wherein said covering disposition of each of said plurality of sleeves further comprises said base disposed in overlying, covering relation to an inner surface of the resistance band, concurrent to said closed orientation.
19. The cover assembly as recited in claim 18 wherein said base of each of said plurality of sleeves comprises a padded construction.
20. The cover assembly as recited in claim 16 wherein each of said attachment structures of each of said plurality of sleeves comprises an elongated flap disposed in overlapping relation to one another and coextensive to a length of said base, concurrent to said closed orientation.
Type: Application
Filed: Jan 22, 2020
Publication Date: Jul 23, 2020
Inventor: Joshua Hunter (AVENTURA, FL)
Application Number: 16/749,572