Body Wrapping

Abstract

Herein is disclosed a body wrap for wrapping around and along left and right appendages of a human body from a right end of the right appendage across the body to the left end of the left appendage. The body wrap includes an elongated elastic fabric band having a width of between 2″ to 4″, the elastic fabric band being formed as opposite first and second looped portions having opposite first and second ends, respectively. The first and second looped sections are immovably coupled together at a center point between the first and second looped portions. The body wrap has a length extending from the first and second ends of the first and second looped sections, respectively, the length being substantially equal to a distance extending along the left and right appendages and across the body between the left and right ends of the left and right appendages, respectively.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority from U.S. provisional application serial no. 61/990,898 filed May 9, 2014, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to body wrappings for increasing kinesthetic awareness.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Activities such as yoga, meditation, and dance often require the person performing the activity to maintain a sense of where the person's body is in space. Information about the position and orientation of the body can be used by the participant to maintain proper posture and otherwise increase the participant's kinesthetic awareness. This can be achieved by the use of tight fitting clothing, but this is not always practical because tight fitting clothing can actually restrict movement and can become uncomfortable or cumbersome to use during the performance of the activity. Also, tight fitting clothing tends to spread the tightness across a large surface area of the body, rather than in specific areas of the body.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed at a body wrapping configured to wrap around the body preferably from either arm to arm or from leg to leg. The invention consists of a body wrap for wrapping around and along left and right appendages of a human body from a right end of the right appendage across the body to the left end of the left appendage. The body wrap includes an elongated elastic fabric band having a width of between 2″ to 4″, the elastic fabric band being formed as opposite first and second looped portions having opposite first and second ends, respectively. The first and second looped sections are immovably coupled together at a center point between the first and second looped portions. The body wrap has a length which extends from the first and second ends of the first and second looped sections, respectively, the length being substantially equal to a distance extending along the left and right appendages and across the body between the left and right ends of the left and right appendages, respectively.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a body wrapping band made in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a back view of a person wearing the body wrapping band shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a front view of a person wearing the body wrapping band shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a side view of a person wearing the body wrapping band shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a back view of a person wearing the body wrapping band shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a front view of a person wearing the body wrapping band shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a side view of a person wearing the body wrapping band shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a back view of a person wearing a body wrapping band made in accordance with another aspect of the present invention where the band is pre-assembled with at least two sub-loops.

FIG. 9 is a front view of a person wearing the body wrapping shown in FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a side view of a person wearing the body wrapping shown in FIG. 8.

FIG. 11 is an isometric view of a body wrapping band made in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a cross sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a cross sectional view taken along line B-B in FIG. 11.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a portion of FIG. 11 showing a sleeve portion.

FIG. 15 is a back view of a person wearing a body wrapping band made in accordance with another aspect of the present invention showing a pre-assembled body wrapping having four cross wrappings being word by the person.

FIG. 16 is a front view of a person wearing the body wrapping shown in FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is a side view of a person wearing the body wrapping shown in FIG. 15.

FIG. 18 is a back view of a person wearing a body wrapping band made in accordance with another aspect of the present invention showing a pre-assembled body wrapping having six cross wrappings being word by the person.

FIG. 19 is a front view of a person wearing the body wrapping shown in FIG. 18.

FIG. 20 is a side view of a person wearing the body wrapping shown in FIG. 18.

In the drawings like characters of reference indicate corresponding parts in the different figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring firstly to FIG. 1, the present invention of an elongated wrapping band, shown generally as item 10 consists of a continuous elongated band 12 which is formed into a large “figure 8” with an overlapping portion 14 which is secured by sewing, stapling, bonding or similar means. Wrapping band 10 has two loops, 16 and 18 which are joined by overlapping potion 14. Band 12 is made of a resilient elastic cloth band having a width of between two to three inches (2″-3″). Band 12 is formed from a single length of elastic cloth band having opposite ends 13 and 15 which are secured together at point 17 to form a continuous loop. The loop is then formed into a “figure 8” consisting of two identically sized loop sections 16 and 18 with the overlapping junction 14 being formed by sewing, bonding or by other means known generally in the art such that loop sections 16 and 18 are fixed in position. The length of band 12 between ends 13 and 15 is selected depending on the size of the individual who intends to wear the wrapping in one of the configurations shown in FIGS. 2 through 7. If the wrapping is to be worn across the chest and arms, then the length of the unlooped band should be approximately twice the length separating the wearer's right and left hands when the arms are outstretched, keeping in mind that the band is looped into a figure 8 configuration. In effect, the length of the wrap (band) between its opposite ends is equal to the distance separating the right and left hand. If the wrapping is to be worn along the torso and legs, then the length of the unlooped band should be approximately twice the length separating the wearer's neck and feet when the wearer is standing straight. Preferably, the length of the band should be selected so that when the wrap is worn in one of its configurations it is relatively tight as opposed to loose. The wrap functions by allowing the wearer to feel the pressure of the band wrapping him or herself, so the length of the ban should be carefully selected to maintain a comfortable tension on the wearer when worn. A loose fitting wrap is to be avoided.

The process of applying wrap 10 onto the arms and upper torso of the wearer is illustrated in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4. The wearer's left arm is placed through loop 16 and the wearer's right arm is placed through loop 18. It is easier to put on the harness if overlapping portion 14 is positioned at the wearers back, although it is possible to wear the harness with the overlapping portion positioned at the chest. End 20 of loop 16 is placed in the left hand and loop 16 is double looped along the wearers left arm. Likewise, the wearer's right arm is placed through loop 18 by end 22 of the loop being grasped by the right hand. Loop 18 is double looped along the right arm. When worn as illustrated in FIGS. 2, 3, and 4, a portion of loop 16 will wrap over the wearer's left shoulder and a portion of loop 18 will wrap over the wearer's right shoulder. As mentioned previously, the length of wrap 10 is selected so that when the warp is worn as illustrated in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, the wrap is sufficiently snug on the wearer that the wearer can feel the tension of the wrap bearing against his or her chest, shoulder and arms.

The process of applying a larger wrap onto the torso and legs is illustrated in FIGS. 5, 6 and 7. This involves taking wrap 10 and positioning it with overlapping portion 14 positioned on the back. The left arm is then passed through loop 16 and the right arm is passed through loop 18. The loops 16 and 18 are then wrapped once around the torso and then loop 16 is wrapped once around the left leg and once around the left foot so that end 20 is positioned at the left foot while loop 18 is wrapped once around the right leg and once around the right foot so that end 22 is positioned at the right foot. Again, if the user is to wear wrap 10 in the configuration shown in FIGS. 5, 6 and 7, the length of wrap 10 is dimensioned such that the band 12 is taught against the torso and legs and the wearer can feel the tension of the band pressing against his or her legs and torso.

FIGS. 8, 9 and 10 show an alternate embodiment of the present invention consisting of a body harness 30 which involves two separate looped bands. Harness 30 has an overlapping portion 32 where the bands are sewn together and sub-loops 34 and 36 which are formed by strategically sewing together portions of the band. The user simply inserts his/her arms and legs through the sub-loops to wear the body wrapping.

FIG. 11 shows an alternate embodiment of the present invention consisting of a body harness 100 consisting of an elongated band 102 which has a width of between 2″ to 4″ and which is twisted into a first series of intersecting sub-loops 104, 106, 108 and 110 and a second series of intersecting sub-loops 112, 114, 116 and 118 the two series of intersecting loops being coupled by overlapping central portion 120. Band 102 consists of a pair of overlapping fabric bands 122 and 124 both having identical widths (see FIG. 12). The pair of bands form one continuous twisted series of loops, but we can define the pair of bands as being effectively two band pairs 138 and 140 which extend between ends 105 and 107. Central portion 120 is formed by means of stitching, bonding or otherwise securing the overlapping sections of bands 122 and 124 together in both band pairs 138 and 140.

The two series of loops are identical so for the sake of brevity, details of both series of loops will be discussed by reference to the second series of intersecting loops. The second series of loops, i.e. loops 112, 114, 116 and 118, are separated by sleeve portions 126, 130 and 134, respectively. Sleeve portions 126, 130 and 134 are substantially identical, so for the sake of brevity, all three sleeve portions will be described by reference to sleeve portion 126. As best seen in figure FIG. 14, sleeve portion 126 is formed as two separate envelopes 123 and 125 by means of stitches 128 and 127, respectively. Stitches 128 form envelope 123 through which band 124 passes, while stitches 127 form envelope 125 through which band 122 passes. Two distinct band sections, 138 and 140 are formed at intersection 126. Band section 138 is formed by overlapping bands 124 and 122 and are sewn together to form envelope 123, while band section 140 is also formed by overlapping bands 124 and 122 which are sewn together to form envelope 125. Hence, the two band sections 138 and 140 are linked together but can still move relative to each other along the lengths of envelopes 123 and 125. As seen in FIG. 13, sleeve section 126 is essentially formed by interlacing a pair of bands 122 and 124 with another pair of bands 122 and 124 in two separate envelopes 125.

Referring back to FIG. 11, the overall length of body harness 100 between ends 105 and 107 is selected to permit the body harness to be wrapped along the entire length of one appendage (arm or leg), then across the body and then along the entire length of the opposite corresponding appendage (arm or leg). Again, the fabric bands are preferably elastic in nature, so the length of the harness is preferably selected to ensure that when the body harness is worn by wrapping around the appendages, the harness will be relatively tight as opposed to loose.

The number of loops in the two series of loops may be varied depending on how the harness is to be worn. By increasing the number of loops, a tighter fit may be possible. By decreasing the number of loops, a harness which is easier to wear would result. For example, FIGS. 15, 16 and 17 show a person wearing a body wrapping harness which has been pre-assembled as in the embodiment of FIG. 11, only but with four cross wrappings. FIGS. 18, 19 and 20 illustrate a person wearing a body wrapping harness with six cross wrappings.

As to wearing the harness, the user simply slips his/her arm or leg through the series of loops, with adjacent sleeve portions positioned on opposite sides of the arm or leg. The user essentially weaves his/her arm or leg through the loops and preferably positions central portion 120 towards the center of the body (torso).

The invention has many advantages over the use of tight fitting clothing. Firstly, since the wrap is made of a very wide band, the wrap does not dig in or pinch any part of the body, allowing for a more comfortable fit. Furthermore, since the wrap is made of an elastic fabric band, it can bend and stretch as the wearer moves, making the wrap comfortable to wear while still providing the wearer with enhanced kinesthetic awareness. The wrap, being a single band wrapped and braided over the arms, legs and torso, does not constrain or restrict the wearer's movements. Also, since the band is no more than a few inches wide, the band does not contribute to the wearer becoming overheated in the event of vigorous movement and activity.

A specific embodiment of the present invention has been disclosed; however, several variations of the disclosed embodiment could be envisioned as within the scope of this invention. It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims

Claims

1. A body wrap for wrapping around both arms of an outstretched human body from the right to left hands, the body wrap comprising an elongated elastic fabric band having a diameter of between 2″ to 4″, the elastic fabric band being joined at a center point to form a double loop in the form of a figure 8 having first and second loops, and first and second ends of said first and second loops, respectively, the body wrap having a length extending from the first and second ends sufficient to extend snugly between the right and left hands.

2. The body wrap of claim 1 wherein the band comprises a pair of overlapping bands, the first and second loops each comprise a linear series of smaller loops linked together at intersecting points where the overlapping bands are threaded into sleeves formed on the band.

3. A body wrap for wrapping around the shoulders, torso and both left and right legs of an outstretched human body from the shoulders to the right and left feet, the body wrap comprising an elongated elastic fabric band having a diameter of between 2″ to 4″, the elastic fabric band being joined at a center point to form a double loop in the form of a figure 8 having first and second loops, and first and second ends of said first and second loops, respectively, the body wrap having a length extending from the first and second ends sufficient to extend snugly from the right foot, over the shoulders and then to the left foot.

4. A body wrap for wrapping around and along left and right appendages of a human body from a right end of the right appendage across the body to the left end of the left appendage, the body wrap comprising an elongated elastic fabric band having a width of between 2″ to 4″, the elastic fabric band being formed as opposite first and second looped portions having opposite first and second ends, respectively, the first and second looped sections being immovably coupled together at a center point between the first and second looped portions, the body wrap having a length extending from the first and second ends of the first and second looped sections, respectively, the length being substantially equal to a distance extending along the left and right appendages and across the body between the left and right ends of the left and right appendages, respectively.

5. A body wrap as defined in claim 4 wherein the first and second looped sections are each formed as a linear series of smaller loops linked together.

6. A body wrap as defined in claim 4 wherein the elongated elastic fabric band comprises a pair of first and second overlapping fabric bands of equal width, each of the linear series of smaller loops being linked together by sleeve sections, each sleeve section comprising four overlapping portions of the first and second overlapping fabric bands which have been secured together to form first and second overlaying envelopes through which the first and second overlapping fabric bands pass, respectively.