U.S. patent application number 10/696154 was filed with the patent office on 2005-05-05 for slip-resistant extremity covering and method therefor.
Invention is credited to Alley, Judy-Lynne.
Application Number | 20050091725 10/696154 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34550071 |
Filed Date | 2005-05-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050091725 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Alley, Judy-Lynne |
May 5, 2005 |
Slip-resistant extremity covering and method therefor
Abstract
A slip-resistant extremity covering for a person practicing yoga
dimensioned to fit snugly over a person's hand or foot and capable
of allowing a person to execute asanas and other yoga techniques
without being encumbered by the covering and without slipping
during a yoga exercise as a result of perspiration buildup.
Inventors: |
Alley, Judy-Lynne;
(Scottsdale, AZ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WEISS & MOY PC
4204 NORTH BROWN AVENUE
SCOTTSDALE
AZ
85251
US
|
Family ID: |
34550071 |
Appl. No.: |
10/696154 |
Filed: |
October 29, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
2/139 ;
2/161.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41B 11/008 20130101;
A41B 11/004 20130101; A41D 19/01558 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
002/139 ;
002/161.1 |
International
Class: |
A41B 003/04; A41D
019/00; A63B 071/14 |
Claims
I claim:
1. A slip-resistant extremity covering for a person practicing yoga
comprising in combination: an extremity covering dimensioned to fit
snugly around an extremity of a person, said extremity covering
having a palmer surface and a dorsal surface, said extremity
covering being constructed of a sufficiently malleable material so
as to allow an extremity a full range of movement; and a
slip-resistant material coupled to at least one of said palmer
surface and said dorsal surface, said slip-resistant material
having a low coefficient of friction while at the same time
allowing said extremity a full range of movement while inside said
extremity covering.
2. The slip-resistant extremity covering of claim 1 wherein said
extremity covering being dimensioned to fit snugly around a hand of
a person.
3. The slip-resistant extremity covering of claim 1 wherein said
extremity covering being dimensioned to fit snugly around a foot of
a person.
4. The slip-resistant extremity covering of claim 1 wherein said
slip-resistant material comprising a plurality of raised surfaces
having a low coefficient of friction.
5. The slip-resistant extremity covering of claim 4 wherein said
plurality of raised surfaces being substantially dumbbell
shaped.
6. The slip-resistant extremity covering of claim 1 wherein said
slip-resistant material comprising an elastomeric material having a
low coefficient of friction.
7. The slip-resistant extremity covering of claim 1 wherein said
slip-resistant material comprising a uniform surface having a low
coefficient of friction.
8. The slip-resistant extremity covering of claim 1 wherein said
extremity covering being comprised of a breathable cotton-lycra
type fabric.
9. The slip-resistant extremity covering of claim 1 wherein said
extremity covering comprising an absorbent material dimensioned to
absorb perspiration.
10. A method for practicing yoga comprising, in combination, the
steps of: providing an extremity covering dimensioned to fit snugly
around an extremity of a person, said extremity covering having a
palmer surface and a dorsal surface; providing a slip-resistant
material coupled to at least one of said palmer surface and said
dorsal surface; inserting an extremity of a person into said
extremity covering; and practicing a yoga technique.
11. The method of claim 10 further comprising the step of inserting
a hand into said extremity covering, said extremity covering being
dimensioned to fit snugly around a hand of a person.
12. The method of claim 10 further comprising the step of inserting
a foot into said extremity covering, said extremity covering being
dimensioned to fit snugly around a foot of a person.
13. The method of claim 10 wherein said slip-resistant material
comprising a plurality of raised surfaces having a low coefficient
of friction.
14. The method of claim 13 wherein said plurality of raised
surfaces being substantially dumbbell shaped.
15. The method of claim 10 wherein said slip-resistant material
comprising an elastomeric material having a low coefficient of
friction.
16. The method of claim 10 wherein said slip-resistant material
comprising a uniform surface having a low coefficient of
friction.
17. The method of claim 10 wherein said extremity covering being
comprised of a breathable cotton-lycra type fabric.
18. The method of claim 10 wherein said extremity covering
comprising an absorbent material dimensioned to absorb
perspiration.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates generally to yoga and, more
specifically, to a slip-resistant extremity covering dimensioned to
fit snugly around an extremity of a person in order to enable a
person to effectively and accurately practice proper yoga
techniques without the danger of slipping or sliding due to
perspiration.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Yoga is both a physical discipline as well as a Hindu
philosophy. Although yoga often involves meditation and breathing
exercises, the practice of yoga in the United States is focused
mostly around distinct physical postures called "asanas." Yoga's
physical benefits include: improved flexibility and muscle joint
mobility; muscle building and toning; improved posture; relief of
back pain; improvement of muscular-skeletal conditions; increased
stamina; improved digestion and elimination; increased blood flow
and circulation; and weight loss. Yoga also provides many
non-physical benefits, such as improved spirituality and
tranquility, stress-relief, and mental clarity.
[0003] The popularity of yoga in the United States has more than
tripled in the last decade. According to the Yoga Research and
Education Center, more than 20 million people in America currently
practice yoga. In order to achieve the many physical and
non-physical benefits of yoga, one must accurately execute the
distinct physical postures or "asanas." The asanas require a person
to manipulate his or her body in precise, and often physically
demanding, postures. It is often the case that the exertion
involved in practicing yoga leads to perspiration. In fact, some
styles of yoga, known as "hot yoga" or "Bikram yoga", are done in
rooms that are heated to over 100 degrees Fahrenheit in order to
make muscles more flexible. "Hot yoga" as well as other forms of
"extreme yoga" obviously result in an even greater amount of
perspiration. The accumulation of perspiration on a person, on a
yoga mat or on the floor can often cause a person to slip when
trying to plant a hand, foot or other body part. Slipping not only
prevents a person from effectively practicing the physical postures
of yoga, but slippage can also result in injury.
[0004] Several attempts have been made at creating slip-resistant
footwear and handwear for various applications. U.S. Pat. No.
5,617,585 issued to Fons et al. Discloses a rubber soled slipper
sock cured with liquid latex rubber. However, this and other prior
art slip-resistant wear are thick and bulky, preventing the full
range of motion needed for one's hands and feet in order to
effectively practice the complex and physically demanding postures
of yoga.
[0005] A need therefore existed for a slip-resistant extremity
covering dimensioned to fit snugly over hands and feet of a person
and at the same time capable of allowing a person to execute asanas
and other yoga techniques without being encumbered by the covering
and without slipping as a result of perspiration.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a
slip-resistant extremity covering capable of fitting snugly around
an extremity of a person while at the same time allowing a hand or
foot a full range of movement.
[0007] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
method for practicing yoga capable of providing a person with a
slip-resistant extremity covering that also allows a person to
execute asanas and other yoga techniques without being encumbered
by the covering and without slipping as a result of perspiration
build-up.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0008] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention,
a slip-resistant extremity covering for a person practicing yoga is
disclosed, comprising, in combination, an extremity covering
dimensioned to fit snugly around an extremity of a person, the
extremity covering having a palmer surface and a dorsal surface,
the extremity covering being constructed of a sufficiently
malleable material so as to allow an extremity a full range of
movement, and a slip-resistant material coupled to at least one of
the palmer surface and the dorsal surface, the slip-resistant
material having a low coefficient of friction while at the same
time allowing the extremity a full range of movement while inside
the extremity covering.
[0009] In accordance with another embodiment of the present
invention, a method for practicing yoga is disclosed, comprising,
in combination, the steps of providing an extremity covering
dimensioned to fit snugly around an extremity of a person, the
extremity covering having a palmer surface and a dorsal surface,
providing a slip-resistant material coupled to at least one of the
palmer surface and the dorsal surface, inserting an extremity of a
person into the extremity covering, and practicing a yoga
technique.
[0010] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of
the invention will be apparent from the following, more particular
description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, as
illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1a is a top, perspective view of one embodiment of the
slip-resistant extremity covering of the present invention, showing
an extremity covering dimensioned to fit snugly around a foot of a
person.
[0012] FIG. 1b is a bottom, perspective view of the slip-resistant
extremity covering of FIG. 1a, showing the palmer surface
substantially covered with slip-resistant material.
[0013] FIG. 2a is a top, perspective view of one embodiment of the
slip-resistant extremity covering of the present invention, showing
the extremity covering dimensioned to fit snugly around a foot of a
person with a dorsal surface substantially covered with
slip-resistant material.
[0014] FIG. 2b is a bottom, perspective view of the slip-resistant
extremity covering of FIG. 2a, showing the palmer surface
substantially covered with slip-resistant material.
[0015] FIG. 3 is a top view of one embodiment of the slip-resistant
extremity covering of the present invention, showing the extremity
covering dimensioned to fit snugly around the hand of a person with
a palmer surface substantially covered with slip-resistant
material.
[0016] FIG. 4 is a top view of one embodiment of the slip-resistant
extremity covering of the present invention, showing the extremity
covering dimensioned to fit snugly around the hand of a person with
a palmer surface and a finger surface covered with a substantially
ball-shaped slip-resistant material.
[0017] FIG. 5 is a top view of one embodiment of the slip-resistant
extremity covering of the present invention, showing the extremity
covering dimensioned to fit snugly around the hand of a person with
a palmer surface and a finger surface substantially covered with a
substantially dumbbell-shaped slip-resistant material.
[0018] FIG. 6 is a top view of one embodiment of the slip-resistant
extremity covering of the present invention, showing the extremity
covering dimensioned to fit snugly around the hand of a person with
a palmer surface and a finger surface substantially covered with a
substantially uniform slip-resistant material.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0019] Referring to FIGS. 1-6, reference numbers 10a, 10b, 10c,
10d, 10e, and 10f refer to different embodiments of the
slip-resistant extremity covering (referred to generically as the
slip-resistant extremity covering 10) of the present invention. The
slip-resistant extremity covering 10 is for a person practicing
yoga and comprises generically an extremity covering 12 dimensioned
to fit snugly around an extremity of a person. The extremity
covering 12 has a palmer surface 14 and a dorsal surface 16 and is
constructed of a sufficiently malleable material so as to allow an
extremity a full range of movement. A slip-resistant material
(referred to generically as slip-resistant material 18) is coupled
to at least one of the palmer surface 14 and the dorsal surface 16.
The slip-resistant material 18 has a low coefficient of friction
while at the same time allows the extremity a full range of
movement while inside the extremity covering 12. Preferably, the
extremity covering 12 is comprised of a breathable cotton-lycra
type fabric that is made of an absorbent material capable of
absorbing perspiration, although it should be clearly understood
that substantial benefit could be derived from an alternative
configuration of the extremity covering 12 in which an alternative
material is used, such as some other type of breathable material,
or a non-breathable material with ventilation apertures, so long as
the extremity covering 12 comprises a slip-resistant material
18.
[0020] Referring now to FIGS. 1a-1b, reference number 10a refers to
one embodiment of the slip-resistant extremity covering 10 for a
person practicing yoga of the present invention. The slip-resistant
extremity covering 10a comprises an extremity covering 12a
dimensioned to fit snugly around a foot 13 of a person. A
slip-resistant material 18a, having a low coefficient of friction,
is coupled to the palmer surface 14 of the extremity covering 12a.
The slip-resistant material 18a, while preventing slippage, also
allows the foot 13 a full range of movement to practice yoga
techniques. The slip-resistant material 18a of the extremity
covering 12a is comprised of a plurality of spaced-apart raised
surfaces.
[0021] Referring now to FIGS. 2a-2b, reference number lob refers to
one embodiment of the slip-resistant extremity covering 10 for a
person practicing yoga of the present invention. The slip-resistant
extremity covering 10b comprises an extremity covering 12b
dimensioned to fit snugly around a foot 13 of a person. A
slip-resistant material 18b, having a low coefficient of friction,
is coupled to both a palmer surface 14 and a dorsal surface 16 of
the extremity covering 12b. The slip-resistant material 18b, while
preventing slippage, also allows the foot 13 a full range of
movement to practice yoga techniques. While, in the preferred
embodiment, the slip-resistant material 18b of the extremity
covering 12b and the slip resistant material 18a of the extremity
covering 12a is comprised of a plurality of spaced-apart raised
surfaces, it should be clearly understood that substantial benefit
could be derived from an alternative configuration of the
slip-resistant extremity coverings 10a and 10b in which the
slip-resistant materials 18a and 18b comprise a slip-resistant
material 18 having another configuration, such as dumbbell-shaped,
uniformly shaped, or some other configuration, so long as the
slip-resistant material prevents slippage when a person is
executing a yoga technique, while at the same time the
slip-resistant material allows a person's foot 13 a full range of
movement.
[0022] Referring now to FIG. 3, reference number 10c refers to one
embodiment of the slip-resistant extremity covering 10 for a person
practicing yoga of the present invention. The slip-resistant
extremity covering 10c comprises an extremity covering 12c
dimensioned to fit snugly around a hand 15 of a person. A
slip-resist-ant material 18c, having a low coefficient of friction,
is coupled preferably to the palmer surface 14 (and in one
embodiment also to a dorsal surface (not shown) of the extremity
covering 12c). The slip-resistant material 18c, while preventing
slippage, also allows the hand 15 a full range of movement to
practice yoga techniques. The extremity covering 12c shown in FIG.
3 shows a slip-resistant material 18c that is substantially
dumbbell-shaped and concentrated only on a palm area of the hand
15, and not the fingers. However, it should be clearly understood
that substantial benefit could be derived from an alternative
configuration of the slip-resistant extremity covering 10c in which
the slip-resistant material 18c is comprised of an alternative
shape or configuration and/or covers the fingers area as well so
long as the slip-resistant material prevents slippage when a person
is executing a yoga technique, while at the same time the
slip-resistant material allows a person's hand 15 a full range of
movement.
[0023] Referring now to FIGS. 4-6, reference numbers 10d, 10e and
10f refer to three similar embodiments of the slip-resistant
extremity covering 10 for a person practicing yoga of the present
invention. The slip-resistant extremity coverings 10d, 10e and 10f
all comprise an extremity covering dimensioned to fit snugly around
a hand 15 of a person. A slip-resistant material 18, having a low
coefficient of friction, is coupled preferably to the palmer
surface 14 (and in one embodiment also to a dorsal surface (not
shown) of the extremity covering 12). The slip-resistant material
18, while preventing slippage, also allows the hand 15 a full range
of movement to practice yoga techniques. The extremity covering 12d
shown in FIG. 4 shows a slip-resistant material 18d that is
substantially ball-shaped, comprising a plurality of spaced-apart
raised surfaces, and is concentrated both on a palm area of the
hand 15 as well as the fingers. The extremity covering 12e shown in
FIG. 5 shows a slip-resistant material 18e that is substantially
dumbbell-shaped, and is also concentrated both on a palm area of
the hand 15 as well as the fingers. The extremity covering 12f
shown in FIG. 6 shows a slip-resistant material 18f that is
substantially uniform in shape, and is also concentrated both on a
palm area of the hand 15 as well as the fingers. However, it should
be clearly understood that substantial benefit could be derived
from an alternative configuration of the slip-resistant extremity
coverings 10d, 10e and 10f in which the slip-resistant material is
comprised of an alternative shape or configuration and/or covers
only the palm area and not the area of the fingers.
[0024] While the invention has been particularly shown and
described with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it will
be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing and
other changes in form and details may be made therein without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
* * * * *