ATHLETIC GRIPS

Abstract

Implementations of an athletic grip are provided. In some implementations, a more durable and adjustable grip that may have a comparable break-in time as handmade grips made of athletic tape is provided. In some implementations, the grips of the present disclosure are made of athletic tape. In some implementations, the grips include an interior material such as a duct canvas fabric or other flexible, tightly woven, durable fabric such as Roc-lon®. In some implementations, the grips include slits and a removable band to secure the grips to the user's wrist. In some implementations, the slits are longer than the width of the band to adjust the position of the band on the user's wrist. In some implementations, the grips and/or the bands include fasteners (such as snaps, buttons, hook and loop fasteners (e.g., Velcro®), or other re-closable fasteners to secure the band to the grip.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application is a continuation in part (CIP) of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/312572 entitled "Athletic Grips," filed Jun. 23, 2014, which claims the benefit of provisional U.S. Pat. No. 61/838,114, filed Jun. 21, 2013 which are both incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] This disclosure relates to implementations of athletic grips.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Tape grips are handmade grips made with athletic tape that are used by gymnasts, acrobats, weight lighters, etc. to improve their grip when engaging with a bar, ring, etc. and/or to reduce blisters on their hands when engaging such devices. These handmade tape grips can be a more cost effective alternative to higher end grips that are more durable and made of more expensive material such as leather. Furthermore, handmade tape grips typically have a shorter break-in time than grips made of less flexible material such as leather. Thus, tape grips may be more suitable for novice users as they transition to more durable grips made of more expensive material such as leather.

[0004] The typical handmade grip 100 is made by folding the sticky side 102 of a first strip 105 of athletic tape in half lengthwise such that the sticky-side 102 is no longer exposed, as shown in FIG. 1A. The first strip of athletic tape typically is about two times the length of the user's palm. As shown in FIG. 1B, the athletic tape then is bent in half in such a manner that a loop 107 is formed by the two halves at a top end and, the outer edge of the two halves meet for the rest of the length of the two halves. A second strip 125 of athletic tape then is used to secure the two halves of the first strip of tape, leaving the loop 107 exposed, as shown in FIG. 1C. The loop 107 now can be inserted on one of the user's finger with the bottom end extending along the user's palm and then a third strip 135 of tape is used to secure the end of the grip to the user's wrist, as shown in FIG. 1D

[0005] Handmade tape grips are disposable and the user typically makes a grip each time a grip is needed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] Disclosed herein is novel type of athletic grips. The athletic grips are generally comprised of a finger loop portion, the finger loop portion including at least one loop configured to encircle a user's finger; a palm portion extending lengthwise from the finger loop portion down the user's palm to the wrist portion; a wrist portion configure to cover a portion of the user's wrist; and wherein at least the palm portion comprise on outer layer made of athletic tape and an interior layer made of a flexible, tightly woven material. The wrist portion of the athletic grip further comprises at least one slit and a band configured to be inserted into the at least one slit and secured around a user's wrist portion. In other aspects, the finger loop portion, the palm portion, wrist portion and band portion can comprise both an outer layer made of athletic tape and an interior layer made of a flexible, tightly woven material. In other aspects, portions of the athletic grip can have an outer layer, an interior layer or a combination thereof as required.

[0007] In other aspects, at least one slit is longer than the width of the band allowing the position of the band to adjust. The wrist portion includes two slits configured to receive the band portion.

[0008] In other aspects, the palm portion and wrist portion or a portion thereof comprise an outer layer of athletic tape and an interior layer of flexible, tightly woven material. At least a portion of the interior layer of the palm portion can also be made of duct canvas.

[0009] In still further aspects, the athletic grip further comprising a first fastener portion located on the top portion of at least one slit of the wrist portion and a second fastener portion located along the bottom of the wrist portion. Moreover, the band portion is further comprised of a first fastener on one end of a first side of the band portion and a second fastener on the opposite end of a second side of the band. Alternatively, the band is further comprised of a pocket.

[0010] In other aspects, the palm portion contains at least one layer of padding between and outer layer and an interior layer of material. The padding can be foam, memory foam, fabric padding, neoprene or gel pads. Alternatively, only the upper portion of the palm portion contains a layer of padding. In other instances, the padding has a gripping texture such as neoprene with shark skin backing.

[0011] In other aspects, the palm portion contains a dowel that extends across the palm portion.

[0012] In other aspects, the finger portion contains at least two loops or at least three loops.

[0013] In other aspects, the athletic grip has a plurality of edges where at least a portion of the edges have at least one fold to prevent fraying of the edges during use or washing. In other aspects, substantially all of the outer edges of the athletic grip have at least one fold.

[0014] In still further aspects, an edging or binding material covers at least a portion of the edges. In other aspects, the edging material covers at least a portion of the folded edges. In other aspects, substantially all of the folded outer edges of the athletic grip are covered by edging material.

[0015] In other aspects, at least a portion of the band contains a padding material. In some instances, the padding material can be foam or memory foam. An opening or slit in the top layer of the band can allow insertion of the padding between the outer layer and an interior layer of material. The slit or opening can be stitched or otherwise secured closed using adhesives or the like.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] FIGS. 1A-1D illustrate a method of a making a handmade tape grip.

[0017] FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate an example grip 200 according to the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 3 illustrates an example grip having two loops for a user's fingers.

[0019] FIGS. 4A-4B illustrate another example grip having three loops for a user's fingers.

[0020] FIGS. 5A-5B illustrate a first side and a second side of an example band according to the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 6 illustrates another example wrist portion of a grip according to the present disclosure.

[0022] FIGS. 7A-7B illustrate another implementation of a band that maybe secured around the wrist.

[0023] FIG. 8 illustrates an example of a grip where the edges of the grip have been folded over. The arrows indicate the direction of the fold.

[0024] FIG. 9 illustrates a grip having an edging material added to the edges of the grip.

[0025] FIG. 10 illustrates a grip having a straight wrist portion and having full internal padding in the palm portion of the grip.

[0026] FIG. 11 illustrates a grip having only partial internal padding in the palm portion of the grip.

[0027] FIG. 12 Illustrates a band portion of with internal padding according to the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] Implementations of an athletic grip are provided. In some implementations, a more durable and adjustable grip that may have a comparable break-in time as the handmade grips made of athletic tape is provided. In some implementations of the present disclosure, the grips of the present disclosure are made of athletic tape. In some implementations, the grips of the present disclosure include an interior material such as a duct canvas fabric or other flexible, tightly woven, durable fabric such as Roc-lon® or any other presently existing or future developed material that may extend the life of the grips. In some implementations, the grips of the present disclosure are made of a more durable material than athletic tape, such as mole skin, medical tape, or any other similar material presently existing or developed in the future. In some implementations, the grips are made of any material having an adhesive backing. In some implementations, the grips are made of any material having a non-adhesive backing.

[0029] In some implementations, the grips of the present disclosure include slits and a removable band to secure the grips to the user's wrist. In some implementations, the slits are longer than the width of the band to adjust the position of the band on the user's wrist. In some implementations, the slits of the grips are at least 25% longer than the width of the band. In some implementations, the slits of the grips are longer or shorter. In some implementations, the slits are of a sufficient length to receive the band.

[0030] In some implementations, the grips and/or the bands include fasteners (such as snaps, buttons, hook and loop fasteners (e.g., Velcro®), or other re-closable fasteners or any other attachment or fastening technology existing or developed in the future) to secure the band to the grip. In some implementations, the grips of the present disclosure include a removable or non-removal dowel.

[0031] FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate example grips 200a, b (collectively 200) according to the present disclosure. As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the grip 200 includes a finger loop portion 205a, b, a palm portion 210a, b, wrist portion 215a, b, and a band 220 (collectively 205, 210, and 215). In some implementations, the grip 200 may include stitching (e.g., stitching 202) around the outer perimeter of the palm portion 210 and the wrist portion 215. In some implementations, the grip 200 may include stitching around the perimeter of the slits 217 (see, e.g., FIG. 2B). In some implementations, the grip 200 is made of athletic tape. In some implementations, the grip 200 includes an interior material such as a "duct"-type material or other flexible material. In some implementations, the grip 200 is made of a more durable material than athletic tape, such as mole skin, medical tape, or any other material.

[0032] The finger loop portion includes one or more loops to insert a user's finger(s). For example, FIG. 3 illustrates an example grip 300 having two loops for a user's fingers, and FIG. 4A illustrates an example grip 400 having three loops for a user's fingers.

[0033] The palm portion 210 covers a portion of the user's palm in the widthwise direction and extends in a lengthwise direction to the user's wrist. Comparing FIGS. 2A and 2B and FIG. 4A, the grip 400 covers a larger portion of the user's palm in the widthwise direction than the grip 200. FIG. 4A also illustrates an example grip 400 having a dowel 405. The dowel 405 may be removable or nonremovable. The dowel 405 may be made of rubber, suede, leather, wood, plastic, metal, or any other material. FIG. 4B illustrates an example reverse side 410 of the example grip of FIG. 4A.

[0034] In some implementations, as shown in FIG. 3, the grip 300 may include a contoured portion 312 extending between the palm portion 310 and the wrist portion 315. In some implementations, the contoured portion 312 may be wider than the upper portion of the palm portion 310 and/or the lower portion of the wrist portion 315. In some implementations, the contoured portion 312 may be configured to cover the portion of the palm adjacent the user's wrist. In this way, the portion of the palm adjacent the user's wrist may be protected from blistering. In some implementations, the contoured portion 312 of the grip 300 may be rounded (see, e.g. FIG. 3). In some implementations, the contoured portion 312 may have any other shape suitable for protecting the portion of the palm located adjacent the user's wrist.

[0035] In further implementations, the grip 300 may be lacking the contoured grip portion 312. In such instances, the grip portion between the palm portion 310 and the wrist portion 315 may be substantially straight. The substantially straight portion may be wider or narrower than the palm portion 310. For example, the substantially straight portion may be about 25%-50% wider or narrower than the palm portion. In other implementations, the substantially straight portion has a uniform width along its length.

[0036] In some implementations, the upper part (e.g., upper part 216b) of the palm portion 210 may include additional padding to protect the hand. In some implementations, the additional padding 216b may be made of a duct canvas fabric or other flexible, tightly woven, durable fabric such as Roc-lon® or any other presently existing or future developed material that may extend the life of the grips. In some implementation, the additional padding 216b may be made of a different material. The additional padding may consist of, for example, foam, memory foam, or a foam rubber of varying densities and thicknesses, gel pads, neoprene, silicone, hard plastics, soft plastics, moldable plastics, fabric padding or other suitable material or combination thereof.

[0037] In some implementations, the palm portion 210 may include further padding in addition to the padding 216b of the upper part of the palm portion. The further padding 1000 (see FIG. 10) of the palm portion 210 (including the upper part) may be made, for example, of a foam, memory foam, or a foam rubber of varying densities and thicknesses, gel pads, neoprene, silicone, hard plastics, soft plastics, moldable plastics, fabric padding or other suitable material or combination thereof. The further padding 1000 may include a portion or portions of the palm portion 210 or, in some instance, may include substantially all of the palm portion 210. In some embodiments, the padding can be sewn into the grip or otherwise made integral to the grip. In further implementations, the padding is removable or replaceable, preferably through a slit in the grip sized to allow insertion or removal of the padding between an interior layer and an outer layer of material. The padding can be configured to tightly fit into the palm portion between layers of material. The padding can be further secured through the addition of Velcro® or the like, a fastener or through the use of a temporary adhesive. The padding material can vary in thickness according the user's requirements.

[0038] In other implementations, the padding can have a textured, rough or otherwise grippy like material that aids in the griping of a desired object. For example, the grip like material can be neoprene with sharkskin backing, foam, neoprene, silicone or gel padding type material with adhesive, tacky/sticky or rubber type backing.

[0039] In other implementations, folds or folding 800 (see FIG. 8) can be added to the edges of the tape or other material to prevent fraying. The folds can protect any exposed ends or threads of the athletic tape or other material. For example, the edges of any part of the grip can include a single folded over edge. In further aspects, the edges of the grip that are folded or parts thereof folded can be, for example, the finger loop portion 205 (a and b), the palm portion 210 (a and b), the upper palm portion 216b, the wrist portion 215 (a and b), the band portion 220, the slit portion 217 or any combination thereof. In other examples, the edges can include a second, third or a fourth folds to further strengthen the edge and protect from fraying or abrasion. These folds can be especially helpful in instances where the user wants to wash the grip. The added resistance to fraying can extend the life of the grip over multiple wash cycles or heavy use.

[0040] In some implementations, the folded edges can be stitched closed. In other embodiments, the edges are secured by the application of adhesives, such as epoxies, resins or glues that are well known in the art.

[0041] In other implementations, a binding or edging material 900 (see FIG. 9) can be applied to at least a portion of the edges of the grip. In some aspects, the binding or edging material can be applied to the edges of the entire grip. In other aspects, the edging or binding material can be applied to just the edges or portions thereof, for example, the finger loop portion 205 (a and b), the palm portion 210 (a and b), the upper palm portion 216b, the wrist portion 215 (a and b), the band portion 220, the slit portion 217 or any combination thereof.

[0042] In some implementations, the binding or edging material 900 can be the same material as the grip. For instance, the binding or edging material can be, but not limited to duct canvas fabric or other flexible, tightly woven, durable fabric such as Roc-lon®, athletic tape, mole skin, medical tape etc. In other aspects, the binding or edging material may be different than the grip material. For instance, the binding or edging material is preferably made of a solid or semi solid material, such as a polymeric and/or injection-molded plastic material, herring bone or a plastic material such as those commonly used in shoe string aglets. In other embodiments, the binding or edging material is made of a flexible material such as rubber, plastic, foam, resin, silicon, fabric binding tape or various types of fabric.

[0043] In other aspects, the binding or edging material 900 can be applied over at least a portion of the grip edges where at least a portion of the edges have at least one fold. These folded edges can include, for example, the finger loop portion 205 (a and b), the palm portion 210 (a and b), the upper palm portion 216b, the wrist portion 215 (a and b), the band portion 220, the slit portion 217 or any combination thereof. In other aspects, the edging material can be added over all the portions of the athletic grip edges having at least one fold.

[0044] A surface of the binding or edging material may be secured to the surface of the grip (including the folds). Adhesives such as epoxy resin or glue may be used to bond the binding or edging material to the athletic tape. Stitching may also be used to secure the binding or edging material to the grip.

[0045] In some implementations, the wrist portion 215 of the grip 200 includes one or more slits 217 to receive the band 220. In some implementations of the present disclosure, the length of the slits 217 of the grip 200 are longer than the width of the band 220 to adjust the position of the band on the user's wrist. In some implementations of the present disclosure, the length of the slits 217 of the grip is at least 25% longer than the width of the band 220. In some implementations, the length of the slits 217 of the grip is longer or shorter. In some implementations, the length of the slits 217 of the grip is of a sufficient length to receive the band 220.

[0046] The band 220 includes one or more fasteners on its ends to close the band around the user's wrist. In some implementations, the fasteners include snaps, buttons, hook and loop fasteners (e.g., Velcro®), or other re-closable fasteners or any other attachment or fastening technology existing or developed in the future. For example, the band 220 includes hook 222 and loop (not shown; on opposite side, opposite end of the band 220) fasteners.

[0047] In other implementations, the band portion 220 may have internal padding 1200 (see FIG. 12) that may include, but are not limited to foam, memory foam, or a foam rubber of varying densities and thicknesses, gel pads, neoprene, silicone, hard plastics, soft plastics, moldable plastics, fabric padding or other suitable material or combination thereof. The internal padding 1200 can be located between an interior layer and outer layer of material. As with the padding of the palm portion 210, the padding of the band portion 220 can be integral or removable in the same manner.

[0048] FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate a first side 510 and a second side 520, respectively, of another example band 500. In some implementations, the band 500 includes hooks 530 on one end of the first side 510 of the band and loops 540 on the opposite end of the second side 520 of the band 500.

[0049] Returning to FIGS. 2A, B, in some implementations, the wrist portion 215 and the band 220 may include fasteners (e.g., hook and loop fasteners) to secure the band 220 to the wrist portion 215 to prevent the band 220 from sliding around the user's wrist. For example, one part of the fastener (e.g., hooks) may be located between the slits 217 of the wrist portion 215 and the mating part of the fastener (e.g., loops) may be located near the middle of the band 220.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 6, in some implementations, to secure the band to the wrist portion 615 of a grip 600, a first part 620 (e.g., hooks) of a fastener may be located near the top portion of the slits 617 of the wrist portion 615 and the second mating part 625 (e.g., loops) of the fastener may be located near the bottom of the wrist portion 615. In this way, the band 220 may be secured to the wrist portion. In some implementations, the first part 620 of the fastener near the top portion of the slits 617 may be between the slits, may be between and on the outer sides of the slits 617, or in any other arrangement that permits mating with the bottom part of the wrist portion 615.

[0051] In some implementations, the band may include an inspiration message, logo(s), or other graphics and/or text. In some implementations, the band may include a pocket to, for example, insert an inspiration message, good luck charm, money, etc (see, e.g., FIG. 5B, element 515). In some implementation, the side of the band that is placed against the skin may include a soft material such as terry cloth, felt, or any other soft material.

[0052] FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate another implementation of a band 700 that may be secured around the wrist. As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the band 700 includes a ring 705 on one end of the band 700 to receive the other end of the band 700. The other end of the band 700 may then be folded over the ring 705 to secure the band. As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, hook and loop fasteners 710 are strategically placed to permit securing the end of the band 700 on itself. The ring 705 may be made of any material including metal, plastic, or any other suitable material.

[0053] Because of the durability and break-in time, the grips of the present disclosure may be used by novice, intermediate, or experienced grip users. The grips of the present disclosure may be used as a primary grip or a back-up grip.

[0054] Reference throughout this specification to "an embodiment" or "implementation" or words of similar import means that a particular described feature, structure, or characteristic is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the phrase "in some implementations" or a phrase of similar import in various places throughout this specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.

[0055] As used herein, the term "about" refers to an approximately +/-10% variation from a given value. It is to be understood that such a variation is always included in any given value provided herein, whether or not it is specifically referred to.

[0056] Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these inventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings.

[0057] The described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the above description, numerous specific details are provided for a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that embodiments of the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations may not be shown or described in detail.

[0058] While operations are depicted in the drawings in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results.

Claims

1. A washable athletic grip comprising: a finger loop portion, the finger loop portion including at least one loop configured to encircle a user's finger; a palm portion extending lengthwise from the finger loop portion down the user's palm to the wrist portion; a wrist portion configure to cover a portion of the user's wrist; and wherein at least the palm portion comprises on outer layer made of athletic tape and an interior layer made of a flexible, tightly woven material.

2. The athletic grip of claim 1 wherein the wrist portion further comprises having at least one slit; and a band configured to be inserted into the at least one slit and secured around a user's wrist portion.

3. The athletic grip of claim 2 wherein the length of the at least one slit is longer than the width of the band thereby allowing the position of the band relative to the user's wrist to be adjusted.

4. The athletic grip of claim 2 wherein the wrist portion includes two slits configured to receive the band.

5. The athletic grip of claim 1 wherein the wrist portion comprise on outer layer made of athletic tape and an interior layer made of a flexible, tightly woven material.

6. The athletic grip of claim 1 wherein the interior material layer of the palm portion is duct canvas.

7. The athletic grip of claim 3 further comprising a first fastener portion located on the top portion of the at least one slit of the wrist portion and a second fastener portion located along the bottom of the wrist portion.

8. The athletic grip of claim 1 wherein the band is further comprised of a first fastener on one end of a first side of the band and a second fastener on the opposite end of a second side of the band, in this way the band is prevented from sliding around on the user's wrist.

9. The athletic grip of claim 1 wherein the band is further comprised of a pocket.

10. The athletic grip of claim 1 wherein the palm portion includes at least one layer of padding.

11. The athletic grip of claim 1 wherein the palm portion includes a dowel that extends across a portion of the palm portion.

12. The athletic grip of claim 1 wherein the finger loop portion includes two loops.

13. The athletic grip of claim 10 wherein the padding is selected from the group consisting of foam, memory foam, fabric padding, neoprene, silicone and gel pads.

14. The athletic grip of claim 1 wherein the athletic grip having a plurality of edges, and at least one of said plurality of edges having at least one fold to prevent fraying of said edges.

15. The athletic grip of claim 1 wherein, the athletic grip having a plurality of edges and an edging material layered over at least a portion of said edges.

16. The athletic grip of claim 14 wherein said plurality of edges has an edging material layered over at least a portion of said folds.

17. The athletic grip of claim 1 wherein at least a portion of the band contains padding.

18. The athletic grip of claim 17 wherein the padding is selected from the group consisting of foam, memory foam, fabric padding, neoprene, silicone and gel pads.

19. The athletic grip of claim 1 wherein the finger loop portion includes three loops.

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