ATHLETIC WRAP WITH REMOVABLE GRIP

Description

FIELD

The field of the disclosure relates generally to athletic wraps. More particularly, this disclosure relates to an athletic wrap that includes a removable grip.

BACKGROUND

Cross-training exercises are increasing in popularity among exercise enthusiasts and casual exercisers. Cross-training exercises involve switching between different activities within a single workout. For example, during a single workout, a person may switch between cardio activities, such as running and biking, and strength exercises, such as weight training. In addition, some workouts emphasize almost constant exercise intensity and provide little or no rest between activities. The activities are designed to utilize and exercise different body parts. As such, the activities commonly require different equipment and attire for optimal results. For example, some people may use wraps to support their wrists or other joints during activities involving lifting or bracing. Also, some people may use gloves or other attire that provide improved grip and protect their hands during activities that involving climbing or grasping objects. However, a person engaging in cross-training exercises often does not switch equipment between activities because switching equipment may require a prolonged break between the activities. As a result, the person's performance may be reduced and the person may have an increased risk of injury.

An increase in participation in cross-training competitions has coincided with the increased popularity of cross-training exercises. Some participants may opt to switch attire between activities to increase their performance during the competitions. For example, participants may wear a grip during activities that involve hanging, climbing, or grasping a bar and a wrist wrap during activities that involve overhead lifts or bracing positions. However, the time spent switching attire may decrease the score of the participants. Moreover, some participants who are rushing to switch attire may put the attire on improperly, which may hurt their performance and increase their risk of injury. In addition, it may be difficult to keep track of attire when it is not being worn.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

In one aspect, a wrap is selectively configurable between a first configuration and a second configuration. The wrap generally comprises a strap and a grip. The strap is configured to wrap around a wrist of a wearer and support the wrist. The grip is removably attached to the strap. The grip includes a palm contact surface and a grip surface opposite the palm contact surface. The palm contact surface is arranged to extend along a palm of the wearer from the wrist to fingers when the wrap is in the first configuration. The grip is detached from the strap in the second configuration.

In another aspect, a removable grip includes a fastener arranged to engage a strap to removably attach the removable grip to the strap. The strap is configured to wrap around a wrist of a wearer. The removable grip extends perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the strap when the fastener is engaged with the strap. The removable grip also includes a first surface and a second surface. The first surface is arranged to extend along a palm of the wearer from a wrist to fingers of the wearer when the removable grip is attached to the strap and the strap is wrapped around the wrist of the wearer. The second surface is opposite the first surface and arranged to face outward from the palm of the wearer when the removable grip is attached to the strap and the strap is wrapped around the wrist of the wearer. The second surface has a coefficient of friction that is larger than a coefficient of friction of the first surface

In yet another aspect, a method of assembling a wrap selectively configurable between a first configuration and a second configuration is provided. The method includes positioning a first fastener on a strap. The strap is configured to wrap around a wrist of a wearer and support the wrist. The method also includes positioning a second fastener on a removable grip. The second fastener is arranged to engage the strap to removably attach the removable grip to the strap. The grip includes a palm contact surface and a grip surface opposite the palm contact surface. The palm contact surface is arranged to extend along a palm of the wearer from the wrist to fingers when the wrap is in the first configuration. The grip is detached from the strap in the second configuration.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an athletic wrap with a removable grip, the athletic wrap being worn by a person with the removable grip positioned on the palm of a hand of the person.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the athletic wrap without the removable grip, the athletic wrap including a strap worn on a wrist of the person.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the strap of the athletic wrap illustrating a first side of the strap including fasteners.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the strap illustrating a second side of the strap.

FIG. 5 is a top view of the strap.

FIG. 6 is an elevation view of an outward facing side of the removable grip of the athletic wrap.

FIG. 7 is an elevation view of a palm-facing side of the removable grip of the athletic wrap.

FIG. 8 is a top view of the removable grip.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view the athletic wrap being worn by a person with the removable grip in a stowed position.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure is directed generally to an athletic wrap that is configurable between a first configuration and a second configuration. The athletic wrap includes a strap and a removable grip. The strap wraps around the wearer's wrist and provides support to the wrist during exercises. The grip is removably attached to the strap and provides an improved grip and protects the hand from injury. In the first configuration, the strap is wrapped around a wrist of the wearer and the grip extends from the strap along a palm of the hand of the wearer. For example, the grip includes a first end that removably attaches to the strap and a second end that engages the wearer's fingers or palm. A grip surface extends between the first end and the second end. The grip surface provides an enhanced grip for the wearer and protects the wearer's hands from injury. Accordingly, the athletic wrap may be worn in the first configuration for exercises that involve hanging, climbing, or grasping a bar. In the second configuration, the grip is detached from the strap and the wrap may be used to support the wrist for activities involving overhead lifts or bracing. In some embodiments, the wrap has a third configuration in which the grip is secured to the strap in a stowed position. In embodiments, the wrap does not need to be removed from the wearer's wrist to switch the wrap between the first, second, and third configurations because the removable grip can be removed or repositioned without removing the strap from the wrist. Accordingly, the athletic wrap facilitates the wearer quickly switching between exercises and having proper equipment for the exercises.

As used herein, the term “cross training” refers to exercises involving switching between different activities within a single workout. As used herein, the term “weight training” refers to exercises where a person handles weights.

Referring now to the drawings and in particular to FIG. 1, one embodiment of an athletic wrap is designated in its entirety by the reference number 100. The athletic wrap 100 is selectively configurable between a first configuration (FIG. 1), a second configuration (FIG. 2), and a third configuration (FIG. 9). As shown in FIG. 1, the athletic wrap 100 includes a strap 102 and a grip 104. The grip 104 is attached to the strap 102 in a use position in the first configuration. The grip 104 is detached from the strap 102 in the second configuration. The grip 104 is attached to the strap 102 in a stowed position in the third configuration.

As shown in FIG. 1, in the first configuration, the athletic wrap 100 is arranged to be worn such that the strap 102 is wrapped around a wrist 106 of the person wearing the athletic wrap 100 and the grip 104 is positioned at least partially alongside a palm 108 of a hand 110 of the person wearing the athletic wrap 100. In the second configuration, the athletic wrap 100 is arranged to be worn such that the strap 102 is wrapped around the wrist 106 and the grip 104 is detached from the strap, as shown in FIG. 2. In an optional third configuration, the athletic wrap 100 is arranged to be worn such that the strap 102 is wrapped around the wrist 106 and the grip 104 is attached to the strap in a stowed or non-use position in which the grip does not extend along the palm 108, shown for example in FIG. 9. In the illustrated embodiment, in the third configuration, the grip 104 is secured to the strap such that the grip 104 is folded or looped at least partly around the strap 102 and extends away from the hand 110. In other embodiments, the grip 104 may be attached to the strap 102 in a longitudinal direction of the strap such that the grip extends at least partly circumferentially around the wrist in the stowed configuration. In further embodiments, the grip 104 may extend from the strap 102 at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis and in a direction away from the wearer's hand, e.g., along the forearm of the wearer.

Referring to FIGS. 1-4, the strap 102 is sized and shaped to extend around the wrist 106 of a wearer to support the wrist. The strap 102 includes a first surface 112, a second surface 114, a first edge 116, a second edge 118, a first end 120, and a second end 122. The first surface 112 and the second surface 114 are opposite each other and extend from the first end 120 to the second end 122 along a longitudinal axis 124 of the athletic wrap 100. One of the first surface 112 and the second surface 114 at least partly contacts the wrist 106 of the wearer when the strap 102 is wrapped around the wrist. In addition, the strap 102 is configured to overlap itself such that at least a portion of the second surface 114 extends over a portion of the first surface 112 when the strap 102 is secured around the wrist. The first and second edges 116, 118 extend along the top and bottom of the first surface 112 and the second surface 114 from the first end 120 to the second end 122.

As shown in FIG. 5, a thickness 126 of the strap 102 is defined between the first surface 112 and the second surface 114. For example, the strap 102 may have a thickness 126 in a range of 3 millimeters (mm) (0.1 inches) to 15 mm (0.6 inches). The thickness 126 of the strap 102 facilitates the strap having flexibility to wrap around the wrist and rigidity to support the wrist. In some embodiments, the strap 102 is wrapped around the wrist two or more times to provide additional thickness to support the wrist. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the thickness 126 of the strap is in a range of 3 to 6 mm, and the wrap 100 has a thickness in a range of 6 mm to 15 mm when wrapped around the wrist because the strap encircles the wrist multiple times. In alternative embodiments, the strap 102 has any thickness that enables the athletic wrap 100 to function as described herein.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, a length 127 of the strap 102 is defined as the distance from the first end 120 to the second end 122 along the longitudinal axis 124. A width 129 of the strap 102 is defined as the distance from the first edge 120 to the second edge 122 along an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 124. In embodiments, the strap 102 may have a length 127 in a range of 152 mm (6 inches) to 610 mm (24 inches) and a width 129 in a range of 25 mm (1 inch) to 152 mm (6 inches). The length 127 and the width 129 facilitate the strap 102 fitting around the wrist of the wearer and supporting the wrist. For example, in some embodiments, the length 127 facilitates the strap 102 wrapping around the wrist two or more times.

As shown in FIGS. 1-3, a loop 128 is connected to the strap 102 to secure the strap in position relative to the hand 110 of the wearer. In the illustrated embodiment, the loop 128 extends from the first edge 116 of the strap 102 at a location proximate to the second end 122 of the strap 102. The loop 128 may be constructed of an elastic material. The loop 128 is sized to receive a thumb of the wearer and secure the strap in position. In addition, in embodiments, the loop 128 may be used to hang the athletic wrap on a hook or hanger for storage. In some embodiments, the loop 128 may be omitted without departing from aspects of the disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 3-5, the strap 102 includes a fastener system 130 arranged to secure the athletic wrap 100 on a wearer's wrist. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the fastener system 130 includes a first fastener 132 extending from a first end 120 of the strap 102 and a second fastener 134 positioned on the first surface 112 of the strap 102 and spaced from the first end of the strap. The first fastener 132 and the second fastener 134 engage each other to secure the strap 102 in a circle that is sized to wrap around the wrist. In the illustrated embodiment, the first fastener 132 and the second fastener 134 include hook and loop fasteners. In other embodiments, the fastener system 130 may include snaps, buttons, zippers, magnets, or any other fasteners.

In the illustrated embodiment, the strap 102 includes a supplemental fastener 136 positioned on the first surface 112 of the strap. The supplemental fastener 136 engages another portion of the strap 102 to maintain a tightness of the strap on the wrist. The supplemental fastener 136 extends from the second end 122 of the strap 102 towards a middle of the strap. In this embodiment, the supplemental fastener 136 includes a hook and loop fastener. In other embodiments, the supplemental fastener 136 may include snaps, buttons, zippers, magnets, or any other fasteners. In some embodiments, the supplemental fastener 136 may be omitted without departing from some aspects of the disclosure.

The strap 102 may be constructed of any suitable materials. In the illustrated embodiment, the strap 102 is constructed of a woven material such as a woven nylon. The woven nylon may be a ballistics grade material (e.g., material designed to withstand impacts from firearm projectiles) and configured to provide improved durability of the strap 102. In other embodiments, the strap 102 may include one or more different materials without departing from some aspects of the disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 6-8, the removable grip 104 includes a first surface 140, a second surface 142, a first edge 144, a second edge 146, a first end 148, and a second end 150. The first and second edges 144, 146 extend between the first surface 140 and the second surface 142. The first surface 140 and the second surface 142 are opposite each other and extend from the first end 148 to the second end 150 of the grip 104 along a transverse axis 152 of the athletic wrap 100. The transverse axis 152 is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 124 of the wrap 100 when the wrap 100 is in the first configuration.

The first surface 140 and the second surface 142 are planar when the removable grip 104 is in a relaxed state. Also, the first edge 144 and the second edge 146 are straight and parallel to each other. The first end 148 is straight and perpendicular to the first edge 144 and the second edge 146. Conversely, the second end 150 is curved relative to the first edge 144 and the second edge 146. In particular, the second end 150 is a convex curve. Accordingly, the removable grip 104 has a partly rectangular shape with one curved side. The shape of the removable grip 104 facilitates the removable grip comfortably fitting along the wearer's palm.

The first surface 140 of the grip 104 is a palm facing surface that is arranged to face the palm of the wearer's hand 110 and contact the palm when the wrap 100 is worn. The second surface 142 is a grip facing surface that is arranged to face an object that is grasped when the wrap 100 is worn on the hand. The second surface 142 has a higher coefficient of friction than the first surface 140 and is configured to provide an improved grip for the wearer. For example, in some embodiments, the second surface 142 interfaced with itself or a similar surface has a coefficient of friction of at least 0.4 for dry conditions.

The grip 104 may be constructed of rubber, leather, and/or a woven material such as a woven nylon. In the illustrated embodiment, the grip 104 is constructed of a combination of woven nylon and rubber. For example, the first surface 140 is formed by woven nylon and the second surface 142 is formed by rubber that is attached to a backside of the woven nylon. In other embodiments, the removable grip 104 may include any suitable materials without departing from some aspects of the disclosure.

As shown in FIG. 8, a thickness 154 of the grip 104 is defined between the first surface 140 and the second surface 142. In this embodiment, the grip 104 has a thickness 154 in a range of 2 mm (0.1 inches) to 10 mm (0.4 inches). The material of the grip 104 and the thickness 154 of the grip 104 facilitates the strap being flexible yet strong enough to protect the wearer's hand from injury.

As shown in FIG. 8, a length 155 of the grip 104 is defined as the shortest distance from the first end 148 to the furthest extent of the second end 150. A width 157 of the grip 104 is defined as the shortest distance from the first edge 144 to the second edge 146. In embodiments, the grip 104 may have a length 155 in a range of 102 mm (4 inches) to 76 mm (12 inches) and a width 157 in a range of 51 mm (2 inches) to 127 mm (5 inches). The length 155 and the width 157 facilitate the grip 104 fitting on the hand of the wearer and covering the palm of the wearer. In some embodiments, the wrap 100 may be provided with different size grips 104 to fit different hands. The wearer may select a grip 104 based on size and swap grips 104 because the grip 104 is detachable from the strap 102.

With reference to FIGS. 3 and 6, the athletic wrap 100 includes at least one engagement member 156 that removably connects the grip 104 to the strap 102. In particular, the removable grip 104 includes snap projections 158 that fit within snap receivers 160 on the strap 102. The projections 158 extend from the second surface 142 of the grip 104 and are configured to extend into the receivers 160 on the strap 102. In some embodiments, the strap 102 includes engagement members 156 positioned at different locations along the circumference of the strap to allow the grip 104 to be secured at the different locations.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 6, the removable grip 104 includes fastener sections 162 that are configured to engage the strap 102 and secure the removable grip in position. In the illustrated embodiment, the fastener sections 162 include hook and loop fasteners that engage the material of the strap 102. The removable grip 104 is configured to fold along a fold line 164 such that the fastener sections 162 extend on and secure to the first and second surfaces 112, 114 of the strap 102. In embodiments, the athletic wrap 100 may include other fasteners for securing the removable grip 104 to the strap 102 without departing from some aspects of the disclosure. For example, in some embodiments, at least one of the strap 102 and the removable grip 104 may include, without limitation, any of the following: a clip, hook and loop fasteners, and a catch.

In this embodiment, the removable grip 104 further includes a finger receiver 166 configured to receive fingers of the wearer and secure the removable grip 104 in position along the hand of the wearer. The finger receiver 166 includes openings 168 defined in the removable grip 104 proximate the second end 122 of the grip. The openings 168 are sized to receive the fingers. In embodiments, the finger receiver 166 includes one to four of the openings 168. In the illustrated embodiment, the finger receiver 166 includes three of the openings 168. In other embodiments, the finger receiver 166 may include a separate component such as an elastic band that is attached to the grip 104 and arranged to secure the grip to the fingers.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 9, the removable grip 104 also includes a stowage fastener 170 for securing the removable grip 104 to the strap 102 in the third configuration of the athletic wrap 100. For example, the stowage fastener 170 is positioned at the second end 150 of the grip 104 and is configured to engage the strap 102 in the third configuration of the wrap 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the stowage fastener 170 includes a hook and loop fastener. In other embodiments, the stowage fastener 170 may include snaps, buttons, zippers, magnets, or any other fasteners. The removable grip 104 is arranged to form a loop around the strap 102 when the wrap is in the third configuration and the removable grip 104 is secured to the strap by the stowage fastener 170. For example, in the third configuration, the first end 148 of the strap 102 is secured to the strap 102 by the fastener sections 162 and the engagement members 156. The removable grip 104 loops or folds backwards away from the wearer's hand and the second end 150 is secured to the strap 102 by the stowage fastener 170. In embodiments, the wrap 100 utilizes the stowage fastener 170, fastener sections 162, engagement members 156, fastener system 130, and/or supplemental fastener 136 to secure the removable grip 104 in the third configuration.

Referring to FIG. 1, during use, a wearer wraps the strap 102 around their wrist to support the wrist. The strap 102 is wrapped around the wrist at least one time to provide a desired tightness and the fastener system 130 is engaged with the strap 102 to secure the strap 102 around the wrist with the desired tightness. The wearer may tighten the strap 102 of the athletic wrap 100 to adjust the fit of the athletic wrap. The loop 128 may be positioned over the thumb of the wearer to maintainer the wrap 100 in position. When the strap 102 is wrapped around the wrist, the wrap 100 provides support for the wearer's wrist and facilitates the wearer performing activities such as overhead lifts or bracing positions. The wrap 100 may be used in the first configuration with the removable grip 104 attached to the strap 102 (FIG. 1), the second configuration with the removable grip 104 detached from the strap 102 (FIG. 2), or the third configuration with the removable grip 104 in a stowed position (FIG. 9).

The wrap 100 may be switched from the second configuration to the first configuration by attaching the removable grip 104 to the strap 102. The removable grip 104 is attached to the strap by engaging the fastener sections 162 with the strap 102. Specifically, the removable grip 104 is positioned on the strap 102 such that the removable grip overlaps a portion of the strap and the removable grip extends perpendicular to the strap. The removable grip 104 is folded over the strap at the fold line 164 such that the fastener sections 162 extend along opposite sides of the strap 102. The fastener sections 162 engage the first and second surfaces 112, 114 of the strap 102. The snap projections 158 on the removable grip 104 fit within snap receivers 160 on the strap 102 to secure the removable grip in the desired position.

The removable grip 104 may be attached to the strap 102 before or after the strap 102 is wrapped around the wearer's wrist. The athletic wrap 100 is configured to allow for easy switching between the first, second, and third configurations to facilitate the wearer switching the arrangement of the wrap for different activities and ensuring the wearer is properly attired for the activities.

As seen in FIG. 1, in the first configuration, the removable grip 104 is positioned to extend along the wearer's hand such that the first surface 140 faces the palm of the hand and the second surface 142 faces outward to contact a grip surface. The removable grip extends from the strap 102 along the wearer's hand in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 124. The removable grip 104 is sized to extend from the wearer's wrist to the fingers. The finger receiver 166 is positioned to receive fingers within the openings 168 and secure the removable grip 104 in position relative to the hand. The removable grip 104 is arranged to provide a grip surface when the wearer is performing activities that involve grasping a bar or other objects.

The wrap 100 may be switched from the first configuration to the second configuration by removing the grip 104 from the strap 102. For example, the fastener sections 162 and the strap 102 are disengaged and the snap projections 158 on the removable grip 104 are removed from the snap receivers 160 on the strap 102. The removable grip 104 is removed from the strap 102 and unfolded. In the second configuration, the wrap 100 supports the wrist of the wearer and the removable grip 104 is out of the way for use of the hands in activities that may not require the removable grip.

Referring to FIG. 9, the wrap 100 may be switched from the first configuration to the third configuration by removing the grip 104 from hand and securing the grip in a stowed position. For example, the finger receiver 166 of the grip 104 is removed from the fingers and the second end 150 of the removable grip 104 is folded back towards the strap 102. The removable grip 104 is then secured in the stowed position by engaging the stowage fastener 170 on the strap 102. In the third configuration, the wrap 100 supports the wrist of the wearer and provides a simple way to stow and keep track of the removable grip 104.

The wearer may perform an activity involving overhead lifts or bracing while the athletic wrap is in the first, second, or third configuration. Between different activities, the wearer may switch the athletic wrap 100 between the first configuration, the second configuration, and the third configuration in a minimal amount of time because the removable grip 104 is configured to easily and quickly attach to/detach from the strap 102 in one or more different positions while the athletic wrap remains on the wrist of the wearer. When the athletic wrap 100 is in the second configuration, the wearer may perform activities involving grasping a bar, hold, or another object and the removable grip 104 provides an improved grip and protects the hand from injury. In alternative embodiments, the wearer may switch the athletic wrap between configurations in any suitable manner. For example, in some embodiments, the wearer may switch the athletic wrap 100 between configurations while the wearer's wrist is not positioned within the athletic wrap. In addition, the wearer may put the athletic wrap 100 on their hand while the athletic wrap is in the first, second, or third configuration.

The athletic wraps described herein switch between a first configuration, a second configuration, and a third configuration. The athletic wrap includes a strap and a removable grip. In the first, second, and third configurations the strap supports a wrist of the wearer and facilitates a wearer performing activities involving overhead lifts or bracing. The removable grip is attached to the strap in the first configuration and facilitates a wearer grasping a bar, hold, or other object and protects the wearer's palm from injury. The removable grip is detached from the strap in the second configuration. The removable grip is secured on the strap in a stowed position when the wrap is in the third configuration. The athletic wrap is quickly and easily switched between the configurations to allow the wearer to switch between activities with minimal down time. For example, the wearer may switch the athletic wrap between the configurations without removing the athletic wrap from the wearer's wrist.

When introducing elements of the present invention or the preferred embodiment(s) thereof, the articles “a”, “an”, “the” and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising”, “including” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements.

As various changes could be made in the above constructions without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Although specific features of various embodiments of the invention may be shown in some drawings and not in others, this is for convenience only. In accordance with the principles of the invention, any feature of a drawing may be referenced and/or claimed in combination with any feature of any other drawing.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.