US20080004168A1

US20080004168A1 - Fitness equipment cover

Info

Publication number: US20080004168A1
Application number: US11/478,985
Authority: US
Inventors: Ingrid Jackson
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-06-29
Filing date: 2006-06-29
Publication date: 2008-01-03

Abstract

The present invention relates to a fitness equipment cover for attachment to fitness equipment comprising an elongated, planar piece of material and a hood on at least one end of the cover for attachment to a piece of fitness equipment.

Description

1. BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a specialized fitness equipment cover intended to improve hygiene and protect users while engaged in exercise using fitness equipment such as weight benches, treadmills, or other exercise devices requiring close proximity or physical contact by a user. The present invention is especially convenient for use in public exercise facilities, where multiple users may use a single piece of fitness equipment.
Users of fitness equipment typically perspire large volumes of fluid. Perspiration frequently comes into contact with fitness equipment, leaving unpleasant odors and unsanitary conditions. In public settings, the continual use of fitness equipment by multiple users often necessitates the use of towels or covers to either wipe down equipment from perspiration left by others or to contain a user's own perspiration.
Prior art exercise towels and equipment covers are not specialized for use on exercise equipment and usually consist of hand or bath towels. Such prior art towels are problematic because they often slide or fall from equipment while a user is engaged in exercise. Because a user engaged in exercise is often performing high impact movements, bouncing or vibration of fitness equipment is common and slippage of covers or towels onto a floor is a common occurrence. Debris and germs from a floor may be collected onto a dropped towel, creating additional exposure to germs and debris to the user.
The present invention addresses shortcomings of the prior art by providing a releasable cover that can be quickly attached to and removed from fitness equipment. The cover comprises a hood that allows the cover to be secured to fitness equipment. The width of the hood may be releasably adjusted so that the cover may be securely attached to a wide range and variety of fitness equipment. The cover may be comprised of absorbent, durable material that can withstand repeated use and may be machine washable, allowing the user to conveniently clean the cover prior to next use.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows the intended use of the present invention as practiced with a piece of exercise equipment.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a hooded side of the cover.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the side of the cover not comprising a hood; and

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of an alternate embodiment in which the hooded side of the cover further includes a pocket.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows a view of the present invention in use with a piece of fitness equipment 1. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cover 2 possesses an elongated, generally rectangular shape. The elongated configuration allows for optimal coverage of exercise equipment incorporating rectangular shaped back rests 3 or benches.
Many varieties of fitness equipment incorporate padded, planar components intended for use either as benches 4 when positioned horizontally or as backrests 3 when positioned vertically. The user either straddles his legs or rests his back and head on such planar components. Because multiple users often use the planar components in this manner, the components can impart bad odors or be dampened with perspiration. Such conditions can be unpleasant and unsanitary. The present invention provides a convenient means for protecting users from close contact with the perspiration and oils of others. Because individuals can produce excessive sweat, the present invention can greatly improve a user's comfort while exercising in public facilities.
The cover may be constructed from absorbent material such as cotton, cotton and synthetic blends, synthetic materials, velour, micro-fiber, terry cloth, silk, or any other lightweight material. Additionally, materials allowing for quick evaporation may be incorporated to improve user comfort and hasten drying time of perspiration-soaked covers. Because the cover is intended for frequent use, the material should be machine washable and resistant to daily wear. The material should not incorporate dyes that bleed or run, allowing the user to conveniently machine-wash the cover with other items.
The length of the cover should be sufficient so that a user is adequately protected from direct contact of equipment when the cover is attached. In FIG. 1, a user is protected from direct contact with a piece of exercise equipment from the head region down towards the middle torso area. Two feet of material may provide adequate protection of body parts in direct contact with fitness equipment, while still being small enough for the user to carry and transfer to a series of exercise equipment typically practiced in a workout.
FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a hood 5 feature of the present invention. The hood is positioned on at least one end from which the cover can be releasably attached to a piece of exercise equipment. The hood should have a length 6 sufficient to allow secure attachment to a piece of exercise equipment notwithstanding movement and vibration of the equipment. In the preferred embodiment, the hood spans more than three inches in length. The width 7 of the hood should be wide enough so that attachment of the cover to a piece of exercise equipment is possible. A hood that is narrower than the girth of a piece of equipment cannot securely attach to a piece of equipment and is undesirable. In the preferred embodiment of the cover, the width of the cover spans more than 6 inches.
The hood may be separated by a slit, forming two flaps 8A and 8B within the hood. The lower edge of the hood may comprise attachment means 9 so that flap 8A may attach to flap 8B. VELCRO, buttons, snaps, or a zipper are examples of suitable attachment means. The flaps of the hood may be attached at various points along the attachment means, allowing for different tensions to be created when the hood is attached to equipment. This allows the user the convenience to employ the present invention with many types of exercise equipment such as stationary bicycles, weight benches, mechanized weights, and more.
FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the present invention from a face opposite the hooded face of the cover. On the non-hooded face, the invention appears similar to prior art towels or covers. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, a uniform surface is provided so as to improve user comfort and avoid the sensation of protrusions or obstructions when a user is pressed against the cover. Pockets or enclosures may be provided on the non-hooded face however, enabling a user to place keys or valuables within the cover.
In summary, the present invention is a novel, inventive fitness equipment cover that addresses many of the shortcomings in the art. With respect to the above description, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function, manner and use are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.
Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, while still falling within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A fitness equipment cover for attachment to fitness equipment comprising:

an elongated, planar piece of material; and

a hood on at least one end of the cover for attachment to a piece of fitness equipment; the hood having a slit positioned therein, thereby forming two flaps.

2. (canceled)

3. The fitness equipment cover of claim 1 further comprising an attachment means for selectively attaching the two flaps together when the cover is attached to a piece of fitness equipment.

4. The fitness equipment cover of claim 4 wherein the two flaps may be selectively attached together at various different points.

5. The fitness equipment cover of claim 1 further comprising a pocket formed on the elongated planar piece of material.

6. The fitness equipment cover of claim 1, wherein the hood has a length sufficient to allow for secure attachment of the cover to a piece of fitness equipment.

7. A cover for fitness equipment comprising:

a first piece of elongated material;

a hood formed at one end of the cover for releasable attachment of said cover to a piece of fitness equipment; the hood having a slit positioned therein, thereby forming two flaps;

attachment means for selectively attaching the two flaps together when the cover is attached to a piece of fitness equipment.

8. The cover of claim 7 wherein the attachment means allows the two flaps to be selectively attached together at various different points.

9. The cover of claim 7 further comprising a pocket formed on the first piece of elongated material.

10. The cover of claim 7, wherein the hood has a length sufficient to allow for secure attachment of the cover to a piece of fitness equipment.