US20160151697A1

US20160151697A1 - Portable self contained slip cover that is remove ably attachable onto a torso pad associated with an exercise machine

Info

Publication number: US20160151697A1
Application number: US14/543,330
Authority: US
Inventors: Amy Kristine Cervantes
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-11-26
Filing date: 2014-11-17
Publication date: 2016-06-02

Abstract

A slip cover that is of a shape and size to be remove ably attached onto a torso pad typically associated with an exercise machine. The slip cover when in a closed position is novel and unique as it is in the form of a self contained carrier pouch of which when unfolded into an open position provides a protective covering for the torso pad, the shoulder blocks and the head rest associated with an exercise machine.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/963,248 filed on Nov. 26, 2013 in the name of the present inventor.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates in general to slip covers that are used by an individual for sanitary purposes and personal comfort. More particularly the present slip cover is of a shape and size to be remove ably attached onto a torso pad on an exercise machine. The slip cover is novel and unique as it is in the form of a self contained carrier pouch of which when unfolded provides a protective covering for the torso pad, the shoulder blocks and the head rest associated with the exercise machine.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In today's society fitness clubs, gyms and the like have become extremely popular. Within such facilities there are various types of exercise machines for use by the diversified clientele. Most all exercise machines include some type of a torso pad which allows the user to either lie down or sit there upon. During a physical workout the user tends to sweat and the torso pad, shoulder blocks and the head rest tend to become sticky, clammy and uncomfortable. More importantly numerous users consecutively lie or sit down on the torso pad. Thus the following user is subjected to the previous user's sweat, germs, etc. This can be disturbing and sometimes even repulsive resulting in reluctance to use the exercise machine. Prior attempts to resolve this issue include use of towels, mats, sweat pads and the like. These prior art items are inconvenient, unsatisfactory, not aesthetically pleasing, not fun to use and not easily carried.
Therefore, to alleviate the problem it is desirable to provide a personalized protective sanitary slip cover. Furthermore, the slip cover should be easily removeably attached, portable, washable, made from suitable material, fun to use and aesthetically pleasing to the eye. Thus the present invention resolves this issue in a manner heretofore not taught, recognized or addressed within the known prior art.

OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore a primary object of the present invention to provide a new, novel and unique slip cover for use with the torso pad, shoulder blocks and head rest associated with an exercise machine.
Another object of the present invention is to provide the noted slip cover in the form of an attractive self contained carrier pouch. Most importantly the slip cover when folded is the carrier pouch and slip cover in combination. The slip cover may be produced as one integrally formed cover or the slip cover and carrier pouch may be interconnected via attachment means of choice.
A further object of the present invention is to manufacture the slip cover from a suitable material of engineering choice. Any material which is substantially soft, pliable, washable, aesthetically pleasing, etc. may be utilized.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a slip cover with optional features of engineering choice. For example, the slip cover may include soft padded inserts within the shoulder block receptacles. Another option is to include an additional non-slip material at a location of choice so as to reduce slippage and/or increase traction of the slip cover when in use.
Still a further object of the present invention is to provide a slip cover which is economically feasible to produce, manufacture and sell.
Other objects and advantages will be seen when taken into consideration with the following drawings and specification.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is substantially an overview of the present slip cover when in a portable closed position.

FIG. 2 is substantially an overview of the present slip cover when in an open position depicting the front side thereof.

FIG. 3 is substantially an overview of the present slip cover when in use and attached onto a torso pad having a pair of shoulder blocks and a head rest associated with an exercise machine.

FIG. 4 is substantially an overview of the present slip cover when in an open position depicting the back side thereof.

FIG. 5 is substantially an enlarged sectional view depicting one of the shoulder block receptacles having an additional optional foam padded insert.

FIG. 6 is substantially an overview of the present slip cover when in a partially folded first position.

FIG. 7 is substantially an overview of the present slip cover when in a partially folded second position.

FIG. 8 is substantially an overview of the present slip cover when in a partially folded third position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now in detail to the drawings wherein like elements refer to like characters throughout the various views. As depicted within FIGS. 1-8 the present invention is a portable self contained slip cover represented by overview (10). The slip cover (10) as depicted in FIG. 3 is remove ably attachable onto a torso pad (12) having a pair of shoulder blocks (14) and a head rest (16). The torso pad (12) is standard and typically associated with any common exercise machine (not shown). Thus the present slip cover of the present invention is not limited to use with any particular exercise machine as it is multifunctional and universal for use with any exercise machine having a standard torso pad (12) respectively. However, the slip cover (10) and the torso pad (12) are intended for use in combination.
In the preferred embodiment for the present invention, the slip cover (10) is substantially in the form of a body member having a length, a width, a top end (10-a), a bottom end (10-b) a front side (10-c); a right side (10-d), a central section (10-e), a left side (10-f) as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 and a back side (10-g) of which is illustrated in FIG. 4. Further illustrated in FIG. 1 the slip cover (10) and/or body member includes a portable closed position and as illustrated in FIGS. 2, 3 & 4 the slip cover (10) and/or body member includes an open position.
As further depicted in FIGS. 2-5, the top end (10-a) is illustrated having a pair of spaced apart receptacles (18) of which being of a shape and size to slide ably receive therein the pair of shoulder blocks (14) when the body member of the slip cover (10) is in the open position. It is to be understood the pair of spaced apart receptacles (18) can be of any suitable shape and size of engineering choice. Thus the embodiment as depicted herein is only exemplary. In reference to FIG. 5 the pair of spaced apart receptacles may further include internal foam padding (20) of which is an optional feature. Also, the internal foam padding (20) may be fixedly attached or removable depending on the end user's preference and/or engineering choice.
Further depicted in FIGS. 2-4 and 6-8 the central section (10-e) is interconnected to a carrier pouch (22) by an attachment means of engineering choice. Again, any suitable type of attachment means of engineering choice may be utilized. For example the entire slip cover (10) may be integrally formed and cut from one pattern, wherein the attachment means would simply be an extension of the cloth from the central section (10-e). However, for exemplary purposes the present embodiment depicts the suitable attachment means as being a pair of straps (24).
As depicted in FIG. 3, the carrier pouch (22) is of a shape and size to slideably receive the head rest (16) therein when the body member of the slip cover (10) is in the open position. As depicted in FIG. 1 the carrier pouch (22) is of a shape and size to remove ably receive and contain the body member when the body member of the slip cover (10) is in the closed position.
With further reference to the carrier pouch (22) optional features further include a carrier strap (26) as depicted in FIGS. 1, 2, 4 and 6-8 and a closure means such as a draw string (28) or the like.
Yet another optional feature for the present slip cover (10) may be to include a section of non-slip material (30) fixedly attached onto the back side as depicted in FIGS. 2 and 4. Again any suitable non-slip material of engineering choice may be utilized. The non-slip material provides increased traction and reduces slippage. Still a further optional feature for the present slip cover (10) may be to include an elasticized edge (32) for improved fit as depicted in FIGS. 2 and 4.
Referring now to FIGS. 6-8 wherein depicted exemplifies one possible way for the body member to assume the closed position when the body member is folded. For example, in FIG. 6 the left side (10-f) is folded over and positioned on top of the central section (10-e) and the right side (10-d) is folded over and partially positioned on top of the left side (10-f), respectively. In FIG. 7 the bottom end (10-b) is partially folded upward and partially positioned on top of the left side (10-f) and right side (10-d). In FIG. 8 the bottom end (10-b) is again folded upward and positioned on top of the left side (10-f) and right side (10-d). Thereafter, the body member of the slip cover (10) can be easily inserted into the carrier pouch (22) and assume the closed position as illustrated within FIG. 1. It is to be understood this is only exemplary of one possible folding means as there are numerous variations depending on user preferences.
It can now be seen herein disclosed is a new and novel slip cover which is in the form of a self contained carrier pouch and when unfolded provides a protective covering for the torso pad, the shoulder blocks and the head rest associated with the exercise machine.
Although the invention has been herein shown and described in what is conceived to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is recognized that departures may be made there from within the scope and spirit of the invention, which is not to be limited to the details disclosed herein but is to be accorded the full scope of the claims so as to embrace any and all equivalent devices and apparatuses.

Claims

Having described the invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by LETTERS PATENT is:

1. A portable self contained slip cover that is remove ably attachable onto a torso pad having a pair of shoulder blocks and a head rest associated with an exercise machine in combination comprising: a body member: said body member having a length; a width; a top end; a bottom end; a front side; a back side; a right side; a central section; a left side; an open position and a closed position; said top end having a pair of spaced apart receptacles; said central section being interconnected to a carrier pouch by an attachment means, said pair of spaced apart receptacles being of a shape and size to slide ably receive therein said pair of shoulder blocks when said body member is in said open position, said carrier pouch is of a shape and size to slide ably receive therein said head rest when said body member is in said open position and said carrier pouch is of a shape and size to contain said body member when said body member is in said closed position.

2. The slip cover of claim 1 wherein said pair of spaced apart receptacles further include internal padding.

3. The slip cover of claim 1 wherein said carrier pouch further includes a carrier strap.

4. The slip cover of claim 1 wherein said carrier pouch further includes a closure means.

5. The slip cover of claim 4 wherein said closure means is a draw string.

6. The slip cover of claim 1 wherein said back side further includes a section of non-slip material fixedly attached thereon.

7. The slip cover of claim 1 wherein said body member assumes said closed position when said body member is folded, inserted and retained within said carrier pouch.

8. The slip cover of claim 1 wherein said body member further includes an elasticized edge.