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Title:
POLE FITNESS APPAREL
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2016/123667
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
An article of pole fitness apparel is provided including a garment portion for being worn against a body of a wearer of the article; and a gripping portion adjacent to the garment portion providing an outer surface of the article for gripping against a pole fitness pole. The pole fitness apparel may enable a wearer to efficiently grip onto a pole fitness or pole dancing pole, while covering skin of the groin and legs and protecting from friction burn.

Inventors:
WALDRON CHERYL ANNE (AU)
Application Number:
PCT/AU2016/050058
Publication Date:
August 11, 2016
Filing Date:
February 03, 2016
Export Citation:
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Assignee:
WALDRON CHERYL ANNE (AU)
International Classes:
A41D13/05; A41D1/06; A41D13/015; A41D27/00; A41D31/00; A63B71/12
Foreign References:
US20120210494A12012-08-23
US20080256691A12008-10-23
Other References:
"Black Mighty Grip Pole Dancing Ankle Protectors with Tack Strips for Gripping the Pole", AMAZON.COM, 3 July 2013 (2013-07-03), Retrieved from the Internet [retrieved on 20160303]
"Mighty Grip Pole Dance Black Tacky Open Back Knee Protectors for Pole Dancing", MICROFIBER PRODUCTS, 15 December 2011 (2011-12-15), Retrieved from the Internet [retrieved on 20160303]
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
CULLENS (239 George StreetBrisbane, Queensland 4000, AU)
Download PDF:
Claims:
CLAIMS

1. An article of pole fitness apparel including: a garment portion for being worn against a body of a wearer of the article; and a gripping portion adjacent to the garment portion providing an outer surface of the article for gripping against a pole fitness pole.

2. The article of pole fitness apparel of claim 1, wherein the gripping portion is attached to the garment portion.

3. The article of pole fitness apparel of claim 1, including a plurality of gripping portions.

4. The article of pole fitness apparel of claim 1, wherein at least one gripping portion is coincident with a groin of the wearer.

5. The article of pole fitness apparel of claim 4, wherein the at least one gripping portion extends from a front of the article to a rear of the article by a groin portion of the article.

6. The article of pole fitness apparel of claim 1, wherein at least one gripping portion is coincident with a knee of the wearer.

7. The article of pole fitness apparel of claim 6, wherein the at least one gripping portion is located behind a knee of the wearer when worn.

8. The article of pole fitness apparel of claim 1, including front and rear gripping portions.

9. The article of pole fitness apparel of claim 8, wherein the gripping portions comprise strips.

10. The article of pole fitness apparel of claim 9, wherein the strips extend longitudinally along the article of pole fitness apparel.

11. The article of pole fitness apparel of claim 10, wherein the strips extend down respective legs portions of the article of pole fitness apparel.

12. The article of pole fitness apparel of claim 11, wherein the strips extend substantially along a length of the article of pole fitness apparel.

13. The article of pole fitness apparel of claim 1, wherein the article of pole fitness apparel comprises pants.

14. The article of pole fitness apparel of claim 1, wherein the article of pole fitness apparel comprises shorts.

15. The article of pole fitness apparel of claim 1, wherein the garment portion and the gripping portion are a same colour.

16. The article of pole fitness apparel of claim 1, wherein the garment portion is elastic to conform to a body of the wearer.

17. The article of pole fitness apparel of claim 1, wherein gripping portion is inelastic.

18. The article of pole fitness apparel of claim 1, wherein the garment portion is formed at least partially of elastane and the gripping portion is formed of polyurethane coated fabric.

19. The article of pole fitness apparel of claim 1, wherein the gripping portion is attached to an outer surface of the garment portion.

20. The article of pole fitness apparel of claim 19, wherein the gripping portion is sewn or fused onto the garment portion.

Description:
POLE FITNESS APPAREL

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to pole fitness. In particular, the present invention relates to pole fitness apparel.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Pole dancing has traditionally formed part of the performance arts and dates back to at least the 12 th century. More recently, however, pole dancing has gained popularity as form of exercise, and in such cases is often referred to as pole fitness rather than pole dancing.

[0003] Pole fitness apparel is generally minimalistic to ensure that enough skin is exposed to enable the person to grip the pole with their skin. Examples of such pole fitness apparel include short shorts and bra-like tops.

[0004] A problem with pole fitness of the prior art is that many people are self-conscious and are unwilling to expose sufficient amounts of skin to be able to adequately grip the pole. As such, pole fitness is generally unavailable a significant portion of the community.

[0005] A further problem with pole fitness is that some people have naturally oily skin, which prevents them from getting sufficient grip against the pole even when skin is exposed. Grip powder can help reduce gripping problems associated with oily skin, but is generally unsightly and uncomfortable and requires constant application.

[0006] Yet a further problem with pole fitness is that slipping against a pole with bare skin can cause painful friction burns on the skin. Such burns can take several weeks to properly heal, and during that time the person is generally unable to perform pole fitness to his or her usual capacity.

[0007] Tights and leggings of the prior art may assist in protecting against friction burns, while covering the skin of those that are self-conscious. However, tights and leggings do not provide sufficient friction to adequately grip the pole, particularly for beginners that are still building strength.

[0008] Leather pants may provide sufficient grip against a pole, but are generally not sufficiently flexible and breathable, and are thus generally not suitable for pole fitness.

Furthermore, leather pants are generally very expensive. [0009] It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0010] The present invention is directed to an article of pole fitness apparel, which may at least partially overcome at least one of the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

[0011] With the foregoing in view, the present invention in one form, resides broadly in an article of pole fitness apparel including:

a garment portion for being worn against a body of a wearer of the article of pole fitness apparel; and

a gripping portion adjacent to the garment portion providing an outer surface of the article for gripping against a pole fitness pole.

[0012] Preferably, the pole fitness pole is a vertical pole. The pole fitness pole may be fixed around a vertical axis of the pole. Alternatively, the pole fitness pole may be rotatable around a vertical axis of the pole.

[0013] Preferably, the gripping portion is attached to the garment portion.

[0014] Preferably, the article of pole fitness apparel includes a plurality of gripping portions.

[0015] Preferably, at least one gripping portion is coincident with a groin of the wearer. Suitably, the at least one gripping portion extends from a front of the article to a rear of the article by a groin portion of the article.

[0016] Preferably, at least one gripping portion is coincident with a knee of the wearer. Suitably, the at least one gripping portion is located behind a knee of the wearer when worn.

[0017] Preferably, the gripping portions include front and rear gripping portions. Suitably, the gripping portions comprise strips. The strips may extend longitudinally along the article of pole fitness apparel. The strips may extend down respective legs portions of the article of pole fitness apparel. The strips may extend along a length of the article of pole fitness apparel.

Alternatively, the gripping portions may comprise patches.

[0018] The article of pole fitness apparel may comprise pants. Alternatively, the article of pole fitness apparel my comprise shorts.

[0019] The garment portion and the gripping portion may be a same colour.

[0020] Preferably, the garment portion is elastic to conform to a body of the wearer.

Preferably, the gripping portion is resistant to wear. The gripping portion may be inelastic.

[0021] The garment portion may be formed of elastane. The gripping portion may be formed of leather. Alternatively, the gripping portion may be formed of polyurethane coated fabric.

[0022] Preferably, the gripping portions are attached to an outer surface of the garment portion. Suitable, the gripping portion sewn onto the garment portion. Alternatively, the gripping portions may be fused to the garment portion.

[0023] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided pole fitness apparel for being worn by exerciser using a pole, the apparel including grip for gripping the pole.

[0024] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention.

[0025] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0026] Various embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the following drawings, in which:

[0027] Figure 1 illustrates a front view of pole fitness pants, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 2 illustrates a rear view of the pole fitness pants of Figure 1;

[0029] Figure 3 illustrates a side view of the pole fitness pants of Figure 1;

[0030] Figure 4 illustrates a front view of pole fitness pants, according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 5 illustrates a rear view of the pole fitness pants of Figure 4; [0032] Figure 6 illustrates a side view of the pole fitness pants of Figure 4.

[0033] Figure 7 illustrates a front view of pole fitness pants, according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 8 illustrates a rear view of the pole fitness pants of Figure 7; and

[0035] Figure 9 illustrates the pole fitness pants of Figure 7 being worn by a wearer.

[0036] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0037] Figure 1 illustrates a front view of pole fitness pants 100, according to an

embodiment of the present invention. The pole fitness pants 100 enable a user to efficiently grip onto a pole fitness (or pole dancing) pole, while covering skin of the groin and legs and protecting from friction burn.

[0038] The pole fitness pants 100 include a garment portion 105 for being worn against a body of a wearer of the pants 100, and gripping portions 110 attached to the garment portion 105 that provide outer surfaces for gripping against a pole.

[0039] The garment portion 105 is formed of elastane and is thus elastic to conform to a body of the wearer. In contrast, the gripping portions 110 are formed of leather and are thus inelastic and resistant to wear. As such, the pole fitness pants 100 are flexible and breathable, while being able to grip against a pole.

[0040] The gripping portions 110 are sewn onto an outer surface of the garment portion 105. However, according to alternative embodiments, the gripping portions 110 may be fused or otherwise attached to the garment portion 105.

[0041] The gripping portions 110 include a first gripping portion 110a is coincident with a groin of the wearer. This enables the user to grip to the pole with their groin in a cross legged position. Also, as illustrated in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the gripping portions 110 include second gripping portions 110b located on leg portions 115 of the pants 110 coincident with and behind a knee of the wearer when worn. This enables the wearer to grip to the pole by wrapping his or her leg around the pole at the knee.

[0042] The pants 100 provide coverage of (and thus protection of) the lower body from the waist down to the ankles, while providing sufficient grip for pole fitness and having suitable breathability for pole fitness exercises.

[0043] Figure 4 illustrates a front view of pole fitness shorts 400, according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] The pole fitness shorts 400 are similar to the pole fitness pants 100 of Figure 1-3 and include a garment portion 405 for being worn against a body of a wearer of the shorts 400, and gripping portions 410 attached to the garment portion 405 that provide outer surfaces for gripping against a pole.

[0045] The gripping portions 410 include a first gripping portion 410a that is coincident with a groin of the wearer, as described above with reference to the pants 100. As illustrated best in Figures 4 and 5, the gripping portions 410 also include second gripping portions 410b in the form of front and rear strips that extend longitudinally along a length of the article of pole fitness apparel. The strips extend down respective leg portions of the article of pole fitness apparel to enable the wearer to grip to the pole from the front or rear of either of the legs, while maintaining flexibility and comfort.

[0046] The shorts 400 provide coverage of (and thus protection of) a portion of the lower body from the waist down to just above the knees, while providing sufficient grip for pole fitness and having suitable breathability for pole fitness exercises.

[0047] Figure 7 illustrates a front view of pole fitness pants 700, according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 illustrates a rear view of pole fitness pants 700.

[0048] The pole fitness pants 700 are similar to the pole fitness pants 100 of Figure 1-3 and include a garment portion 705 for being worn against a body of a wearer of the pants 700, and gripping portions 710 attached to the garment portion 705 that provide outer surfaces for gripping against a pole.

[0049] The gripping portions 710 include elongate gripping strips 710a that extend along front and rear of respective leg portions of the pants 700. The gripping strips 710a extend substantially along an entire length of the pants 700, and enable the wearer to grip against the pole using a front or rear of their legs. [0050] Furthermore, the gripping portions 710 include elongate side strips 710b that extend along respective side portions of the pants 700. The side strips 710b also extend substantially along an entire length of the pants 700, and enable the wearer to grip against the pole using an outer side portion of their legs.

[0051] The gripping portions 710 include inner strips 710c, that are coincident with a groin of the wearer and extend downwards along an inner side of the pants 700. The inner strips 710c also extend substantially along an entire length of the pants 700, and enable the wearer to grip against the pole using an inner side portion of their legs.

[0052] The gripping portions 710 include a knee portion 7 lOd on a rear of the pants, coincident with and behind a knee of the wearer when worn. This enables the wearer to grip to the pole by wrapping his or her leg around the pole at the knee.

[0053] According to certain embodiments, the knee portion 710d extends along a larger portion of the rear of the garment. As an illustrative example, the knee portion 710d may be about 10cm wide, about 20cm wide, or about 30cm wide. By incorporating a wider knee portion 710d, the location of the knee portion 710d on the pants 700 becomes less critical. As a result, the pants can be used by a wide variety of people, including those with short or long legs, without the knee portion 710d being misplaced.

[0054] Finally, the pants 700 include an elastic waist portion 715, which extends around an upper portion of the pants. The elastic waist portion 715 is configured such that it can be folded downwards, such that the pants sit at a lower portion of the waist, or unfolded such that the elastic waist portion 715 extends upwardly over a stomach of the wearer. This enables the pants to be worn by body conscious wearers that feel uncomfortable showing their stomach in a pole dancing class.

[0055] Figure 9 illustrates the pants 700 being worn by a wearer 900. As can be seen in the Figure, the pants 700 conform to the shape of the legs of the wearer.

[0056] While pants and shorts have been illustrated, the skilled addressee will readily appreciate that tops and other items of apparel also fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0057] The garment portion and the gripping portion may be contrasting colours. This may assist the wearer in locating the gripping portion against the pole. In such case, the gripping portions may be located to assist in teaching the wearer to grip against the pole in a particular way. [0058] According to certain embodiments, the gripping portion and the garment portion may be a same colour. As such, the pants may have an appearance similar to traditional pants.

[0059] In some cases, leather may not be suitable as a material for gripping portions. In particular, leather may become hard and dry in cold weather, and thus loose its gripping ability. Moisturising products for leather also adversely affect the gripping ability of the leather, and as such, make the product unsuitable for gripping against a pole dancing pole. Furthermore, leather may be expensive.

[0060] As such, the gripping portion may be formed of laminated fabric, such as

polyurethane coated fabric. An example of such fabric, is Slicker, which is a knit fabric coated with polyurethane.

[0061] According to certain embodiments, the pants and/or shorts may be integrally formed. For example, the gripping portions may be formed of a same material that is treated (e.g. with a polyurethane coating) or otherwise modified to provide grip in the gripping portions.

[0062] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word 'comprising' and its derivatives including 'comprises' and 'comprise' include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

[0063] Reference throughout this specification to 'one embodiment' or 'an embodiment' means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases 'in one embodiment' or 'in an embodiment' in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

[0064] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any)

appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.