Abstract:
A removable rubber pole sleeve comprising of an elastomer tube and optional security strap that slides onto metal pole-based exercise apparatus for the benefit of increased grip and adhesion when using metal pole-based exercise apparatus for pole dancing, pole fitness, and all other pole-based exercise. Removable rubber pole sleeve is manufactured with inside diameters substantially similar to specific outside diameters of metal pole-based exercise apparatus and can be applied or removed from the metal pole-based exercise apparatus without any permanent change or damage to the pole and without interference with the other functions of the pole-based exercise apparatus.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/762,289, filed Feb. 7,2013. 
     
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    Not Applicable. 
         [0003]    THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT 
         [0004]    Not Applicable. 
       INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC 
       [0005]    Not Applicable. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
       [0006]    The present invention is in the technical field of exercise equipment. More particularly, the present invention is in the field of pole fitness, pole dance or pole apparatus-based exercise and performance. U.S. Patent Classification: Class 482, Exercise Devices, subclass 23, Gymnastic. 
         [0007]    The pole apparatus traditionally used for pole fitness, dance pole, and other pole apparatus-based exercise have a metal surface, which is hard-to-grip and hard on the body. The metal surface on traditional poles can make pole fitness and pole apparatus-based exercise difficult, dangerous, and frustrating for beginners who have not built up grip strength, for people who are sweaty, or for those learning advanced moves who lack confidence. Attempts to enhance a person&#39;s grip on the pole have been done through applying substances like sprays, ointments and lotions on your hands, body and the pole itself. Sprays, lotions and ointments are temporary solutions and make regular cleaning of the pole necessary. The grip aid substances tend to dry up, evaporate and dissolve making the surface more difficult to grip and in some cases leaving a residue, making the pole apparatus hazardous and more slippery. Another option employed is to apply a rubber or rubber-like substance permanently to the pole, but this is a costly solution that permanently eliminates the ability to revert back the original metal-surfaced pole apparatus. No previous patents or artwork of similar inventions are known of by inventor. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    The purpose of this unique and novel invention is to provide a superior grip for metal pole-based exercise apparatus used by pole dancing, pole fitness, and all other exercise enthusiasts and performers, through a rubber sleeve made from natural rubber or other elastomer, that can be put on or removed from the metal pole apparatus and that does not interfere with the other functions of the pole apparatus, such as spinning or adjusting tension. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S) 
         [0009]      FIG. 1  is side view of rubber sleeve  10 . 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  is enlarged top view, cross section of rubber sleeve  10 . 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  is enlarged view of security strap  12  to show details of construction. 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  is a side view of the rubber sleeve  10  and the security strap  12  in one embodiment of application the pole apparatus. 
           [0013]      FIG. 5  is demonstration of an embodiment of rubber sleeve  10  application method with a 2-3″ lip where rubber sleeve material is folded to enable easier application to and removal from the pole apparatus possibly with a customer-provided source of blowing air (ie. reversed vacuum or leaf blower). 
       
    
    
     REFERENCE NUMERALS 
       [0000]    
       
           10 —rubber sleeve 
           12 —security strap 
           14 —webbing 
           16 —hook and loop fasteners 
           18 —metal ring 
       
     
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0019]    The present invention is a rubber or rubber-like hollow cylindrical tube that slides onto and fits perfectly on exercise pole apparatus with outside diameters of 30 mm-60 mm to provide a non-slip grip while engaging in pole-based activities. The rubber sleeve is made specifically for the outside diameter of the pole it is intended for. The sleeve is applied to the exercise pole apparatus by sliding it onto the pole apparatus using one&#39;s hands or by slightly inflating it through a customer-provided air supply (i.e. leaf blower, reversed vacuum) and sliding it onto the pole before pole is secured in it&#39;s upright position. The pole sleeve self-adheres to the pole apparatus and does not require any additional substances for adhesion. This self-adhesion prevents it from slipping on the pole apparatus during normal use. An optional security strap may be attached near the top of the rubber sleeve to further prevent the rubber sleeve from slipping. The rubber pole sleeve is removed by lightly using hands to release the self-adhesion and then sliding the sleeve off the pole or by slightly inflating it with a customer-provided air supply (i.e. leaf blower, reversed vacuum) and then sliding it off the pole. 
         [0020]    The rubber pole sleeve provides a secure grip for pole apparatus users allowing for application when desired and removal when not desired without any permanent change to the pole apparatus or interfering with the functions of the pole-like spinning, set up and break down. It makes the pole surface more comfortable to work on with less stress on the body and a more secure grip. The present invention renders the use of sprays, lotions and ointments unnecessary. It provides a secure, consistent grip allowing for longer, more efficient workouts to the user. 
         [0021]    Anyone involved in pole fitness, pole dance, or other pole-based exercise or performance will utilize the present invention. The removable rubber pole sleeves can be used in pole fitness studios, at home or in other pole-based exercise facilities as a training tool or by pole-based performers as a performance apparatus when applied to an exercise or dance pole. 
         [0022]    The present invention provides a superior grip, even when hands become sweaty. They eliminate the need for gloves or other grip aid. They eliminate messy residue on hands and poles from sprays or other sticky substances used to improve grip. 
         [0023]    The grip stays consistent regardless of the environment and atmospheric temperature. 
         [0024]    It provides cushion to an otherwise hard and cold apparatus, therefore reducing bruising and similar injuries related to pole-based exercise. 
         [0025]    On a traditional metal pole apparatus, one relies on bare skin to provide the necessary grip. The present invention allows for the use of clothing on the pole without loss of grip. 
         [0026]    Parts include a rubber sleeve  10  and security strap  12  constructed with webbing  14 , hook and loop fasteners  16 , and a metal ring  18 . 
         [0027]    Referring now to the invention in more detail,  FIG. 1  is a side view of rubber sleeve  10 . Rubber sleeve  10  can self-adhere to the pole through the gumminess or stickiness of the natural rubber or other elastomer that has a similar rubber-like quality. The rubber sleeve  10  is a hollow cylinder that is extruded to fit metal pole apparatus with diameters ranging from 30 mm to 60 mm. It can be made from natural rubber, thermoplastic resin (TPR), thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPVs), silicone rubber, or other rubber-like material with similar qualities. During the manufacturing process the rubber sleeve  10  is pole cured to fit the exact diameter of the intended pole apparatus and so it will maintain its cylindrical shape. The rubber sleeve  10  has a consistent wall thickness of ⅛″ to 5/16″ along its length. Rubber sleeve  10  can be made in any color. Hardness of the rubber sleeve is from 40 to 60 durometer. Pole apparatus vary in height and to accommodate this, rubber sleeve  10  is made in up to 20′ lengths. An enlarged, top view, cross section of rubber sleeve  10  is shown in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0028]      FIG. 3  shows security strap  12  construction using a 12″-24″ length of ¾″-1.5″ wide webbing  14  which has been securely sewn onto a metal ring  18  that is in the shape of a rounded rectangle. Two 1.5″-3″ lengths of hook and loop fasteners  16  are securely sewn onto the two opposite ends of the webbing  14  on the same side of the webbing  14 , as shown in  FIG. 3 . Security strap  12 , when secured annularly around the rubber sleeve  10  while it is applied to the pole apparatus, tightens the rubber sleeve  10  to the pole apparatus further enhancing the rubber sleeve&#39;s adhesion to the pole apparatus and preventing the rubber sleeve  10  from slipping down the pole apparatus. Another embodiment of security strap  12  would use a ratcheting buckle and a ladder strap. Security strap  12  is optional during normal use. 
         [0029]      FIG. 4  shows one embodiment of the application of the rubber sleeve  10  and the security strap  12  to the pole apparatus. Rubber sleeve  10  has been slipped onto the pole apparatus (shown in dotted lines) and security strap  12  has been applied near the top of rubber sleeve  10  to prevent slipping and wrinkling To attach the security strap  12  to the rubber sleeve  10 , the security strap  12  is wrapped annularly around the rubber sleeve  10  with the side that the hook and loop fasteners  16  are sewn onto facing away from the rubber sleeve  10 . The end of the webbing  14  is then threaded through the metal ring  18 , pulled tight, folded back onto itself and secured by connecting the two strips of hook and loop fasteners  16  to each other. 
         [0030]      FIG. 5  is another embodiment of rubber sleeve  10  application where the rubber sleeve  10  is left with a 2-3″ lip overhanging the end of the pole apparatus. The lip is folded at top or bottom end of rubber sleeve  10  to enable easier application to and removal from the pole apparatus when using a customer-supplied air source, such as a leaf blower or reversed vacuum, to slightly inflate the rubber sleeve  10  and release the rubber sleeve&#39;s self-adhesion to the pole. 
         [0031]    In broad embodiment, the present invention is a rubber sleeve that can be applied to pole apparatus to aid in grip during pole-based exercise and removed when not in use. While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is considered presently to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The invention should therefore not be limited by the above described embodiment, method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the invention as claimed.