Patent Document

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/118,278, filed Feb. 19, 2015, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Often times mobility impairments such as: quadriplegia, cerebral palsy, arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and stroke can impact a person&#39;s ability to use their lower extremities as well as their upper extremities. While a wheelchair can be an effective solution to improve mobility for a person with limited lower extremity function, the effectiveness of self-propelling a manual wheelchair can be reduced if a person does not have adequate hand dexterity. Neurological, osteopathic, and or neuro-muscular limitations of the upper extremities, especially of the hands and forearms, are common in cases of spinal cord injury and can make self-propelling a manual wheelchair difficult. Such individuals as well as older or geriatric wheelchair users may find traditional manual wheelchairs difficult to propel due to their decreased ability to grip and push manual wheelchair&#39;s smooth plastic or metal hand rims. 
         [0003]    To address this problem, the wheelchair industry currently offers rubber coated hand rims as a $300 dollar optional extra on the wheelchair. The rubber coating tends to dry out, crack, deteriorate and become sharp in the user&#39;s hands after one year, but it cannot easily be replaced as it involves a long process of removing the tire with special tools that most users do not possess. 
         [0004]    In other solutions, as exemplified by U.S. Patent Application Publication 2001/0007389 filed by Carol Frauwirth, a cover uses an adhesive to permanently attach the cover to the hand rims. As a result, the covers are difficult to replace. 
         [0005]    Another solution, as exemplified by U.S. Pat. No. 7,040,642 issued to Douglas B. Lowry, describes a substantially ring-shaped sleeve that fits onto a hand rim through an annular gap into a hollow interior. However, the hand rim must align with the diameter of the gap. In other words, the sleeve corresponds to one hand rim diameter. As such, each hand rim diameter must have a corresponding sleeve. 
         [0006]    In view of the existing hand rim covers, sleeves and coatings that provide comfort and grip for wheelchair users, there exists a need for a one size fits all hand rim cover that is comfortable, secure, easily installed and easily removed. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    A wheelchair hand rim cover is disclosed and generally comprises an elastic loop having a relaxed diameter and cross sectional area, wherein the product of the cross sectional area and modulus of elasticity ranges from about 70 pounds to 180 pounds; a gap extending circumferentially along the elastic loop and corresponding to the hand rim; a first edge and second edge separated by the gap; a hollow interior bounded by an interior wall of the elastic loop; and an exterior surface. 
         [0008]    In another embodiment, a wheelchair hand rim cover is disclosed and generally comprises a hand rim including at least one groove disposed around a circumferential ring of the hand rim; the at least one groove includes a longitudinal axis running along the entire circumference of the hand rim; and the at least one groove complimentary fits with the groove of the hand rim cover as to keep the hand rim cover from being axially pushed from the longitudinal axis of the at least one groove. 
         [0009]    The methods, systems, and apparatuses are set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or can be learned by practice of the methods, apparatuses, and systems. The advantages of the methods, apparatuses, and systems will be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the methods, apparatuses, and systems, as claimed. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]    In the accompanying figures, like elements are identified by like reference numerals among the several preferred embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0011]      FIGS. 1A and 1B  illustrate the relaxed and stretched diameter of one embodiment of the hand rim cover. 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view along A-A of one embodiment of the hand rim cover applied to a hand rim. 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  illustrates alternative cross sectional geometries of embodiments of the hand rim cover. 
           [0014]      FIGS. 4A and 4B  illustrate an embodiment of textured features disposed on the outer surface of the hand rim cover. 
           [0015]      FIGS. 5A and 5B  illustrate an embodiment of the first edge that has a plurality of mounting recesses and further illustrate various number and positions of mounting points the mounting recesses can accommodate. 
           [0016]      FIGS. 6A through 6C  illustrate on procedure for applying an embodiment of the hand rim cover to a wheelchair hand rim. 
           [0017]      FIG. 7A  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the hand rim;  FIG. 7B  is a cross-sectional view of the hand rim coupled with an alternative embodiment of the hand rim cover. 
           [0018]      FIGS. 8A-8C  are cross-sectional view of alternative embodiments of the hand rim and the hand rim cover. 
           [0019]      FIG. 9  is a perspective of alternative embodiments of the hand rim cover. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0020]    The foregoing and other features and advantages of the invention are apparent from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments, read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The detailed description and drawings are merely illustrative of the invention rather than limiting, the scope of the invention being defined by the appended claims and equivalents thereof. 
         [0021]    Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the Figures, wherein like numerals reflect like elements throughout. The terminology used in the description presented herein is not intended to be interpreted in any limited or restrictive way, simply because it is being utilized in conjunction with detailed description of certain specific embodiments of the invention. Furthermore, embodiments of the invention may include several novel features, no single one of which is solely responsible for its desirable attributes or which is essential to practicing the invention described herein. The words proximal and distal are applied herein to denote specific ends of components of the instrument described herein. A proximal end refers to the end of an instrument nearer to an operator of the instrument when the instrument is being used. A distal end refers to the end of a component further from the operator and extending towards the surgical area of a patient and/or the implant. 
         [0022]    The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” and/or “including,” when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. 
         [0023]    Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. The word “about,” when accompanying a numerical value, is to be construed as indicating a deviation of up to and inclusive of 10% from the stated numerical value. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (“e.g.” or “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any nonclaimed element as essential to the practice of the invention. 
         [0024]    References to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “example embodiment,” “various embodiments,” etc., may indicate that the embodiment(s) of the invention so described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Further, repeated use of the phrase “in one embodiment,” or “in an exemplary embodiment,” do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although they may. 
         [0025]    In one embodiment, the hand rim cover is an elastic loop that has the property to stretch from a rested diameter to the uncoated rim diameter with no tools. Furthermore, the exemplary embodiment also has a coefficient of static or kinetic friction between the material and the hand rim to prevent slipping during use with only the tension of the material. As such, the same goal is accomplished as permanently coated hand rims, but the exemplary embodiment can be reversibly installed and replaced with no tools and can fit tightly on a wide range of hand rim diameters without requiring tools. One embodiment is made from a significantly softer material than traditional coated hand rims, and provides a significantly more comfortable feel when compared to uncoated and coated hand rims. 
         [0026]    In one embodiment, the cover is molded instead of extruded to feature textured and raised surfaces and logos under the hand to provide a better grip for the user. The texture is confined only to the top surface of the grip, and no texture is provided on the outside surface of the hand rim which is commonly used for braking and slowing the wheelchair. Texture there has been found to be disruptive and uncomfortable during the braking process but helpful on the top of the rim when propelling. In the exemplary embodiment, hand rim cover jackets the top and sides of the hand rim. The bottom is left completely bare for smooth braking. 
         [0027]    In another embodiment, the hand rim cover is an elastic loop having a relaxed diameter and cross sectional area. The elasticity of the exemplary embodiment is characterized by the product of the material&#39;s modulus of elasticity and cross sectional area ranging from about 70 pounds to 180 pounds. The exemplary embodiment has a gap extending circumferentially along the elastic loop that separates a first edge from a second edge. The gap corresponds to the hand rim such that the hand rim can enter through the space between the first and second edge to a hollow interior of the elastic loop through the gap. 
         [0028]    In one embodiment, the hand rim cover is an elastic loop with a relaxed diameter ranging from about 17 inches to about 20 inches. In the exemplary embodiment, the elastic loop is able to stretch from the relaxed diameter to fit wheelchairs having nominal wheel diameters ranging from 24 to 26 inches, or hand rims with outside diameters ranging from 20.0 to 22.8 inches. 
         [0029]    In another embodiment, the hand rim cover is an elastic loop with a relaxed diameter ranging from about 13 inches to about 18 inches. In the exemplary embodiment, the elastic loop is able to stretch from the relaxed diameter to accommodate pediatric sized wheelchair wheels. 
         [0030]    In one embodiment, the cross sectional area of the hand rim cover has a center line defined by the boundary where substantially equal amounts of material comprise each side of the line. 
         [0031]    In another embodiment, the hand rim cover has an apex circumferentially disposed on the outer surface of the elastic loop. 
         [0032]    In another embodiment, the apex is disposed off the center line towards the wheel. 
         [0033]    In one embodiment, the apex has a thickness defined between the interior wall and the highest point of the apex ranging from about 0.15 inches to about 0.45 inches. 
         [0034]    In one embodiment, the hand rim cover has a Type A Shore Durometer hardness ranging from about 30 Shore to about 70 Shore. 
         [0035]    In another embodiment, the hand rim cover has a surface roughness of at least about 30 Ra micro-inches. 
         [0036]    In one embodiment, the hand rim cover has a coefficient of static or kinetic friction between the interior wall and the hand rim of at least about 0.01 and about 0.39. 
         [0037]    In one embodiment, the first edge is a series of mount recesses that are evenly distributed circumferentially. 
         [0038]    In one embodiment there are 72 mount recesses equally spaced around the circle. 
         [0039]    In one embodiment, the hand rim cover is an elastic loop that has a stretched diameter. The upper limit of the stretched diameter of the exemplary embodiment is greater than about 125% of the relaxed diameter. 
         [0040]    In one embodiment the hand rim cover has significantly more material is disposed on top of the hand rim than the side of the hand rim to provide greater comfort when gripped by the user. 
         [0041]    In another embodiment the hand rim cover has textured features disposed on the outer surface of the hand rim cover to provide improved grip. In an exemplary embodiment, the textured features are disposed only on the top section of the outer surface to provide a smooth braking surface on the side sections of the hand rim cover. 
         [0042]    Generally speaking, a hand rim for a 24 inch wheelchair wheel is usually in the range of 19.5-21.5 inches in diameter. 26 inch wheels have hand rims 21.5-22.5 inches in diameter. Size is stated relative to the wheel size in the wheelchair. As such, embodiments described herein fit on a hand rim for a stated wheel diameter, not for a specific hand rim size. This is consistent with industry practice as manufacturers and retailers only list the diameter of the wheel to which the hand rim attaches. 
         [0043]    In an embodiment as shown in  FIG. 1A , the hand rim cover  100  is an elastic loop  110 , which has a relaxed diameter  112  and a stretched diameter  114 . In an exemplary embodiment, the stretched diameter  114  accommodates various hand rims corresponding to wheelchair wheel sizes. An exemplary embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 1B , illustrates elastic loop  110  expanded to a stretched diameter  112  to accommodate the diameter of the hand rim. The elasticity of the elastic loop  110  provides a normal force on the hand rim surface such that the coefficient of static or kinetic friction between the hand rim  140  and interior wall  120 , as shown in  FIG. 2 , provide a frictional force to prevent the elastic loop from slipping in use. In one embodiment, the elasticity is characterized by the product of the modulus of elasticity and cross sectional area of the loop. In an exemplary embodiment, the product of the modulus of elasticity and cross sectional area of the loop ranges from about 50 pounds to about 200 pounds. A more preferred range is from about 70 pounds to about 180 pounds. In the exemplary embodiment, the coefficient of static or kinetic friction is at least about 0.3. A more preferred limit is at least about 0.39, alternatively between about 0.01 and 0.04. In one embodiment the stretched diameter  114  has an upper limit of stretching to a diameter of about 130% the relaxed diameter  112 . In a preferred embodiment, the stretched diameter  114  has an upper limit of stretching to a diameter of about 125% the relaxed diameter  112 . A more preferred upper limit of stretching is about 123% the relaxed diameter. 
         [0044]    Embodiments using different hand rim cover  100  materials having material properties resulting in various elasticity and various coefficients of static or kinetic friction with various hand rim  140  materials are fully contemplated as long as the coefficient of static or kinetic friction and the product of the cross sectional area with the modulus of elasticity are within acceptable ranges preventing slippage during use. 
         [0045]    In one embodiment, the relaxed diameter  112  ranges from about 17 inches to about 20 inches, wherein any loop diameter within the range can stretch to accommodate wheelchair wheel sizes between 24 and 26 inches. In another embodiment, the relaxed diameter  112  ranges from about 13 inches to 18 inches to accommodate pediatric size wheelchair wheel diameters 20 and 22 inches, wherein any loop diameter within the range can stretch to fit the pediatric size wheelchair wheel diameters. 
         [0046]    In one embodiment, the hand rim cover  100  is an elastic loop  110  having a hardness that is comfortable to touch and grip. In an exemplary embodiment, the hardness of elastic loop  110  is measured by a Shore durometer type A scale and has a durometer ranging from about 25 Shore A to about 75 Shore A. A more preferred hardness of elastic loop  110  ranges from about 30 Shore A to about 70 Shore A. 
         [0047]    In an embodiment, the hand rim cover  100  is an elastic loop  110  having a surface roughness suitable to hide the feeling of dirt, dust and grit. In one embodiment, the surface roughness has an arithmetic average roughness (R a ) at least about 30 μ-inches. A preferred surface roughness is at least about 32 μ-inches. 
         [0048]    To provide secure and uniform circumferential contact between the outer surface of hand rim  140  and substantially the entire surface of interior wall  120 , as shown in  FIG. 2 , one embodiment of the hand rim cover  100 , is an elastic loop  110  that includes a hollow interior  122  having a dimension complementing the outer surface of hand rim  140 . In an exemplary embodiment as shown in  FIG. 2 , the hand rim  140  enters the hollow interior  122  through a gap  124  that is circumferentially disposed along the elastic loop  110 . In the exemplary embodiment, the gap  124  provides separation between a first edge  126  and second edge  128  such that the space provided by the gap  124  limits coverage to the top and side portions of hand rim  140 . In this embodiment, the bottom of hand rim  140  is left uncovered for smooth braking. In another embodiment not shown, the space provided by gap  124  results in the second edge  128  extending to cover the bottom portion of hand rim  140 . 
         [0049]    As shown in  FIG. 2 , the cross sectional view of hand rim cover  100  has a center line  132 . In one embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 2 , the center line  132  is defined as the edge of a plane that divides the cross section of hand rim cover  100  into substantially equal amounts of material on each side. The center line  132  as shown in  FIG. 2 , although asymmetric, represents that the amount of material on the left and right side of center line  132  is equal. In one embodiment, the hand rim cover  100  is an elastic loop wherein center line  132  divides elastic material of the elastic loop  110  into equal portions on each side of the center line  132 . In other embodiments not shown, it is fully contemplated that the center line  132  is an axis of symmetry. In the embodiment as shown in  FIG. 2 , center line  132  is collinear with the z-axis of hand rim  140 . 
         [0050]    In one embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 2 , the hand rim cover  100  includes an apex  134  circumferentially disposed on the outer surface of the hand rim cover  100 . The apex  134  may be disposed such that the peak of the apex  134  is aligned with the center line  132 . In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 2 , the peak of the apex  134  is off set toward the wheelchair wheel. The offset toward the wheelchair wheel functions to prevent the hand of the user from contacting any sharp edges that may result from the parting line during molding of the hand rim cover  100 . The apex  134  has a thickness disposed between the peak of apex  134  to the interior wall  120 . In one embodiment the thickness ranges from about 0.1 inches to about 1 inch. A more preferred thickness ranges from about 0.1 inches to 0.5 inches. The most preferred thickness ranges from about 0.15 inches to about 0.45 inches. As shown in  FIG. 2 , significantly more material comprising the hand rim cover  100  is on the top of the hand rim to provide a comfortable cushion under the hand of the user.  FIG. 3  depicts various embodiments of the hand rim cover  100  having a several different cross-sectional geometries. While the top left drawing is the most preferred embodiment, the other cross sections have pros and cons associated with them for users with different injury types and, therefore, different styles of grip. The profiles in the center column all have the thickest section right on the top which is good for comfort, but most manufacturing processes will leave a small ridge directly under the most sensitive portions of the hand. The profiles on the right column have added cushion directly under the top right quarter which is great for users with quadriplegia, but not as comfortable for other injury types. The cross sections at the bottom of the page feature a longer cross section top to bottom which fits a wide variety of hands and tends to be more comfortable, but they use quite a bit more material which makes them expensive to manufacture. Some of the grip profiles have coverage over more of the hand rim than others which can be good for enhanced grip but detrimental during braking. All wheelchair users have a slightly different style of grip when using a wheelchair, and selected to optimize balance of comfort, manufacturability, power, and braking. 
         [0051]    In one embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 4A and 4B , textured features  150  are disposed on the outside surface of the hand rim cover  100 . The textured features  150  function to provide greater grip for the user. In an exemplary embodiment, the textured features  150  are confined to only the top surface of the hand rim cover  100 . The side portion of hand rim cover  100  is commonly used by an individual for braking and slowing the wheelchair by hand. As such, disposition of the textured features  150  to the top portion of the hand rim cover  100  functions to provides a smooth comfortable surface for braking. Textured features  150  can include any geometry and/or includes logos comprised of any symbols and/or text. 
         [0052]    As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 5A , one embodiment of the first edge  126  of hand rim  100  has a plurality of mounting recesses  127 . In one embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 5B , the mounting recesses  127  correspond to positions, referred to herein as mounting points, where the hand rim  140  is mounted to the wheelchair wheel. The mounting recesses  127  function to accommodate the mounting points to further secure the hand rim cover  100  and prevent slippage during use in addition to frictional forces. In one embodiment, the mounting recesses  127  are evenly distributed circumferentially along the first edge  126 . In an exemplary embodiment, the disposition of evenly distributed mounting recesses  127  accommodates 6, 8 or 9 mounting points equally spaced around the circle. In one embodiment, the first edge  126  has 72 evenly distributed mounting recesses  127 . 
         [0053]    As shown in  FIGS. 6A-6C , an exemplary embodiment of the hand rim cover  100  as an elastic loop  110  is applied to a hand rim. As illustrated, initially, the elastic loop  110  covers the hand rim  140  such that the hand rim  140  enters gap  124  in to hollow interior  122  at a section of the hand rim  140 . Once secured, the elastic loop  110  is stretched to house the remaining sections such that the mounting points on the hand rim are secured in the mounting recesses  127  of the hand rim until the entirety of the hand rim is covered for use as shown in  FIG. 5C . 
         [0054]    In an alternative embodiment, the hand rim  140 , as shown in  FIGS. 7A-7B , includes at least one groove  142  disposed around the entire the circumferential ring  144  of the hand rim  140 . The at least one groove includes a longitudinal axis running along the entire circumference of the hand rim  140 . The at least one groove  142  complimentary fits with the groove of the hand rim cover  200 , as shown in  FIGS. 8A-8C , as to keep the hand rim cover from rotating or being axially pushed from the longitudinal axis of the at least one groove. 
         [0055]    The circumferential ring  144  of the hand rim  140  includes a profile or cross-section disposed with the thickness, as shown in  FIG. 7B . The at least one groove  142  is disposed at a depth D into the profile of the circumferential ring  144 . The at least one groove  142  includes a cross section or profile that is generally V-shaped. Alternatively, the at least one groove  142  may include alternative cross-sections or profiles such as square shaped, U shaped, trapezoidal shaped, polygonal shaped, rectangular shaped, or keyway shaped. In one embodiment, the depth D may be between 0.1 inches to about 2.0 inches, alternatively, the depth D may be between 0.1 and 0.5 inches. The depth D may be selected based upon type of hand rim cover being used and degree of rotation and pull on the hand rim cover. For example, a greater depth D may be selected for a thicker hand rim cover or a greater degree of rotation and pull of the hand rim cover. The at least one groove  142  also includes an angle A formed by at least two wall surfaces  146 . The angle A may be between 25 and 75 degrees. The angle A may be selected based upon the degree of rotation and pull on the hand rim cover. For example, a larger angle A may be selected for a thicker hand rim cover or a greater degree of rotation and pull of the hand rim cover. 
         [0056]    The wall surface  146  of each groove  142  may be substantially smooth, such as illustrated in  FIG. 7B , or wall surface  146  may be jagged, or roughened, as to prevent longitudinal movement of the hand rim cover  200  during external pressure or force. The wall surface  146  could also be provided with at least one axial indentation if desired, and a complementary axial protrusion for the hand rim cover could be provided as to prevent longitudinal movement of the hand rim cover  200  during external pressure or force. 
         [0057]    As shown in  FIG. 7B , the groove  142  includes a width W that traverses an imaginary line from a circumferential surface  148  of the circumferential ring  144 . The hand rim cover  200  includes an outer width W 2 , as shown in  FIG. 8A , to sufficiently plug or fill the outer width W of the at least one groove  142  to provide a grip or traction for the user. 
         [0058]    As shown in  FIG. 8A , the hand rim cover  200  is shown operably coupled to the hand rim  120 . The hand rim cover  200  includes at least one protrusion  210  extending around the entire inner circumferential ring of the hand rim cover  200 . The at least one protrusion  210  includes an inner wall surface  214  and is complimentary and fits into the at least one groove  142 , whereby a user grips the outer circumferential ring  212  when the hand rim cover  200  is engaged with the at least one groove  142  of the hand rim  120 . The at least one protrusion  210  includes a cross section or profile that is generally V-shaped. Alternatively, the at least one protrusion  210  may include alternative cross-sections or profiles as to be complimentary to the at least one groove  142 , such as square shaped, U shaped, trapezoidal shaped, polygonal shaped, rectangular shaped, or keyway shaped. In one embodiment, the at least one protrusion  210  includes a depth D 2 , which is complimentary to the depth D of the at least one groove  142 , which may be between 0.1 inches to about 0.5 inches; alternatively the depth may be between 0.1 and 2.0 inches. As such, the depth D 2  may be selected based upon type of hand rim cover  200  being used and degree of rotation and pull on the hand rim cover. For example, a greater depth D 2  may be selected for a thicker hand rim cover or a greater degree of rotation and pull of the hand rim cover. The at least one protrusion  210  also includes an angle A 2  which is complimentary to the angle A of the at least one groove  142 . In one embodiment, the angle A 2  may be between 5 and 60 degrees. The angle A 2  may be selected based upon the degree of rotation and pull on the hand rim cover. For example, a larger angle A may be selected for a thicker hand rim cover or a greater degree of rotation and pull of the hand rim cover. 
         [0059]    In one embodiment, the hand rim cover  200  may include a low profile when engaged with the hand rim  140 , as shown in  FIG. 8A . The outer width W 2  of the hand rim cover  200  sufficiently traverses and fills the width W of the at least one groove  142 . The outer width W 2  traverses and completes the circumferential surface  148  at the outer width W as to allow for a low profile of the hand rim cover  200 . In one embodiment, the at least one protrusion includes at least two inner wall surfaces  214  that substantially abut and engage the wall surfaces  146  of the at least one groove  142 . In one embodiment, the inner wall surfaces  214  may include a coefficient of static or kinetic friction between the wall surface  146  of the groove  142  to prevent slipping during use with only the tension of the material, as previously described. Alternatively, a non-permanent glue may be used to seal the wall surfaces  214  of the hand rim cover  200  to the wall surface  146  of each groove  142 . 
         [0060]    As shown in  FIG. 8B , an alternative hand rim cover  300  includes an alternative profile whereby the circumferential ring  212  of the hand rim cover  220  substantially covers the circumferential surface  148  of the hand rim  120 . The circumferential ring  212  includes at least two covering portions  222  that cover the circumferential surface  148  on both sides of the at least one groove  142 . The circumferential ring  212  includes a substantially curved portion as to match the curvature of the circumferential surface  148 . In one embodiment, the circumferential ring  212  includes a textured outer surface  228  for additional gripping capabilities for the user, as shown in  FIG. 9 . In one embodiment, the two covering portions  222  may include a coefficient of static or kinetic friction with the circumferential surface  148  of the hand rim  120  to prevent slipping during use with only the tension of the material, as previously described. 
         [0061]    As shown in  FIG. 8C , an alternative hand rim cover  300  includes an alternative profile whereby the circumferential ring  312  includes a first covering portion  322  and a second covering portion  324 . The second covering portion  324  extends along a second side  123  of the hand rim  120 , and the first covering portion  322  extends along a first side  121  of the hand rim  120 . The second covering portion  324  and the first covering portion  322  allow for a wider grip area and increased surface area, so a user may control the hand rim cover  300  with almost any part of the hand. 
         [0062]    As shown in  FIG. 9 , the hand rim  120  with the groove  142  showing alternative profiles or cross-sections of the hand rim covers that can be interchanged. In one embodiment, the hand rim cover  400  may include a winged portion  420  extending from the circumferential ring  412 . The hand rim cover  400  may include only a first covering portion  422  extending around at least half of the circumference of the hand rim. In one embodiment, the hand rim cover  500  includes a circumferential ring  512  including a first covering portion  522  with a substantially flat side  523 . The hand rim cover  500  includes a second covering portion  524  extending around more than half of the circumference of the hand rim  120 . 
         [0063]    While the invention has been described in connection with various embodiments, it will be understood that the invention is capable of further modifications. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses or adaptations of the invention following, in general, the principles of the invention, and including such departures from the present disclosure as, within the known and customary practice within the art to which the invention pertains.

Technology Category: 1