SELF-MOISTURE-WICKING COVER FOR SPORTS EQUIPMENT

Abstract

The present invention generally relates to a cover for sports equipment, such as for skis, snowboards, surfboards, skateboards and the like. In one embodiment, the cover is formed in a similar shape to the equipment it is meant to cover, and large enough to cover at least one flat side and the edges of the equipment, while optionally leaving some portion of the equipment open to the air. The cover is made of a either a combination of fabrics, or a combination of faces of fabric, which allow for moisture to be wicked away from the sports equipment, and which provide protection for the equipment from rust and/or other damage.

Claims

1. A self-moisture-wicking cover for sports equipment, comprising: a. an inner, moisture-wicking layer of fabric; b. an outer breathable layer of fabric, wherein said inner and outer layers are bonded together to maintain the moisture-wicking of said inner layer, wherein said cover completely covers a base and edges of said snow sport equipment and can be tightened around said snow sport equipment with a fastener.

2. The self-moisture-wicking cover of claim 1, wherein said inner, moisture wicking layer of fabric is fleece or micro chamois.

3. The self-moisture-wicking cover of claim 1, wherein said inner, moisture wicking layer of fabric is polyester.

4. The self-moisture-wicking cover of claim 1, wherein said outer breathable layer of fabric is a polyester blend.

5. The self-moisture-wicking cover of claim 1, wherein said fastener is a drawstring.

6. The self-moisture-wicking cover of claim 1, wherein said inner and outer layers are bonded by incorporating a layer of polyurethane between said inner and outer layers, and heating said layer of polyurethane to bond said inner and outer layers.

7. The self-moisture-wicking cover of claim 1, wherein said inner and outer layers are bonded by dot-gluing.

8. The self-moisture-wicking cover of claim 1, wherein said inner and outer layers are bonded by stitching.

9. The self-moisture-wicking cover of claim 1, wherein said cover is designed to cover a snowboard.

10. The self-moisture-wicking cover of claim 1, wherein said cover is designed to cover a ski.

11. The self-moisture-wicking cover of claim 1, wherein said cover is designed to cover a surfboard.

12. The self-moisture-wicking cover for sports equipment of claim 6, wherein the heating is performed by flame lamination.

13. A self-moisture-wicking cover for sports equipment, comprising: a fabric with a first and second face, wherein the first face is an inner, moisture-wicking face of the fabric and the second face is an outer breathable face of the fabric, wherein said inner face is treated to increase the surface area of exposed fibers in the fabric, wherein said cover completely covers a base and edges of said snow sport equipment and can be tightened around said snow sport equipment with a fastener.

14. A method of making a self-moisture-wicking cover for sport equipment, comprising: c. bonding together an inner, moisture-wicking layer of fabric and an outer, breathable layer of fabric to maintain the moisture-wicking of said inner layer, wherein said bonded fabrics are shaped to completely cover a base and edges of said snow sport equipment; and d. incorporating a fastener to allow the self-wicking cover to be tightened around said snow sport equipment.

15. The method of making a self-moisture-wicking cover of claim 12, wherein said inner, moisture wicking layer of fabric is fleece or micro chamois.

16. The method of making a self-moisture-wicking cover of claim 12, wherein said inner, moisture wicking layer of fabric is polyester.

17. The method of making a self-moisture-wicking cover of claim 12, wherein said outer breathable layer of fabric is a polyester blend.

18. The method of making a self-moisture-wicking cover of claim 12, wherein said fastener is a drawstring.

19. The method of making a self-moisture-wicking cover of claim 12, wherein said inner and outer layers are bonded by: (1) incorporating a layer of polyurethane between said inner and outer layers, and heating said layer of polyurethane to bond said inner and outer layers; (2) dot-gluing; or (3) stitching.

20. The method of making a self-moisture-wicking cover of claim 12, wherein said cover is designed for a snowboard, a ski or an ice skate.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the bottom, rear side of a snowboard cover in connection with the present invention.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the snowboard cover of FIG. 1.

[0020] FIG. 3 is a top view of the snowboard cover of FIG. 1.

[0021] FIG. 4 is a left side view of the snowboard cover of FIG. 1.

[0022] FIG. 5 is a right side view of the snowboard cover of FIG. 1.

[0023] FIG. 6 is a leading edge view of the snowboard cover of FIG. 1.

[0024] FIG. 7 is a trailing edge view of the snowboard cover of FIG. 1.

[0025] FIG. 8 is alternative embodiment of a snowboard cover in connection with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Definitions

[0026] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, the preferred methods and materials are described. Generally, nomenclatures utilized in connection with, and techniques of, cell and molecular biology and chemistry are those well-known and commonly used in the art. Certain experimental techniques, not specifically defined, are generally performed according to conventional methods well known in the art and as described in various general and more specific references that are cited and discussed throughout the present specification. For purposes of the clarity, following terms are defined below.

[0027] By self-wicking is meant the process of assisting in absorbing moisture and drying until the moisture is gone.

[0028] By breathable is meant a somewhat porous nature that allows for the passage of air and/or moisture to allow for drying in an efficient manner.

[0029] By fabric is meant any type of essentially two-dimensional material, typically made up of fibers, such as textiles.

[0030] By dot-gluing is meant using an adhesive at small, strategic locations of the layers so as to not produce an entire glue layer.

[0031] By stitching is meant connecting the layers with thread.

[0032] By protective is meant capable of preventing damage, such as scratches or scrapes.

General Description of Method and Materials

[0033] The present invention generally relates to a cover for sports equipment, such as for skis, snowboards, surfboards, skateboards and the like. In one embodiment, the cover is formed in a similar shape to the equipment it is meant to cover, and large enough to cover at least one flat side and the edges of the equipment, while optionally leaving some portion of the equipment open to the air. In the embodiment used for skis and snowboards, the open portion of the cover is for the side of the equipment that is opposite the base and that is not in contact with snow when in use, and which houses bindings or footholds. In an alternative embodiment, such as for a skateboard, the opening in the cover provides a space for wheels of the skateboard. In another embodiment, such as for ice skates, the opening of the cover is against the base of the shoe attached to the skate blade. The piece of sport equipment is inserted into the opening, which is fastened to fit snuggly over the equipment.

[0034] Moisture causes rust when it meets certain types of metal, so a cover that not only protects the sports equipment from getting scratched, but also removes rust-causing moisture is desired. The way this works is by having a fabric, or combination of fabrics, that are protective, yet breathable, on the outside and absorbent, quick-drying and wicking on the inside.

Overview

[0035] The invention provides a method for the following:

[0036] 1. A self-moisture-wicking cover for sports equipment, including: [0037] a. an inner, moisture-wicking layer of fabric; [0038] b. an outer breathable layer of fabric, [0039] wherein the inner and outer layers are bonded together to maintain the moisture-wicking of the inner layer, [0040] wherein the cover completely covers a base and edges of the snow sport equipment and can be tightened around the snow sport equipment with a fastener.

[0041] 2. The self-moisture-wicking cover of Item 1, wherein the inner, moisture-wicking layer of fabric is fleece or micro chamois.

[0042] 3. The self-moisture-wicking cover of Item 1, wherein the inner, moisture-wicking layer of fabric is polyester.

[0043] 4. The self-moisture-wicking cover of Item 1, wherein the outer breathable layer of fabric is a polyester blend.

[0044] 5. The self-moisture-wicking cover of Item 1, wherein the fastener is a drawstring.

[0045] 6. The self-moisture-wicking cover of Item 1, wherein the inner and outer layers are bonded by incorporating a layer of polyurethane between the inner and outer layers, and heating the layer of polyurethane to bond the inner and outer layers.

[0046] 7. The self-moisture-wicking cover of Item 1, wherein the inner and outer layers are bonded by dot-gluing.

[0047] 8. The self-moisture-wicking cover of Item 1, wherein the inner and outer layers are bonded by stitching.

[0048] 9. The self-moisture-wicking cover of Item 1, wherein the cover is designed to cover a snowboard.

[0049] 10. The self-moisture-wicking cover of Item 1, wherein the cover is designed to cover a ski.

[0050] 11. The self-moisture-wicking cover of Item 1, wherein the cover is designed to cover a surfboard.

[0051] 12. The self-moisture-wicking cover for sports equipment of Item 6, wherein the heating is performed by flame lamination.

[0052] 13. A self-moisture-wicking cover for sports equipment, comprising: a fabric with a first and second face, wherein the first face is an inner, moisture-wicking face of the fabric and the second face is an outer breathable face of the fabric, [0053] wherein the inner face is treated to increase the surface area of exposed fibers in the fabric, [0054] wherein the cover completely covers a base and edges of the snow sport equipment and can be tightened around the snow sport equipment with a fastener.

[0055] 14. A method of making a self-moisture-wicking cover for sport equipment, comprising: [0056] a. bonding together an inner, moisture-wicking layer of fabric and an outer, breathable layer of fabric to maintain the moisture-wicking of the inner layer, wherein the bonded fabrics are shaped to completely cover a base and edges of the snow sport equipment; and [0057] b. incorporating a fastener to allow the self-wicking cover to be tightened around the snow sport equipment.

[0058] 15. The method of making a self-moisture-wicking cover of Item 12, wherein the inner, moisture-wicking layer of fabric is fleece or micro chamois.

[0059] 16. The method of making a self-moisture-wicking cover of Item 12, wherein the inner, moisture-wicking layer of fabric is polyester.

[0060] 17. The method of making a self-moisture-wicking cover of Item 12, wherein the outer breathable layer of fabric is a polyester blend.

[0061] 18. The method of making a self-moisture-wicking cover of Item 12, wherein the fastener is a drawstring.

[0062] 19. The method of making a self-moisture-wicking cover of Item 12, wherein the inner and outer layers are bonded by: (1) incorporating a layer of polyurethane between the inner and outer layers, and heating the layer of polyurethane to bond the inner and outer layers; (2) dot-gluing; or (3) stitching.

[0063] 20. The method of making a self-moisture-wicking cover of Item 12, wherein the cover is designed for a snowboard, a ski or an ice skate.

[0064] In yet more detail, the present invention is described by the following items which represent preferred embodiments thereof.

[0065] The cover of the present invention is designed to fit essentially any size of the particular type of sports equipment it is designed to protect. Differing sizes can also be made for even more specific fits. The cover is elongated to be at least as long as the model of equipment it is designed to protect. The cover is wide enough such that when fastened, the cover completely covers the edges of the equipment it is designed to protect. The cover is equipped with fasteners that allow the cover to fit snugly over the sports equipment, and may be adjustable so as to adjust that fit.

[0066] When the cover is at least partially tightened, it forms an inner cavity into which the sports equipment is placed. The fabric of the inner cavity is moisture-wicking so as to absorb moisture that may be on the sports equipment after use. This inner fabric may be a separate fabric from the outer fabric of the cover, or may be the same fabric as the outside of the cover, wherein the fibers of the inner surface or cavity have been treated to increase the surface area available to absorb the moisture, i.e., making the inside fuzzy or nappy.

[0067] The outer fabric of the cover is meant to be relatively strong so as to protect the sports equipment, yet breathable and preferably lightweight enough to allow for easy folding and storage of the cover. One embodiment of the invention uses a polyester blend as the outside fabric. Other examples of materials that can function as the outer layer are known to those of skill in the art, and include, but are not limited to synthetic spacer fabrics. Examples of spacer fabrics are included in the reference list herein, which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.

[0068] The inner fabric of the cover is meant to be absorbent. One embodiment of the invention uses a micro-chamois as the inside fabric. Other fabrics with moisture-wicking properties can also be used for this layer (such as, but not limited to, different types of fleece and polyester). Other examples of materials that can function as the inner layer are known to those of skill in the art, and include, but are not limited to natural fibers such as bamboo, cotton, and wood, or synthetic fibers such as polyester, polypropylene, and cellulose-based fibers such as modal, micro-modal, viscose and TENCEL.

[0069] The fabrics are bonded together using any means that maintains the moisture-wicking properties of the inner layer. In one embodiment, a layer of polyurethane is inserted between the inner and outer layers and is heat-treated, or flame laminated. When this polyurethane fabric is heated, it becomes sticky and bonds the fabrics together. Since polyurethane is porous by nature, it does not inhibit the wicking properties of the fabric in side it. In other embodiments, the fabric may be bonded by methods including, but not limited to, dot-gluing and spotted, intentional stitching, that also connect the fabrics, without inhibiting the ability of the inner-fabric to perform its intended role of wicking moisture.

[0070] Any fastener may be used to close the sports equipment cover that allows the cover to snugly cover and protect the working surfaces (base, edges, etc.) of the equipment. Examples include one or more of drawstrings, Velcro, snaps, buttons, zippers, and hooks. A preferred embodiment uses one or more drawstrings.

[0071] One embodiment of the invention is described in U.S. Design application Ser. No. 29/615,797, filed Aug. 31, 2017, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety

[0072] The patent and scientific literature referred to herein establishes the knowledge that is available to those with skill in the art. All United States patents and published or unpublished United States patent applications cited herein are incorporated by reference. All published foreign patents and patent applications cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference. All other published references, documents, manuscripts and scientific literature cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference.

[0073] While this invention has been particularly shown and described with references to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention encompassed by the appended claims.

REFERENCES

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