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Slip-resistant extremity covering and method thereforRelated Patent Categories: Apparel, Head Coverings, StockingsSlip-resistant extremity covering and method therefor description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20060195972, Slip-resistant extremity covering and method therefor. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/696,154 filed Oct. 29, 2003 in the name of the Applicant, to which priority is claimed. This application is also related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/851,749 filed May 20, 2004 in the name of the Applicant. FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] This invention relates generally to yoga and, more specifically, to a slip-resistant extremity covering dimensioned to fit snugly around an extremity of a person in order to enable a person to effectively and accurately practice proper yoga techniques without the danger of slipping or sliding due to perspiration. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Yoga is both a physical discipline as well as a Hindu philosophy. Although yoga often involves meditation and breathing exercises, the practice of yoga in the United States is focused mostly around distinct physical postures called "asanas." Yoga's physical benefits include: improved flexibility and muscle joint mobility; muscle building and toning; improved posture; relief of back pain; improvement of muscular-skeletal conditions; increased stamina; improved digestion and elimination; increased blood flow and circulation; and weight loss. Yoga also provides many non-physical benefits, such as improved spirituality and tranquility, stress-relief, and mental clarity. [0004] The popularity of yoga in the United States has more than tripled in the last decade. According to the Yoga Research and Education Center, more than 20 million people in America currently practice yoga. In order to achieve the many physical and non-physical benefits of yoga, one must accurately execute the distinct physical postures or "asanas." The asanas require a person to manipulate his or her body in precise, and often physically demanding, postures. It is often the case that the exertion involved in practicing yoga leads to perspiration. In fact, some styles of yoga, known as "hot yoga" or "Bikram yoga", are done in rooms that are heated to over 100 degrees Fahrenheit in order to make muscles more flexible. "Hot yoga" as well as other forms of "extreme yoga" obviously result in an even greater amount of perspiration. The accumulation of perspiration on a person, on a yoga mat or on the floor can often cause a person to slip when trying to plant a hand, foot or other body part. Slipping not only prevents a person from effectively practicing the physical postures of yoga, but slippage can also result in injury. [0005] Several attempts have been made at creating slip-resistant footwear and handwear for various applications. U.S. Pat. No. 5,617,585 issued to Fons et al. Discloses a rubber soled slipper sock cured with liquid latex rubber. However, this and other prior art slip-resistant wear are thick and bulky, preventing the full range of motion needed for one's hands and feet in order to effectively practice the complex and physically demanding postures of yoga. [0006] Other slip-resistant gloves and socks only have slip-resistant material on their palmer surfaces. Those gloves and socks do not provide sufficient grip for certain yoga positions that require a person to grab specific parts of their hands and/or feet. [0007] A need therefore existed for a slip-resistant extremity covering dimensioned to fit snugly over hands and feet of a person and at the same time capable of allowing a person to execute asanas and other yoga techniques without being encumbered by the covering and without slipping as a result of perspiration. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0008] An object of the present invention is to provide a slip-resistant extremity covering capable of fitting snugly around an extremity of a person while at the same time allowing a hand or foot a full range of movement. [0009] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method for practicing yoga capable of providing a person with a slip-resistant extremity covering that also allows a person to execute asanas and other yoga techniques without being encumbered by the covering and without slipping as a result of perspiration build-up. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [0010] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a slip-resistant extremity covering for a person practicing yoga is disclosed. The slip-resistant extremity covering preferably comprises an extremity covering dimensioned to fit snugly around an extremity of a person, the extremity covering having a palmer surface and a dorsal surface, the extremity covering being constructed of a sufficiently malleable material so as to allow an extremity a full range of movement, wherein the slip-resistant extremity covering defines at least one separate compartment for housing a specific digit. The slip-resistant extremity covering also preferably comprises a slip-resistant material being coupled to at least one of the palmer surface and the dorsal surface, and the slip-resistant material is coupled to side portions of the at least one separate compartment, the slip-resistant material having a high coefficient of friction while at the same time allowing the extremity a full range of movement while inside the extremity covering. [0011] In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a method of practicing yoga is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of providing an extremity covering dimensioned to fit snugly around an extremity of a person, the extremity covering having a palmer surface and a dorsal surface, wherein the slip-resistant extremity covering defines at least one separate compartment for housing a specific digit, providing a slip-resistant material being coupled to at least one of the palmer surface and the dorsal surface, and the slip-resistant material is coupled to side portions of the at least one separate compartment, inserting an extremity of a person into the extremity covering, and practicing a yoga technique. [0012] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following, more particular description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0013] FIG. 1a is a top, perspective view of one embodiment of the slip-resistant extremity covering of the present invention, showing an extremity covering dimensioned to fit snugly around a foot of a person. The extremity covering is shown as having five separate compartments dimensioned to house each of the corresponding five toes of a user. A portion of the dorsal surface is shown substantially covered with slip-resistant material. The slip-resistant material is also shown coupled to side portions of the separate compartments for the user's five toes. [0014] FIG. 1b is a bottom, perspective view of the slip-resistant extremity covering of FIG. 1a, showing the palmer surface substantially covered with slip-resistant material. The slip-resistant material is also shown coupled to side portions of the separate compartments for the user's five toes. [0015] FIG. 2a is a top, perspective view of another embodiment of the slip-resistant extremity covering of the present invention, showing the extremity covering dimensioned to fit snugly around a foot of a person. The extremity covering is shown as having one separate compartment dimensioned to house the user's big toe. The entire dorsal surface is shown substantially covered with slip-resistant material. The slip-resistant material is shown coupled to side portions of the separate compartment for the user's big toe and is also shown coupled to a portion of the extremity covering that houses the user's remaining four toes. [0016] FIG. 2b is a bottom, perspective view of the slip-resistant extremity covering of FIG. 2a, showing the palmer surface substantially covered with slip-resistant material. The slip-resistant material is also shown coupled to side portions of the separate compartment for the user's big toe and is also shown coupled to a portion of the extremity covering that houses the user's remaining four toes. [0017] FIG. 3 is a top view of another embodiment of the slip-resistant extremity covering of the present invention, showing the extremity covering dimensioned to fit snugly around the hand of a person. The palmer surface is shown substantially covered with substantially dumbbell-shaped slip-resistant material. [0018] FIG. 4 is a top view of another embodiment of the slip-resistant extremity covering of the present invention, showing the extremity covering dimensioned to fit snugly around the hand of a person. The palmer surface and a finger surface are shown substantially covered with a substantially ball-shaped slip-resistant material. The slip-resistant material is also shown coupled to side portions of the five separate compartments for the user's five fingers. Continue reading about Slip-resistant extremity covering and method therefor... Full patent description for Slip-resistant extremity covering and method therefor Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Slip-resistant extremity covering and method therefor patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. 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