Dance routines can be practiced alone and/or with a dance partner. Often times, practicing alone may be the only option for a dancer. When practicing alone, the dancer does not benefit from the presence of the dance partner, who can provide feel and force to the dance routine. For example, when the dancer and the dance partner step apart while holding hands, each dancer can feel the force applied from the others hand, and this force can assist the dancers as they maneuver to different positions as part of the dance routine. Alternatively, when the option of practicing the dance routine with a dance partner is accessible, it may only be ideal when the dance partner is at least as skilled as the dancer. Unfortunately, a suitably skilled dance partner may not always be available. In such a case, the dancer may be left with the options of practicing alone or with an inept dance partner, or paying to practice with a suitably skilled dance partner.
The present invention is directed toward a dance practice assembly that is designed to simulate a dance partner for practicing dance routines, the dance practice assembly being configured for use by a dancer relative to a surface. In various embodiments, the dance practice assembly includes an object, a tether member and a connector assembly. The object is configured to be selectively positioned adjacent to the surface during use of the dance practice assembly. The tether member is configured to be engaged by the dancer during use of the dance practice assembly. The connector assembly rotatably couples the tether member to the object.
In some embodiments, the connector assembly includes a first connector member that is coupled to the object, and a second connector member that is rotatably connected to the first connector member. In such embodiments, the tether member is connected to the second connector member. In certain such embodiments, the object includes a connector attacher, and the first connector member includes a first member engager that engages the connector attacher so that the first connector member is coupled to the object. Additionally, or in the alternative, in some such embodiments, the second connector member includes a second member engager that is configured to engage at least a portion of the tether member so that the tether member is connected to the second connector member.
Additionally, in certain embodiments, the object includes an object body and at least one weighted insert that is retained substantially within the object body. For example, in one such embodiment, the object body includes at least one body pocket, and the at least one weighted insert is selectively positioned within the at least one body pocket.
Further, in some embodiments, the connector assembly rotatably couples the tether member to the object near a central end of the tether member, the central end dividing the tether member into a first tether side and a second tether side. In one such embodiment, a first length of the first tether side and a second length of the second tether side change during use of the dance practice assembly. Alternatively, in another such embodiment, a first length of the first tether side and a second length of the second tether side stay substantially the same during use of the dance practice assembly.
In certain embodiments, the dance practice assembly further includes a handle assembly that is connected to the tether member. The handle assembly is configured to be engaged by the dancer during use of the dance practice assembly. In some such embodiments, the tether member includes a first tether side and a second tether side, and the handle assembly includes a first handle that is connected to the first tether side, and a second handle that is connected to the second tether side. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the handle assembly includes only one handle that is connected to the tether member.
Additionally, the object can be configured to remain substantially stationary relative to the surface during use of the dance practice assembly. Further, in some embodiments, the dance practice assembly further includes a friction pad. In such embodiments, the friction pad is configured to be positioned between the surface and the object during use of the dance practice assembly.
In another application, the present invention is directed toward a method for forming a dance practice assembly for use by a dancer relative to a surface, the method including selectively positioning an object adjacent to the surface; and rotatably coupling a tether member to the object with a connector assembly, the tether member being configured to be engaged by the dancer during use of the dance practice assembly.
Additionally, in still another application, the present invention is directed toward a dance practice assembly for use by a dancer relative to a surface, the dance practice assembly including an object that is configured to be selectively positioned adjacent to the surface during use of the dance practice assembly, the object including an object body having at least one body pocket, at least one weighted insert that is selectively positioned within the at least one body pocket, and a connector attacher; a tether member that is configured to be engaged by the dancer during use of the dance practice assembly, the tether member including a first tether side and a second tether side; a handle assembly that is connected to the tether member, the handle assembly including a first handle that is connected to the first tether side, and a second handle that is connected to the second tether side; and a connector assembly that rotatably couples the tether member to the object, the connector assembly including (i) a first connector member that is coupled to the object, the first connector member including a first member engager that engages the connector attacher so that the first connector member is coupled to the object and (ii) a second connector member that is rotatably connected to the first connector member, the second connector member including a second member engager that is configured to engage at least a portion of the tether member so that the tether member is connected to the second connector member.
The novel features of this invention, as well as the invention itself, both as to its structure and its operation, will be best understood from the accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanying description, in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts, and in which:
Embodiments of the present invention are described herein in the context of a dance practice assembly that enables a dancer to practice dancing when a suitable dance partner is not available. More particularly, as provided herein, in various embodiments, the dance practice assembly includes a weighted object and a tether assembly that is movably connected to the weighted object via a rotating connector (or swivel connector). With such design, the dancer is better able to emulate, and thus practice, true and precise dance movements when a suitable dance partner is not available.
Those of ordinary skill in the art will realize that the following detailed description of the present invention is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. Other embodiments of the present invention will readily suggest themselves to such skilled persons having the benefit of this disclosure. Reference will now be made in detail to implementations of the present invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The same or similar nomenclature and/or reference indicators will be used throughout the drawings and the following detailed description to refer to the same or like parts.
In the interest of clarity, not all of the routine features of the implementations described herein are shown and described. It will, of course, be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made in order to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliance with application-related and business-related constraints, and that these specific goals will vary from one implementation to another and from one developer to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of engineering for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.
In various embodiments, the object 14 can be configured to be positioned on, along and/or adjacent to a surface 19, e.g., a floor, the ground, or another suitable surface, and/or to remain substantially stationary during use of the dance practice assembly 12. As used herein, “substantially stationary” means that the object 14 either does not move and/or negligibly moves during use, such that any movement may not be noticed and/or felt by the dancer 10. Further, as used herein, the term “selectively stationary” refers to the fact that some such objects 14 are capable of being moved, however, during use such objects 14 are intended to remain stationary. For example, in one embodiment, the object 14 can include a weighted bag. In other embodiments, the object 14 can include any other suitable weighted object. As other non-exclusive examples, the object 14 can include a door, a door jamb, a door knob and/or a pole. Additionally, and/or alternatively, the object 14 can include any other suitable object. In an alternative embodiment, the object can be movable during use, if desired, e.g., along the surface 19.
The tether assembly 16 is configured to selectively connect, secure and/or attach to the object 14, e.g., via a connector assembly 25. It is appreciated that the tether assembly 16, e.g., via the connector assembly 25, can be connected, secured and/or attached to the object 14 at any suitable location on the object 14. Additionally, in certain embodiments, it is appreciated that the dance practice assembly 12 can include a plurality of tether assemblies 16 that are each individually connected, secured and/or attached to the object 14, e.g., via the same connector assembly 25 or separate connector assemblies 25. With such design, multiple dancers 10 can be using the dance practice assembly 12 at any given time. For example, in one non-exclusive such embodiment, the dance practice assembly 12 can include two separate tether assemblies 16 that are each individually connected to the object 14, e.g., at different locations so that the tether assemblies 16 are better inhibited from getting tangled with one another, such that two dancers 10 can use the dance practice assembly 12 at the same time. Further, it is also appreciated that in some embodiments, the tether assembly 16 can be connected, secured and/or attached to the object 14 in any other suitable manner, e.g., without the need for a dedicated connector assembly 25.
The connector assembly 25 can be configured to have any suitable design for purposes of selectively connecting, securing and/or attaching the tether assembly 16 to the object 14. As certain non-exclusive examples, the connector assembly 25 can be configured such that the tether assembly 16 is connected, secured and/or attached to the object 14 via a clamp and/or a knot. Alternatively, the connector assembly 25 can be configured such that the tether assembly 16 is selectively connected, secured and/or attached to the object 14 via any other suitable manner and/or method. For example, in one non-exclusive alternative embodiment, the connector assembly 25 can include a rotating (or swivel) connector such that the tether assembly 16 is movably, e.g., rotatably, coupled to the object 14. Still alternatively, in one embodiment, the tether assembly 16 need not be rotatably or movably connected, secured and/or attached to the object 14.
The design and/or configuration of the tether assembly 16 can vary. In various embodiments, the tether assembly 16 can include one or more of a tether member 20 and an adjustable member 22. It is understood that the tether assembly 16 can include fewer or additional components than those specifically illustrated and described herein. For example, in some embodiments, the tether assembly 16 may omit the adjustable member 22.
In various embodiments, the type and/or style of the tether member 20 can vary. As non-exclusive examples, the tether member 20 can include a rope, a cord, a bungee and/or a cable. Alternatively, the tether member 20 can include any other suitable type and/or style of tether. In certain embodiments, the resistance of the tether member 20 can also vary depending on the specific design requirements of the dance practice assembly 12. For example, in some embodiments, the tether member 20 can be flexible, resilient and/or elastic. In other embodiments, the tether member 20 can be inflexible and/or rigid. Additionally, and/or alternatively, the tether member 20 can include a length that is variable.
In the embodiment illustrated in
The adjustable member 22 can be selectively moved and/or adjusted along the tether member 20. The design of the adjustable member 22 can vary. The adjustable member 22 can include one of a fastener, a cord lock, a clip, a clamp and/or a buckle, as non-exclusive examples. More specifically, in one embodiment, the adjustable member 22 can include a double-holed spring-toggled adjuster. In alternative embodiments, the adjustable member 22 can include any spring-toggled adjuster. Additionally, and/or alternatively, the adjustable member 22 can include any other suitable device and/or adjuster that allows the adjustable member 22 to be selectively moved and/or adjusted at any location along the tether member 20.
In various embodiments, the adjustable member 22 can be connected to the tether member 20. In such embodiments, the adjustable member 22 can be manipulated by the dancer 10 to be selectively moved and/or adjusted to different locations along the tether member 20. Alternatively, the adjustable member 22 can also lock to the tether member 20 when not being manipulated by the dancer 10. In some embodiments, as the adjustable member 22 is moved and/or adjusted, the adjustable member 22 can also cause a length of the central end 24, the first tether side 26 and the second tether side 28 to vary and/or change. In various embodiments, the resistance of the tether member 20, including the first tether side 26 and the second tether side 28, can also vary as the adjustable member 22 is moved and/or adjusted.
Additionally, the adjustable member 22 can be configured to connect, secure and/or attach the tether member 20 to the object 14 via the central end 24, i.e. in conjunction with the connector assembly 25. For example, in various embodiments, the adjustable member 22 and the central end 24 can form a loop. In such embodiments, the adjustable member 22 can be manipulated by the dancer 10 to move along the tether member 20 to a position substantially adjacent to the object 14 and/or the connector assembly 25. In other words, the dancer 10 can selectively move and/or adjust the adjustable member 22 to tighten the loop against the object 14 and/or the connector assembly 25. Once desired tautness is achieved, the adjustable member 22 can also lock to the tether member 20, i.e., become substantially immovable when not manipulated by the dancer 10.
In various embodiments, the dance practice assembly 12 and/or the handle assembly 18 can include more than one handle. For example, as shown in the embodiment in
The handles 18A, 18B, can be engaged, gripped or otherwise held by one or more hand(s), fingers and/or fingertips of the dancer 10. Although the dancer 10 illustrated in
The design of the handles 18A, 18B can vary. In certain non-exclusive embodiments, the handles 18A, 18B, can have a somewhat J-shaped or C-shaped configuration. In some embodiments, the handles 18A, 18B, can include linear legs and/or segments (illustrated in
In the embodiments described herein, the handles 18A, 18B can be substantially similar to one another in design, configuration and/or shape. In alternative embodiments, the first handle 18A and the second handle 18B can have different designs, configurations and/or shapes from one another. In still another embodiment, each handle 18A, 18B, can be individually and/or independently connected to the object 14 via a corresponding tether member 20.
The first leg 230 can be engaged, gripped or otherwise held by the dancer 10 (illustrated in
As used herein, the first length 240F is intended to represent the distance between the first lower end 236L and the first upper end 236U. Further, the first width 242F means the distance between the first inner surface 237 and the first outer surface 238. The first length 240F and the first width 242F can vary depending upon the design requirements of the handle 218. In some embodiments, the first width 242F can include a uniform width along the first length 240F of the first leg 230. In other embodiments, the first width 242F can vary along the first length 240F of the first leg 230.
Additionally, in the embodiment illustrated in
The second leg 232 can be configured to allow attachment of the tether member 220 to the handle 218. As certain non-exclusive examples, the tether member 220 can be connected, secured and/or attached to the second leg 232 via clamp, knot, adhesive, bonding material, etc. Alternatively, the tether member 220 can be connected, secured and/or attached to the second leg 232 via any suitable manner and/or method. In certain embodiments, the second leg 232 can include a second lower end 243L, a second upper end 243U, a second inner surface 239, a second outer surface 241, a second length 240S and a second width 242S.
As used herein, the second length 240S is intended to represent the distance between the second lower end 243L and the second upper end 243U. Further, the second width 242S is intended to represent the distance between the second inner surface 239 and the second outer surface 241. The second length 240S and the second width 242S can vary depending upon the design requirements of the handle 218. In some embodiments, the second width 242S can include a uniform width along the second length 240S of the second leg 232. In other embodiments, the second width 242S can vary along the second length 240S of the second leg 232.
In certain embodiments, the second leg 232 can also include an attachment site 245 and a second attachment length 246. The attachment site 245 can include the location where the tether member 220 is connected, secured and/or attached to the second leg 232. In one embodiment, the attachment site 245 can include an aperture through which the tether member 220 can be connected, secured and/or attached to the second leg 232. In other non-exclusive embodiments, the attachment site 245 can include clips, clamps, etc. In various embodiments, the attachment site 245 can be positioned at any suitable location on the second leg 232.
In the embodiment illustrated in
In various embodiments, the first length 240F can be different than the second attachment length 246. For example, a ratio of the first length 240F to the second attachment length 246 can vary. In certain embodiments, the ratio of the first length 240F to the second attachment length 246 can be at least approximately 1:1 and less than approximately 2:1. In some embodiments, the ratio of the first length 240F to the second attachment length 246 can be at least approximately 1.25:1, 1.5:1 or 1.75:1. Alternatively the ratio of the first length 240F to the second attachment length 246 can be greater than approximately 2:1 or less than 1:1.
In other embodiments, the first length 240F can be greater than the second attachment length 246. In certain embodiments, the first length 240F can be at least approximately 10%, 25%, 50%, 75%, 100% or 125% greater than the second attachment length 246. In the embodiment illustrated in
Additionally, in certain embodiments, the first length 240F can be greater than the second length 240S. For example, the ratio of the first length 240F to the second length 240S can vary. In certain embodiments, the ratio of the first length 240F to the second length 240S can be greater than approximately 1:1 and less than approximately 2:1. In some embodiments, the ratio of the first length 240F to the second length 240S can be at least approximately 1.25:1, 1.5:1 or 1.75:1, as non-exclusive examples. Alternatively, the ratio of the first length 240F to the second length 240S can be greater than 2:1 or less than 1:1.
In the embodiment illustrated in
The third leg 234 connects the first leg 230 and the second leg 232 to one another. In certain embodiments, the dimensions of the third leg 234 can be varied. The first leg 230 and the second leg 232 can be connected to the third leg 234 via any suitable manner. In the embodiment illustrated in
In various embodiments, the handle 218 can further include a handle body 248 and a body cover 250. The handle body 248 can form a rigid core of the handle 218. The design of the handle body 248 can vary. In certain embodiments, the tether member 220 can be connected, secured and/or attached to the handle body 248. In the embodiment illustrated in
The body cover 250 substantially covers and/or surrounds at least a portion of the handle body 248. In some embodiments, the body cover 250 substantially covers and/or surrounds at least a portion of the first leg 230, the second leg 232 and the third leg 234. In other embodiments, the body cover 250 completely surrounds and/or covers the first leg 230, the second leg 232 and/or the third leg 234. In the embodiment illustrated in
In the embodiment illustrated in
In various embodiments, the first major axis 252F and the first minor axis 254F can differ from one another. For example, in certain embodiments, a ratio of the first major axis 252F to the first minor axis 254F can be greater than approximately 1:25:1 and less than approximately 2:1. In some embodiments, the ratio of the first major axis 252F to the first minor axis 254F can be at least approximately 1.5:1 or 1.75:1. Alternatively, the ratio of the first major axis 252F to the first minor axis 254F can be greater than 2:1.
Additionally, in the embodiment illustrated in
In various embodiments, the second major axis 252S and the second minor axis 254S can differ from one another. For example, in certain embodiments, the ratio of the second major axis 252S to the second minor axis 254S can be greater than approximately 1.1:1 and less than approximately 2:1. More particularly, in some embodiments, the ratio of the second major axis 252S to the second minor axis 254S can be at least approximately 1.5:1 or 1.75:1. Alternatively, the ratio of the second major axis 252S to the second minor axis 254S can be greater than 2:1.
Furthermore, in the embodiment illustrated in
In various embodiments, the first major length 458F and the first minor length 460F can differ from one another. For example, in certain embodiments, a ratio of the first major length 458F to the first minor length 460F can be greater than approximately 1.1:1 and less than approximately 2:1. More particularly, in some embodiments, the ratio of the first major length 458F to the first minor length 460F can be at least approximately 1.5:1 or 1.75:1. Alternatively the ratio of the first major length 458F to the first minor length 460F can be greater than approximately 2:1.
Additionally, in the embodiment illustrated in
In various embodiments, the second major length 458S and the second minor length 460S can differ from one another. For example, the ratio of the second major length 458S to the second minor length 460S can be greater than approximately 1.1:1 and less than approximately 2:1. More particularly, in some embodiments, the ratio of the second major length 458S to the second minor length 460S can be at least approximately 1.5:1 or 1.75:1. Alternatively the ratio of the second major length 458S to the second minor length 460S can be greater than approximately 2:1.
Additionally, in certain embodiments, such as the embodiment illustrated in
As above, during use of the dance practice assembly 712, the object 714 can be positioned on, along and/or adjacent to the surface 19 (illustrated in
The design of the object 714 can be varied to suit the requirements of the dance practice assembly 712 and/or to meet the specific needs of the dancer 10 (illustrated in
The object body 770 can be formed from any suitable materials. It is appreciated that the object body 770, and the at least one body pocket 772 formed therein, will be configured and/or formed from materials to have sufficient strength so as to effectively receive and retain the at least one weighted insert 774, i.e. within the at least one body pocket 772.
The at least one weighted insert 774 can be provided in any suitable form. For example, in one non-exclusive embodiment, the at least one weighted insert 774 can be provided in the form of steel shot. Alternatively, in another non-exclusive embodiment, the at least one weighted insert 774 can include sand. Still alternatively, the at least one weighted insert 774 can include weighted bars of any suitable materials. Yet alternatively, the at least one weighted insert 774 can have another suitable design.
Additionally, the object 714, based primarily on the at least one weighted insert 774, can have any suitable weight to perform the desired functions of the present invention, e.g., to remain substantially stationary on, along and/or adjacent to the surface 19 during use of the dance practice assembly 712. For example, in certain embodiments, the object 714, with the at least one weighted insert 774 being retained within the at least one body pocket 772 (sometimes referred to collectively herein as a “weighted object”), can weigh between approximately ten pounds and forty pounds. More specifically, in some such embodiments, the weighted object 714 can weigh between approximately fifteen pounds and thirty pounds. In one non-exclusive embodiment, the weighted object 714 can weigh approximately twenty pounds. Alternatively, the weighted object 714 can weigh greater than forty pounds or less than ten pounds. It is appreciated that the weight chosen for the weighted object 714 can depend on the number of dancers 10 that may be using the dance practice assembly 710 at any given time.
As shown in
Additionally, as shown, the object 714 can also include a body handle 778 that is coupled to the object body 770. The body handle 778 is usable for ease of portability of the object 714 and/or the dance practice assembly 712. More particularly, a user can grasp the body handle 778 for purposes of moving the object 714 and/or the dance practice assembly 712 from one place to another.
Further, the object 714 can also include one or more storage straps 780 that can be coupled to the object body 770. The storage straps 780 are usable for purposes of retaining desired materials, e.g., socks, towels, friction pads, etc., between the storage straps 780 and the object body 770. Additionally, as illustrated in
In various embodiments, the tether assembly 716 is configured to be selectively connected, secured and/or attached to the object 714 via the connector assembly 725. As shown in this embodiment, the tether assembly 716 includes a tether member 720 that can be selectively connected, secured and/or attached to the object 714 via the connector assembly 725. The type and/or style of the tether member 720 can vary. For example, in some non-exclusive embodiments, the tether member 720 can include a rope, a cord, a bungee and/or a cable. Alternatively, the tether member 720 can include any other suitable type and/or style of tether.
In some configurations, during use of the dance practice assembly 712, the tether assembly 716 and/or the tether member 720 can be fixedly attached to the connector assembly 725, e.g., with a knot such as a cow knot, such that a length of the first tether side 726 and the second tether side 728 of the tether member 720 do not change. Alternatively, in other configurations, the tether assembly 716 and/or the tether member 720 can be movably attached to the connector assembly 725 such that the length of the first tether side 726 and the second tether side 728 of the tether member 720 do change during use of the dance practice assembly 712. Still alternatively, the tether assembly 716 and/or the tether member 720 can be connected, secured and/or attached to the object 714 other than via the connector assembly 725. For example, in certain such non-exclusive alternative embodiments, the tether assembly 716 and/or the tether member 720 can be connected to the object 714 via the body handle 778, the storage straps 780, or any other suitable manner.
The handle assembly 718 is configured to be engaged, gripped or otherwise held by one or more hand(s), fingers and/or fingertips of the dancer 10. More particularly, in this embodiment, the handle assembly 718 includes a first handle 718A and a second handle 718B that can be engaged, gripped or otherwise held by one or more hand(s), fingers and/or fingertips of the dancer 10. Each of the first handle 718A and the second handle 718B can be connected, secured and/or attached to the tether member 720, such that the first handle 718A and the second handle 718B are coupled to one another via the tether member 720. More specifically, the first handle 718A can be connected, secured and/or attached to the first tether side 726 and the second handle 718B can be connected, secured and/or attached to the second tether side 728. The handles 718A, 718B can be connected, secured and/or attached to the tether member 720 at any location along the first tether side 726 and the second tether side 728. Alternatively, the tether member 720 can be connected, secured and/or attached at any location on the handles 718A, 718B. Further, the handles 718A, 718B and the tether member 720 can be secured and/or connected via any suitable manner, i.e., clamp, knot, an adhesive, a bonding material, etc.
The design of the handles 718A, 718B can vary. For example, various alternative designs for the handles 718A, 718B are illustrated and described in detail above.
As noted above, the connector assembly 725 is configured to selectively couple the tether assembly 716 (and, thus, the handle assembly 718) to the object 714. The connector assembly 725 can have any suitable design. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in
As noted, the first connector member 725A is coupled, secured and/or attached to the object 714 via the connector attacher 776. More particularly, as shown in
Additionally, as shown in
Still alternatively, the connector assembly 725 can have another suitable design or shape than what is specifically illustrated in
It is appreciated that the use of the terms “first connector member” and “second connector member” is merely for convenience and ease of illustration, and either connector member 725A, 725B can be referred to as the “first connector member” and/or the “second connector member”. It is further appreciated that in various embodiments, either the first connector member 725A or the second connector member 725B can be coupled, secured and/or attached to the object 714 via the connector attacher 776. Somewhat similarly, the tether member 720 of the tether assembly 716 can be selectively connected, secured and/or attached to either the first connector member 725A or the second connector 725B.
Additionally, it is also appreciated that the terms “first member engager” and “second member engager” is merely for convenience and ease of illustration, and either member engager 782A, 782B can be referred to as the “first member engager” and/or the “second member engager”.
Further, in some embodiments, the dance practice assembly 712 can include more than one connector assembly 725 such that more than one tether assembly 716 can be connected to the object 714 at any given time. With such design, multiple dancers 10 can be using the dance practice assembly 712 at the same time. For example, in one non-exclusive alternative embodiment, the dance practice assembly 712 can include two connector assemblies 725 and two connector attachers 776, e.g., one on either side of the object 714, such that two dancers 10 can be using the dance practice assembly 712 at the same time. Additionally, it is appreciated that, as noted above, the weighted object 714 can have any suitable weight, and can be of any suitable size and shape, for purposes of enabling any desired number of dancers 10 to be able to use the dance practice assembly 710 at any given time.
Additionally, as shown in
Thus, with such design, the object 714 can be better enabled to remain substantially stationary relative to the surface 19 during use of the dance practice assembly 712. As provided herein, it is appreciated that the friction pad 784 is one of the items that can be effectively retained the storage straps 780 and the object body 770.
As noted above, the connector assembly can have any suitable design for purposes of movably, e.g., rotatably, connecting, securing and/or attaching the tether member of the tether assembly to the object.
As provided herein, the connector assembly 825 is configured to selectively couple the tether assembly 716 (illustrated in
In the embodiment illustrated in
Additionally, in this embodiment, the second connector member 825B is substantially circular ring-shaped and can include a second member engager 882B that is configured to receive and/or engage at least a portion of the tether member 720 of the tether assembly 716. In such embodiment, the second member engager 882B can be provided in the form of a substantially circular-shaped aperture that is defined by the substantially circular ring-shaped second connector member 825B. With such design, at least a portion of the tether member 720 can be selectively extended into and/or through the second engager member 882B, i.e. the circular-shaped aperture, to connect, secure and/or attach the tether member 720 to the second connector member 825B.
As with the previous embodiments, the connector assembly 925 is configured to selectively couple the tether assembly 716 (illustrated in
In the embodiment illustrated in
Additionally, in this embodiment, the second connector member 925B is again substantially circular ring-shaped and can include a second member engager 982B that is configured to receive and/or engage at least a portion of the tether member 720 of the tether assembly 716. In such embodiment, the second member engager 982B can be provided in the form of a substantially circular-shaped aperture that is defined by the substantially circular ring-shaped second connector member 925B. With such design, at least a portion of the tether member 720 can be selectively extended into and/or through the second engager member 982B, i.e. the circular-shaped aperture, to connect, secure and/or attach the tether member 720 to the second connector member 925B.
More particularly, as with the previous embodiments, the connector assembly 1025 is again configured to selectively couple the tether assembly 716 (illustrated in
In the embodiment illustrated in
Additionally, in this embodiment, the second connector member 1025B is also substantially triangular ring-shaped and can include a second member engager 1082B that is configured to receive and/or engage at least a portion of the tether member 720 of the tether assembly 716. In such embodiment, the second member engager 1082B can be provided in the form of a substantially triangular-shaped aperture that is defined by the substantially triangular ring-shaped second connector member 1025B. With such design, at least a portion of the tether member 720 can be selectively extended into and/or through the second engager member 1082B, i.e. the triangular-shaped aperture, to connect, secure and/or attach the tether member 720 to the second connector member 1025B.
It is understood that this disclosure further includes any method for manufacturing the different embodiments of the dance practice assembly 12, 712 mentioned and/or described herein.
It is further understood that although a number of different embodiments of the dance practice assembly 12, 712 have been illustrated and described herein, one or more features of any one embodiment can be combined with one or more features of one or more of the other embodiments, provided that such combination satisfies the intent of the present invention.
While a number of exemplary aspects and embodiments of the dance practice assembly 12, 712 have been shown and disclosed herein above, those of skill in the art will recognize certain modifications, permutations, additions and sub-combinations thereof. It is therefore intended that the following appended claims and claims hereafter introduced are interpreted to include all such modifications, permutations, additions and sub-combinations as are within their true spirit and scope.
The present application is a continuation-in-part application claiming the benefit under 35 U.S.C. 120 on co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/845,465, filed on Dec. 18, 2017, and entitled “HANDLE FOR DANCE PRACTICE ASSEMBLY”. As far as permitted, the contents of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/845,465 are incorporated in their entirety herein by reference.
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | 15845465 | Dec 2017 | US |
Child | 16582845 | US |