Patent Application
20230071395
The following disclosure relates to weighted clothing. More specifically, the following disclosure relates to upper body clothing with hidden weights.
Weighted clothing has been utilized in fitness training to increase caloric burn and muscle mass during exercise or other routine movements. Moreover, weighted clothing has also been used as an aid to therapy to help slow or prevent the loss of bone density. Additionally, the rise of popularity in weighted blankets for sleep and anxiety related purposes has led to the use of compression and weighted upper body clothing for those same purposes. Traditional commercial examples of weighted attire include weighted vests and weight belts along with wrist and ankle attachable weights. However, these traditional examples generally have not been cosmetically attractive, dissuading their use outside of a gym or fitness center context, no matter their benefit to fitness or a therapy application.
In an effort to increase utility, previous attempts have been made to create more aesthetically pleasing weighted clothing, particularly for upper body clothing, by making the weights non-conspicuous. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,665,879 discloses a durable weighted vest insert to produce a calming effect in users. The insert has a plurality of sealed compartments having weights in an anterior and posterior portion. Weight distribution is configured to provide a uniform and even pressure predominately over the upper muscles of the back and high on the pectoral muscles (i.e., an anterior and posterior shoulder girdle) when placed on a user and can be determined as a percentage of a user's body weight. The insert has mechanical fasteners such as pressure sensitive fastening materials, zippers, buttons, ties, or hooks on an exposed surface. The invention can also include a vest having an interior surface comprising opposing mechanical fasteners placed corresponding to the fasteners of the insert whereby the insert can be incorporated and concealed within the vest.
Additionally, U.S. Patent Publication Number 2014/0005010 discloses an exercise garment includes pockets for carrying weights in a non-conspicuous manner. The pockets are strategically located on the exercise garments in order to enhance concealment of the weight when the garment is worn by an individual. One such strategic location of a weight pocket is the waistband portion of the garment. In order to improve the concealment of the weight, the weights may be formed as generally flat slabs that are flexible. As such the weight can be shaped to conform to the user's waist. Weight pockets are also strategically located in other areas of the garments selected to conceal the weights when the user is wearing the garment. Also disclosed are wrist cuffs which include weight pockets for carrying weights that are concealed.
Moreover, U.S. Patent Publication Number 2017/0157447 discloses cosmetically hidden weighted garments. In one exemplary embodiment, the garment includes a first layer of clothing material, a second layer of clothing material, and a weight positioned in a weight area between the first layer and the second layer of clothing material, wherein the weight is positioned within or adjacent to a hemline or seam line of the garment, or wherein the weight is configured to be positioned adjacent to a joint of a body when the garment is worn by a wearer.
However, these attempts generally involve insertion of a weight element or material in a pocket created on or in a portion of an outer layer of a garment or attachment of a self-contained weight element to an interior side of an outer layer of a garment. Unfortunately, including and concealing weight in clothing in this manner is an inefficient design which can lead to uneven distribution of the weight, negative effects on posture or comfort, and aesthetically unpleasing effects—like drooping, bulging, and stretching—on the outer layer of clothing, limiting the clothing's utility. Further, concealing weight in an outer layer of a garment also limits the type of material that can be used for such clothing items, because of the weight capacity of such material, thereby also limiting the aesthetics of the garment. Consequently, there exists a need for clothing, particularly that of the upper body, which overcomes the provided challenges to encourage use for fitness and therapy purposes, not only inside a gym or fitness center, but also in contexts outside of such locations.
The present invention is directed to an upper body garment that, in one or more aspects, provides additional utility both inside a gym or fitness center as well as outside of such locations through an efficient design providing an even distribution of weight, minimizing negative effects on posture and comfort, and providing pleasing aesthetic features while still providing weighted functionality. In one embodiment, the upper body garment is of a vest style having a full front zipper and includes an inner weighted layer disposed between and concealed by an outer layer and lining layer. The outer layer is made of a fashionable and aesthetically pleasing material and is affixed to the inner weighted layer and lining layer along a neck portion, an armhole portion, a hem portion, and along the placket closing zipper. Thereby, the inner weighted layer is concealed from view.
Also in an embodiment, the inner weighted layer comprises an upper segment, also called a yoke, and a lower segment affixed together. The upper segment extends from the neck portion down to the lower portion of the armhole, below which it is affixed to the lower segment. In one embodiment, the lower segment comprises sewn on packets, filled with glass microbead weighted material, forming a grid arrangement. The grid arrangement provides even weight distribution while the load of the weight is carried by the upper segment thereof. The attachment of the weighted packets to the inner weighted layer rather than any structure of the outer layer provides for an enhanced aesthetic by reducing bulging, stretching, and drooping of any portion of the outer layer which would otherwise have been affected by weighted material. The inner weighted layer is affixed to the outer layer and lining along a neck portion, armhole portion, a hem portion, and along a placket closing zipper. Thereby, the inner weighted layer is disposed behind the outer layer and is concealed from view.
Moreover, the vest garment also comprises a lining layer in one embodiment. The lining layer further conceals the inner weighted layer by enclosing it between the outer layer and lining layer. The lining layer, like the other disclosed layers, would be affixed to the outer layer and inner weighted layer along a neck portion, armhole portion, a hem portion, and along a placket closing zipper. In certain embodiments the lining layer also comprises shoulder pads to provide comfort to a user from the load and weight placed on their shoulders from the weighted packets through the upper segment of the inner weighted layer. In an alternative embodiment, the shoulder pads may be affixed to the inner weighted layer instead of the lining layer, so the shoulder pads are disposed between the lining layer and the inner weighted layer.
In additional embodiments, the garment may also include pocket enclosures, sometimes referred to in the industry as pocket bags, affixed to the outer layer to be accessible through an opening therein. The pocket enclosures may extend through a space between the outer layer and inner weighted layer or between the inner weighted layer and lining layer. The pocket enclosures, wherever extended, may be sewn to a portion of either bounding layer to prevent them from turning inside out. A similar but opposed optional structure may also be available for embodiments with pockets with openings located in the lining layer.
In an alternative embodiment, an upper body garment may comprise only the outer layer and inner weighted layer. Moreover, it is also understood that, in certain embodiments, the outer layer may have an opening and some or all of the weighted packets may be removably attached to the inner weighted layer, such as through hook and loop fasteners. In such embodiments, the addition, removal, or exchange of weighted packets would extend the useful life of the garment by allowing alteration of the weight and defective weighted packets to be replaced.
These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:
With reference now to the drawings, an upper body garment incorporating a weight affixed to an inner weighted layer concealed by an outer layer is herein described.
As shown in
The outer layer 101, as shown in
The inner weighted layer 102, as shown in
The lower segment 104 is comprised of two fabric panels, and the weighted packets 107 of the first embodiment are created by “quilting” the weighted material between the two panels, thereby creating the grid formation of the weighted packets 107, as shown in
The lining layer 110, shown in
To construct the upper body garment of the first embodiment, a user would generally construct the lower segment 104 of the inner weighted layer 102, “filling” each packet 107 and fully sealing them by “quilting” together the two panels of the lower segment 104 to create the inner weighted layer 102. Preferably, the upper segment 103 and the lower segment 104 are joined together prior to the weighted material being added to the lower segment 104 to create the weighted packets 107. Thereafter, a user could then affix the inner weighted layer 102 with the outer layer 101 through the neck portion 105, hem portion 108, placket portion, and armhole portion 106. Similarly, a user would finally insert and affix the lining layer 110 to the combined outer layer 101 and inner weighted layer 102 along the same portions outlined previously. Thereby, a user can construct a weighted upper body garment where the weight is concealed between the outer layer 101 and the lining layer 110, as in the first embodiment, and where the load or force of the weight is not translated to the outer layer 101, which would cause unsightly stretching, drooping, or bulging effects thereupon and also limit the type of material that can be used for the garment because of the weight capacity limits of certain material. Instead, the load or force of the weight would be translated to a wearer's shoulders through the upper portion 103, or yoke, of the inner weighted layer 102. The placket portion may be designed to be closed by a zipper 112 or other closure means.
Though the first embodiment has been previously disclosed as comprising three layers, it is foreseen that the upper body garment could comprise merely two layers, the outer layer 101 and the inner weighted layer 102, in an alternative embodiment. Moreover, while the first embodiment has been shown as a vest, it is foreseen that, in alternative embodiments, the upper body garment could be of any style or type. Examples include long sleeve and short sleeve dress shirts, t-shirts, blouses, tank tops, and virtually any outerwear. In certain embodiments it is also foreseen that the layers may be affixed at alternative perimeter points than those described for the first embodiment. For example, a lining layer 110 may be affixed to an outer layer 101 at the cuff of the sleeve instead of the armhole 106 for a particular outerwear upper body garment.
It is foreseen that the outer layer 101 may be composed of any material having desirable features or characteristics. Indeed, while the material of the first embodiment has been described as aesthetically pleasing, it is to be understood that due to the subjective nature of taste, such a statement is not limiting but implies that the outer layer 101 is composed of a material that will encourage a user to wear the upper body garment. Additionally, the outer layer 101 may be constructed of an integrally formed piece of material or various pieces of material affixed together. Moreover, while the placket closure means has been described as a zipper, the placket could be unfinished or have another closure means, such as buttons or hook and loop fasteners. Alternatively, the upper body garment might not have a placket and closure means at all.
Furthermore, it is foreseen that in certain embodiments, the outer layer 101 may have one or more openings 111a—closable or not—which provide access to the inner weighted layer 102 while still providing concealment during normal use. The opening(s) 111a would be particularly useful in embodiments where the weighted packets 107 may be removably attached to the inner weighted layer 102. Additionally, it is also foreseen that the opening(s) might be adjacent a connecting portion, such as those of the neck portion 105, armhole portion 106, hem portion 108, and zipper portion 112 of the first embodiment. Thereby, the opening might be less noticeable, and a pleasing aesthetic might be maintained.
While the inner weighted layer 102 of the first embodiment has been described as comprising an upper segment 103 and lower segment 104, it is foreseen that these segments might be integrally formed. Moreover, it is also foreseen that the inner weighted layer 102 might be composed of a material to facilitate the attachment of separate weighted packets 107 in certain embodiments. Additionally, in certain embodiments it is foreseen that the inner weighted layer 102 may have padding along the upper segment 103 thereof, particularly the points adjacent to a user's shoulders. Thereby, padding may maximize user comfort by relieving the pressure of the weight on the shoulders.
While the weighted packets 107 of the first embodiments have been described as being formed with the inner weighted layer 102 and arranged in a grid pattern, it is foreseen that these characteristics might be different in different embodiments. For example, it is foreseen that the weighted packets 107 may be separately formed enclosures of weighted material. Separately formed weighted packets 107 might then be useful by being added, removed, or exchanged with others through attachment to the inner weighted layer 102. For example, a user might add weighted packets 107 to the inner weighted layer 102 where both the weighted packet enclosure and inner weighted layer material comprise hook and loop fastener material. Moreover, it is also foreseen that the weighted packets 107 may be attached in alternative arrangements, in a pattern or in no pattern. While a pattern might be beneficial in preventing an imbalance, an imbalance may be desired for some fitness or therapeutic purpose or may not be important due to the weights involved or structure of the upper body garment.
Furthermore, while the weighted material utilized in the weighted packets 107 has been disclosed as glass microbeads 109, it is foreseen that other suitable alternatives may be utilized. Also, it is foreseen that the weighted packets 107 might not be fully filled with the weighted material, allowing it to shift within the packet. While fully filling the packet might prevent shifting and imbalances, an imbalance may be desired for some fitness or therapeutic purpose or shifting might be less troublesome due to the weights involved or structure of the upper body garment.
While the lining layer 110 has been described more by its purpose—hiding the inner weighted layer 102 and providing a mild protective benefit—for that of the first embodiment, it is foreseen that the lining layer 110 may have any characteristics or features beneficial to the upper body garment. Indeed, in one embodiment the lining layer 110 may also comprise shoulder pads to cushion the weight applied by the inner weighted layer 102 on a user's shoulders. Moreover, the lining layer 110 may also have an opening to access the inner weighted layer 102, like that of the outer layer 101. Similarly, the opening may also be located adjacent to a connecting portion, such as those of the neck portion 105, armhole portion 106, hem portion 108, side seam 113, and zipper portion 112 of the first embodiment. Thereby, the opening might be less noticeable, and a pleasing aesthetic might be maintained. Lastly, the lining layer 110 may also be affixed to the inner weighted layer 102 at additional points to increase structural resilience of the garment. Unlike the outer layer 101, it is unlikely that the lining layer 110 will be visible when a user is wearing the upper body garment. Thereby, any stretching, drooping, or bulging of the lining layer 110 due to the weighted material is less impactful to the aesthetic of the garment, particularly the outer layer 101 people will see.
While the first embodiment discloses pocket enclosures 111 extending from the openings 111a in the outer layer 101 through the inner weighted layer 102 to be affixed to the lining layer 111, it is foreseen that alternative assemblies may be utilized for any pockets. In additional embodiments, the garment may also include pocket enclosures affixed to the outer layer 101 to be accessible through an opening therein. The pocket enclosures may be located in the space between the outer layer 101 and inner weighted layer 102 or between the inner weighted layer 102 and lining layer 110—through another opening in the inner weighted layer 102. The pocket enclosures, wherever located, may be sewn to a portion of either bounding layer to prevent them from turning inside out. In certain embodiments where the garment does not have a lining layer 110, it is understood that any pockets would be located between the outer layer 101 and inner weighted layer 102. A similar optional structure to that of the first embodiment may also be available for embodiments with pockets with openings located in the lining layer 110.
The term “comprises” and grammatical equivalents thereof are used herein to mean that other components, ingredients, steps, etc. are optionally present. For example, an article “comprising” (or “which comprises”) components A, B, and C can consist of (i.e., contain only) components A, B, and C, or can contain not only components A, B, and C but also one or more other components.
Although the present invention has been described in considerable detail with possible reference to certain preferred versions thereof, other versions are possible. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the preferred versions contained herein. All features disclosed in this specification may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent, or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features. Further, it is not necessary for all embodiments of the invention to have all the advantages of the invention or fulfill all the purposes of the invention.
In the present description, the claims below, and in the accompanying drawings, reference is made to particular features of the invention. It is to be understood that the disclosure of the invention in this specification includes all possible combinations of such particular features. For example, where a particular feature is disclosed in the context of a claim, that feature can also be employed, to the extent possible, in aspects and embodiments of the invention, and in the invention generally.
Also, although the description above contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments but as merely providing illustrations of some of several embodiments. Thus, the scope of the embodiments should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the examples given.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/240,387 entitled CONCEALED WEIGHT INCORPORATING UPPER BODY GARMENT, filed on Sep. 3, 2021, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63240387 | Sep 2021 | US |
