Patent Application
20210299507
The embodiments generally relate to garments and, more specifically, relate to garments worn during exercise, which are configured to augment muscular activity by restraining the limbs of the user.
Exercise is recommended as a component of a healthy lifestyle, with much emphasis placed on aerobic activity and resistance training. Specifically, resistance training is utilized to promote muscular development, which is beneficial at all stages of life. Benefits include maintaining adequate strength, reducing muscular atrophy, improving joint health and longevity, and reducing osteoporosis as one ages.
To sufficiently train the muscles, resistance training should include a variety of exercises using body weight which may be further supplemented with added resistance. Common methods include weight circuit training, isometric exercise, and plyometric exercise. Resistance can be added using barbells, dumbbells, weight machines, weighted clothing, resistance bands, pneumatic exercise equipment, hydraulic exercise equipment, and other resistance implements commonly found in gyms or at home.
Starting in the early 20th century, resistance bands increased in popularity as a means for adding resistance to various exercises. Early resistance bands used surgical tubing due to its flexibility in use and light weight, making their use easy for users who may not be able to lift weights. The bands may be color-coded to indicate different levels of resistance, which allows the user to select the appropriate resistance level for each exercise or training technique. Various body-worn exercise devices that aid in muscle development are known in the arts. Such devices include resistance belts, vests, or suits which include springs and pulleys.
In the current arts, a variety of resistance band configurations are available including therapy bands commonly used for rehabilitation, compact resistance bands, fit loop bands, figure-8 bands, ring resistance bands, and lateral resistance bands.
This summary is provided to introduce a variety of concepts in a simplified form that is further disclosed in the detailed description of the embodiments. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended for determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.
Embodiments described herein provide a resistance training device, comprising at least one resistance element extending between a tensioning element and at least one arm component. The tensioning element is positioned on the dorsal side of the user and a pivot is provided near the elbow joint of the user to permit articulation of the arm component. A plurality of attachments comprise a first side and a second side to anchor the resistance element to the arm component to impart resistance to the user during movement.
The resistance training device comprises a plurality of resistance bands which are internal or external of a garment. The device includes a plurality of tensioning devices to permit adjustment of the tension imparted by the resistance bands. The device is worn to promote muscular development of the user by imparting a sufficient amount of tension to the torso and limbs of the user.
In one aspect, the tensioning element permits selective tensioning of the resistance element.
In one aspect, the resistance element may be interchanged to increase or decrease the amount of resistance imparted.
In one aspect, the arm component further comprises an upper portion engaged with the upper arm and a lower portion engaged with the forearm of the user.
In one aspect, the upper portion at least partially extends around the circumference of the upper arm.
In one aspect, the lower portion at least partially extends around the circumference of the forearm.
In one aspect, a sleeve extends between the upper portion and the lower portion.
In one aspect, the resistance training device is constructed as a garment to cover at least a portion of the upper body of the user.
A complete understanding of the present embodiments and the advantages and features thereof will be more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:
The specific details of the single embodiment or variety of embodiments described herein are to the described apparatus. Any specific details of the embodiments are used for demonstration purposes only, and no unnecessary limitations or inferences are to be understood therefrom.
Before describing in detail exemplary embodiments, it is noted that the embodiments reside primarily in combinations of components and procedures related to the apparatus. Accordingly, the apparatus components have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.
The specific details of the single embodiment or variety of embodiments described herein are set forth in this application. Any specific details of the embodiments are used for demonstration purposes only, and no unnecessary limitation or inferences are to be understood therefrom. Furthermore, as used herein, relational terms, such as “first” and “second,” “top” and “bottom,” and the like, may be used solely to distinguish one entity or element from another entity or element without necessarily requiring or implying any physical or logical relationship, or order between such entities or elements.
In general, the embodiments provide a resistance training device (hereinafter may also be referred to as simply “the device” or “device”) worn by a user. The resistance training device comprises a plurality of resistance bands which are internal or external of a garment. The device includes a plurality of tensioning devices to permit adjustment of the tension imparted by the resistance bands.
In some embodiments, the device is modular to permit adding or removing resistance bands to increase the tension imparted to the user by the resistance bands.
In some embodiments, an attachment is provided to the hand of the user, such as by attaching to the wrist, fingers, or hand of the user. For example, a resistance element 127 may extend from the lower portion 111 to the thumb to provide resistance during forearm and hand movements. The connection points to the hand may be altered to change the resistive force imparted by the device 100.
The resistance elements 127 may be a series of resistance bands that may be stretched individually or in pairs. Though this discussion may describe and illustrate bands that are elastic, the bands themselves may be non-elastic and may have stretchable and adjustable means near their points of attachment. Such bands are known in the art and may provide a similar workout when incorporated into the device 100.
It is a particular feature of the embodiments that the user can select the amount of resistance applied by selecting which and how many of the resistance elements are attached to the device 100. For example, where the user may select to engage more than one resistance element to provide additional resistance to the bicep during exercise. In some embodiments, the individual resistance elements are color-coded or otherwise provided an indication of their resistance to stretching.
In some embodiments, the sleeve 114 portion is a component of a garment which may include a t-shirt, long sleeve shirt, vest, tank top, jacket, body suit, or other garment known in the arts.
The material used to construct the garment should be very breathable and resilient. The fabric should be breathable so that vigorous exercise is not unpleasant when the garment is worn. Likewise, the fabric should stretch in order to allow the user freedom of movement. Such materials include cotton, or any other flexible and breathable material such as those marketed under the trade names of LYCRA®, SPANDEX®, or the like. Combinations of such materials may also be used. Due to the construction and fabrics used in the resistive exercise garment, it may be easily washed, dried and used repeatedly.
In some embodiments, the user may interchange the resistance element 127, lateral resistance elements 420, 422, and/or upper resistance elements 405, 407 to change the tension imparted to the user. For example, the user may select a high-tension resistance element for strenuous exercise and a low-tension resistance element during aerobic exercise.
Many different embodiments have been disclosed herein, in connection with the above description and the drawings. It will be understood that it would be unduly repetitious and obfuscating to describe and illustrate every combination and subcombination of these embodiments. Accordingly, all embodiments can be combined in any way and/or combination, and the present specification, including the drawings, shall be construed to constitute a complete written description of all combinations and subcombinations of the embodiments described herein, and of the manner and process of making and using them, and shall support claims to any such combination or subcombination.
An equivalent substitution of two or more elements can be made for any one of the elements in the claims below or that a single element can be substituted for two or more elements in a claim. Although elements can be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, it is to be expressly understood that one or more elements from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination and that the claimed combination can be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.
It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present embodiment is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. A variety of modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings without departing from the following claims.
