Patent Application
20240041138
The present disclosure relates to systems of methods of manufacturing wearable resistive equipment and, more particularly, a wearable resistive pant member that provides resistance for exercise, rehabilitation or casual, general use.
Exercise clothing (referred herein as clothing, equipment or apparel) may be widely available and often designed to provide various benefits to ordinary people and professional athletes alike. For example, exercise clothing may be designed to trigger the acceleration of blood flow, increase oxygen to the muscles, or even reduce the build-up of lactic acid. Exercise clothing can also be designed to draw moisture away from the body in order to keep a person cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Wearable resistive equipment designed with a built-in mechanism that provides endurance and strength training is, however, minimally available and is often restricted by the characteristics of the clothing material. Wearable resistive equipment with built-in mechanisms that may be currently available, may fail to properly follow the contours of the muscles of a user and therefore fail to provide enhanced or optimal resistance to enhance exercise or increase calorie burn, and decrease workouts or workout time.
Accordingly, one object of the present disclosure is to provide a method of forming a wearable resistive pant member. In these preferred embodiments, the method encompasses forming a waistband from stretch knit fabric; forming a left pocket and a right pocket from stretch knit fabric forming a left leg section of the pant member from stretch knit fabric, wherein the left pocket is aligned with a plurality of notches on a front left outer panel section, wherein the left pocket is affixed to the front left outer panel section, wherein two left front fabric tunnel portions are affixed to the front left outer panel section, wherein the front left outer panel section and the two left front fabric tunnel portions are affixed to a front left inner panel section, wherein two left back fabric tunnel portions are affixed to a back inner left panel section wherein the back left inner panel section and the two left back fabric tunnel portions are affixed to a back left outer panel section, and wherein the front left outer panel section is affixed to the back left outer panel section, thereby closing the left pant leg section; forming a right leg section of the pant member from stretch knit fabric, wherein the right pocket is aligned with a plurality of notches on a front right outer panel section, wherein the right pocket is affixed to the front right outer panel section, wherein two right front fabric tunnel portions are affixed to the front right outer panel section, wherein the front right outer panel section and the two right front fabric tunnel portions are affixed to a front right inner panel section, wherein two right back fabric tunnel portions are affixed to a back inner left panel section, wherein the back right inner panel section and the two right back fabric tunnel portions are affixed to a back right outer panel section, and wherein the front right outer panel section is affixed to the back right outer panel section, thereby closing the right pant leg section; forming a saddle portion from stretch knit fabric; affixing the saddle portion to the back left outer panel section and the back right outer panel section; cutting four front elastic rubber bands to a shorter predetermined length; cutting four back elastic rubber bands to a longer predetermined length; threading two front elastic rubber bands through the two left front fabric portions, wherein the two front elastic rubber bands are permanently affixed to the top and bottom of the front left inner panel section, and wherein the two front elastic rubber bands are substantially parallel to each other and do not intersect; threading two front elastic rubber bands through the two right front fabric portions, wherein the two front elastic rubber bands are permanently affixed to the top and bottom of the front right inner panel section, and wherein the two front elastic rubber bands are substantially parallel to each other and do not intersect; threading two back elastic rubber bands through the two left back fabric portions wherein the two back elastic rubber bands are permanently affixed to the top and bottom of the back left inner panel section, and wherein the two back elastic rubber bands are substantially parallel to each other and do not intersect; threading two back elastic rubber bands through the two right back fabric portions wherein the two back elastic rubber bands are permanently affixed to the top and bottom of the back right inner panel section, and wherein the two back elastic rubber bands are substantially parallel to each other and do not intersect; joining the waistband to the top edge of pant member; forming a right and a left ankle portion from stretch knit fabric; forming a right and a left heel portion from stretch knit fabric; forming a right and a left toe portion from stretch knit fabric; attaching the right ankle portion to right toe portion; attaching the right heel portion to center of right ankle portion and center of right toe portion; affixing the bottom of right leg section of the pant member to the right ankle portion; attaching the left ankle portion to left toe portion; attaching the left heel portion to center of left ankle portion and center of left toe portion; and affixing the bottom of left leg section of the pant member to the left ankle portion. In these preferred embodiments, the front and back elastic rubber bands are 200 0 to 300 0 shorter than the right and left front and back fabric portions when the pant member is not being worn by a user. In these embodiments, the front and back elastic rubber bands stretch to be the same size as the right and left front and back fabric portions when the pant member is being worn by a user. In these embodiments, the front and back elastic rubber bands can be stretched to approximately 135 0 0 longer than the right and left front and back fabric portions when the pant member is being worn by a user, and the user is in motion.
The present disclosure also involves a wearable resistive pant member comprising a plurality of elastic rubber bands that are substantially parallel to each other, do not intersect, may be generally aligned with the muscle patterns of a user and comprise a predetermined level of resistance selected from a predefined range. The wearable resistive pant member comprising the plurality of rubber elastic bands is substantially configured to a portion of a user so as to provide a targeted amount of resistance on the muscles of a user The effect of the wearable resistive equipment may be when the user is not moving, or when the muscles contract, thereby allowing the user, by and through the plurality of elastic rubber bands, to undergo enhanced muscle development, exercise, or rehabilitation, when used by a user.
The Summary is neither intended nor should it be construed as being representative of the full extent and scope of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is set forth in various levels of detail in the Summary, as well as in the attached drawings and the Detailed Description, and no limitation as to the scope of the present disclosure is intended by either the inclusion or non-inclusion of elements, components, etc. in this Summary. Additional aspects of the present disclosure will become more readily apparent from the Detailed Description, particularly when taken together with the drawings.
The above-described benefits, embodiments, and/or characterizations are not necessarily complete or exhaustive, and in particular, as to the patentable subject matter disclosed herein. Other benefits, embodiments, and/or characterizations of the present disclosure are possible utilizing, alone or in combination, as set forth above and/or described in the accompanying figures and/or in the description herein below. Further details and other features will become apparent after review of the following Detailed Description and accompanying drawing figures.
Example embodiments are illustrated in referenced figures of the drawing. It is intended that the embodiments and figures disclosed herein are to be considered illustrative rather than limiting.
It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale. In certain instances, details that are not necessary for an understanding of the disclosure or that render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. It should be understood, of course, that the disclosure is not necessarily limited to the particular embodiments illustrated herein.
The present invention provides its benefits across a broad spectrum of endeavors. It is applicant's intent that this specification and the claims appended hereto be accorded a breadth in keeping with the scope and spirit of the invention being disclosed despite what might appear to be limiting language imposed by the requirements of referring to the specific examples disclosed. Thus, to acquaint persons skilled in the pertinent arts most closely related to the present invention, a preferred embodiment of the system is disclosed for the purpose of illustrating the nature of the invention. The exemplary method of installing, assembling and operating the system is described in detail according to the preferred embodiment, without attempting to describe all of the various forms and modifications in which the invention might be embodied. As such, the embodiments described herein are illustrative, and as will become apparent to those skilled in the art, can be modified in numerous ways within the scope and spirit of the invention, the invention being measured by the appended claims and not by the details of the specification.
Although the following text sets forth a detailed description of numerous different embodiments, it should be understood that the legal scope of the description is defined by the words of the claims set forth at the end of this disclosure. The detailed description is to be construed as exemplary only and does not describe every possible embodiment since describing every possible embodiment would be impractical, if not impossible. Numerous alternative embodiments could be implemented, using either current technology or technology developed after the filing date of this patent, which would still fall within the scope of the claims.
It should also be understood that, unless a term is expressly defined in this patent using the sentence “As used herein, the term ______ is hereby defined to mean or a similar sentence, there is no intent to limit the meaning of that term, either expressly or by implication, beyond its plain or ordinary meaning, and such term should not be interpreted to be limited in scope based on any statement made in any section of this patent (other than the language of the claims). To the extent that any term recited in the claims at the end of this patent is referred to in this patent in a manner consistent with a single meaning, that is done for sake of clarity only so as to not confuse the reader, and it is not intended that such claim term by limited, by implication or otherwise, to that single meaning. Finally, unless a claim element is defined by reciting the word “means” and a function without the recital of any structure, it is not intended that the scope of any claim element be interpreted based on the application of 35 U.S.C. § 112, subparagraph (f).
Aspects of the present disclosure involve a wearable resistive equipment that integrates endurance and strength training capabilities into the wearable resistive equipment such that a user may experience an increased level of resistance when wearing the wearable resistive equipment. The present disclosure discloses a wearable resistive equipment that may include a pant member, a plurality of generally free-floating resistance bands within a plurality of layered systems that are contained wholly within the wearable resistive equipment. The wearable resistive equipment may include a first end of the plurality of resistance bands that is secured to a first end of the wearable resistive equipment and a second end of the plurality of resistance bands that is secured to a second end of the wearable resistive equipment. Each of the resistance bands are substantially parallel to each other, do not intersect, generally aligned with the muscle patterns of a user, and comprise a predetermined level of resistance selected from a predefined range. The wearable resistive equipment comprising the plurality of resistive bands is substantially configured to a portion of a user so as to provide a targeted amount of resistance on the muscles of a user after the muscles contract, thereby allowing the user, by and through the plurality of resistance bands, to undergo enhanced muscle development when worn or used by a user.
In an embodiment, the pant member may include a pant member comprising a first pant leg, a second pant leg and a generally annular waist section, wherein the first and second pant legs are coupled together via the waist section that extends down to a crotch area. The pant member may be configured to generally, or substantially conform to a portion of a user. The pant member also includes a first resistance band layered system disposed on the first pant leg, a second resistance band layered system disposed on the second pant leg, and a plurality of resistance bands positioned within each of the first and second layered systems.
In one embodiment, a front of each leg of the pant member 226 includes two resistance bands 204, one in each layer system 202, spaced apart from each other and generally extending parallel with each other as they extend between a first end of the pant member 230, which is located generally adjacent to a first end of the resistance bands 240 and the waist area 212 of the pant member 226, that extends generally downwardly to a crotch area 250, and a second end of the pant member 232, which is located generally adjacent to the second end of the resistance bands 242 of the first 234 and second legs 236 of the pant member 226. In this embodiment, one resistance band 204 is provided in each of the layer systems 202 on the pant member 226.
As seen in
The resistance bands 204 may be positioned within a layered system 202 (shown in dashed lines) designed to generally house or enclose the resistance bands 204 therein. In this way, the resistance bands 204 are generally-free floating within the layer system 202, thereby allowing the resistance bands 204 to stretch (i.e. provide resistance) within the layer system 202, and not be exposed on an outside of the pant member 226. Additionally, as the resistance bands 204 stretch, the resistance bands 204 follow the contours of the body of a user and do not otherwise obstruct or block the user from performing certain movements. This configuration enhances the comfort, safety, and usability of the wearable resistive equipment 200 for a user.
To create the layer system 202, fabric slightly wider than the range of widths of the resistance bands 204 can be stitched to the pant member 126 on two parallel sides to provide an area between the stitches that fits the resistance bands 204 therein. The resistance bands 204 can extend the length of the layer system 202 and can be secured or generally coupled at both a first end of the pant member 230, which is located generally adjacent to the first end of the resistance bands 240 and the waist section 212 of the pant member 226, and a second end of the pant member 232, which is located generally adjacent to the second end of the resistance bands 242 and the first 234 and second legs 236 of the pant member 226. The resistance bands 204, located generally inside the layer systems 202, can be secured to the wearable resistive pant member 200 by way of stitching, sonic welding, buttons, zippers, snaps, clasps, Velcro, or by other methods and configurations suitable for this use.
The layer system 202 can be made to provide sufficient room within the layered system 202 such that the resistance bands 204 are able to move and stretch as needed to provide a desired tensile strength. In other words, the resistance bands 204 can be free-floating in the layer systems 202 so that the resistance bands 204 are able to stretch freely between the first and second ends of the layer systems 202. That is, the resistance bands 204 are not restricted or constrained by being attached to the fabric of the pant member 226 along the entire length of the layered systems 202, except for at the first and second ends of the layered systems 202. The layered systems 202 may appear generally bunched when the wearable resistive equipment 200 is not in use, as depicted in
The resistance bands 204 fit within the layer systems 202 with adequate spacing such that the location of the resistance bands 204 remain in general alignment with the pant member 226, and so as to align with the contours of the leg and muscles of a user. The location of layer systems 202 on each leg 234 and 236 of the pant member 226 may play a role in strength training and/or endurance training, as the location of the layer systems 202 and corresponding resistance bands 204 can target specific muscles groups. For example, in
The front hip end 214a and back hip end 214b provide an adjoining point for the resistance bands 204 to be secured to the pant member 226. At the front and back hip ends, 214a and 214b, the resistance bands 204 are permanently coupled to the wearable resistive equipment 200.
The front and back calf ends 216a and 216b may be configured to be locations where both legs 234, 236 can be coupled to half sock 270 that may be secured around the foot of a user.
In
Further, like many exercise pants, the wearable resistive equipment 200 can also be equipped with one or more pockets 280 for storage of belongings. In some preferred embodiments, the one or more pockets 280 are located on the side of the exercise pant 200. In addition, the pocket 280 may be open-ended, or closable via buttons, Velcro, snaps, clasps, zippers, or other methods or systems.
In certain embodiments, the wearable resistive equipment 200 may include resistance bands 204 that are natural rubber. In certain embodiments, the wearable resistive equipment may include resistance bands 204 that are about 30 millimeters in width. In certain embodiments, the layered systems 202 are about 30 inches to 50 inches in length.
Further, the wearable resistive pant member 200 can be configured for various tensile strengths. In an embodiment, various versions of the wearable resistive pant member 200 may exist with each version supporting a different tensile strength. In some embodiments, the tensile strengths can vary between 10-100 pounds. The thickness of the resistance bands 204 may be one manner of varying the tensile strength, which can range from 0.6 millimeters to 2.5 millimeters. Thicker resistance bands 204 may be used for greater tensile strength.
Further the wearable resistive pant member 200 can be configured wherein the elastic rubber bands that reside inside the pant member are housed in a three layered system comprised of an outer panel section, a fabric tunnel portion and an inner panel section, as shown in
The present disclosure also includes a method 600, as shown in
In the embodiments disclosed in
In the embodiments disclosed in
In the embodiments disclosed in
discloses a method of exercise 600, which includes positioning a plurality of generally free-floating resistance bands within a plurality of layered systems in a portion of a wearable resistive equipment 602. By securing and/or coupling a first end of the plurality of resistance bands to a first end of the wearable resistive equipment 604, securing and/or coupling a second end of the plurality of resistance bands to a second end of the wearable resistive equipment 606, and aligning generally the plurality of resistance bands within the wearable resistive equipment generally with the muscle patterns of a user 608, a user can experience enhanced resistance on his or her leg muscles while the muscles contract 610 or are at rest. This method allows a user to undergo enhanced exercise, enhanced calorie burn, and/or reduce the time of exercise.
The plurality of resistance bands may be substantially configured to a particular user, in part using characteristics of a user, such as waist size, inseam, height, weight, among other characteristics. Using these characteristics, the bands may be generally aligned with the muscles in the legs of a user. A first end and a second end of the plurality of resistance bands runs substantially parallel to the muscles in the legs of a user, thereby providing an enhanced amount of resistance, at least in part via the targeted resistance bands, on the leg muscles of a user while the leg muscles of a user contract or are at rest. The method of exercise, by and through the wearable resistive equipment, enhances the effects of exercise and/or rehabilitation of a user.
All directional references (e.g. top, bottom, front, back) are only used for identification purposes to aid the reader's understanding of the embodiments of the present invention, and do not create limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use of the invention unless specifically set forth in the claims. Joinder references (e.g. attached, coupled, connected, and the like) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a connection of elements and relative movement between elements. As such, joinder references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and in fixed relation to each other.
The above-described benefits, embodiments, and/or characterizations are not necessarily complete or exhaustive, and in particular, as to the patentable subject matter disclosed herein. Other benefits, embodiments, and/or characterizations of the present invention are possible utilizing, alone or in combination, as set forth above and/or described in the accompanying figures and/or in the description herein below.
The phrases “at least one,” “one or more,” and “and/or,” as used herein, are open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in operation. For example, each of the expressions “at least one of A, B and C,” “at least one of A, B, or C,” “one or more of A, B, and C, ‘one or more of A, B, or C,” and “A B, and/or C” means A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B and C together.
Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities, dimensions, conditions, and so forth used in the specification and drawing figures are to be understood as being approximations which may be modified in all instances as required for a particular application of the novel assembly and method described herein.
The term “a” or “an” entity, as used herein, refers to one or more of that entity. As such, the terms (or “an”), ‘-one or more” and “at least one” can be used interchangeably herein.
The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Accordingly, the terms “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof can be used interchangeably herein.
It shall be understood that the term “means” as used herein shall be given its broadest possible interpretation in accordance with 35 U.S.C., Section 112(f). Accordingly, a claim Incorporating the term “means” shall cover all structures, materials, or acts set forth herein, and all of the equivalents thereof. Further, the structures, materials, or acts and the equivalents thereof shall include all those described in the Summary, Brief Description of the Drawings, Detailed Description and in the appended drawing figures.
In methodologies directly or indirectly set forth herein, various steps and operations are described in one possible order of operation, but those skilled in the art will recognize that steps and operations may be rearranged, replaced, or eliminated without necessarily departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. It is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not limiting. Changes in detail or structure may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims.
The present patent document is a § 371 of international PCT Application No. PCT/US2020/064502, filed Dec. 11, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/US2020/064502 | 12/11/2020 | WO |
