Patent Application
20080280737
The present invention is related to exercise weights. More specifically, the present invention is related to adjustable exercise weights for the lower body.
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Exercise equipment is commonly used by the multitude of people who exercise. There exists an enormous collection of equipment for exercises. The present invention relates to exercise leg and thigh weights. More particularly to exercise thigh weights which include a belt and surround the thigh.
Richard G. Walsh Jr. from Boulder Colo. in U.S. Pat. No. 4,303,239 issued Dec. 1, 1981 titled “Thigh Weights” discloses thigh weight constructed of canvas or vinyl coated nylon which have sewn in pockets. The pockets contain tubes of canvas or vinyl coated nylon filled with metal shot or sand. The thigh weights are secured to a belt and held on the legs with straps made of webbing material such as nylon or cotton. The thigh weights slide along the belt section through a slotted holder. Buckles are used to slide thru and attach the straps to hook and loop fasteners.
Mark Cebo-Johnson from United Kingdom in U.S. Pat. No. 5,553,322 issued Sep. 10, 1996 titled “Weighted Exercise Garment” discloses a one piece flexible garment that covers the upper and lower portions of the user as part of a kit which includes arm and leg weights. Over different areas on the garment are pieces of loop fastener material. Solid flat metal bars of lead are sewn into weight pockets made of hook material such that the weight packs can be stuck to the loop material on the garment.
David E. Spletzer of Brooklyn in N.Y. U.S. Pat. No. 5,868,652 issued Feb. 9, 1999 titled “Exercise Thigh Weight System” and U.S. Pat. No. 6,039,677 Mar. 21, 2000 “Exercise Thigh Weight System” discloses thigh weights which consist of a belt connected to a strap or rod which goes down the thigh, which is connected first to an unweighted strap which goes around the top of the users thigh and then is connected to another strap which holds weight made of solid metal around the bottom of the thigh.
Adding weight to the lower body is difficult to do without creating problems for the user. The prior art has used bags filled with metal shot or sand held on with rigid straps. These weights sag and constantly change shape as the user moves, while the solid strapping systems blocks and interfears with the users muscle and body movement. The jarring movement of the weights is also dangerous to the users joints. Many designs use solid plates or rods which also bounce, push into the user, and block their movements. These products can be very dangerous to the wear especially in case of a fall. Other designs incorporate complete pants instead of rigid straps to hold the weights. These designs must be custom made to fit different sizes and they are very restrictive and cause the wearer to overheat quickly. For all of these reasons weighted pants have only had very limited use as an exercise and sports training tool until now.
The present invention offers improved comfort, ease of use, adjustability and compactness to the exerciser to make exercising more convenient and easier for the exerciser to achieve the desired training for a given muscle or muscle group. The present invention provides less movement of the weights, the ability to fit a wide range of sizes, does not block the movement or expansion of muscles, and allows for more air flow to the lower body to help keep the user cooler.
The object of the invention is a safe system for putting small to large amounts of weight on the lower body without restricting movement of the users body or airflow to the users' body.
The present invention pertains to a system for weighting the legs for exercise. The system comprises an adjustable weighting system. The system comprises a mechanism for comfortably holding the weighting system to the leg and body of the user. The system incorporates both rigid and stretchable fabrics to both secure the weights while still letting the user move.
The present invention pertains to a method for exercising. The method comprises the steps of inserting semi-solid weights into pockets, then there is the step of securing the belt section on the hips, adjusting the position on the legs with the adjustment mechanisms, next there is the step of pulling one or more flexible expansion straps around the user's leg to secure the chap to each leg of the user, next there is the step of moving the weighted legs.
The present invention pertains to a weighted chaps system. The system comprises a first adjustable belt section, which secures about a user's waist and can be weighted, a second chap section, which can be secured to a user's thigh, can be weighted and is attachable to the first section. The system also comprises a third section which is attachable to the second section and is secured to a user's lower leg and calf muscle area and can be weighted.
The present invention does not block air flow between the legs and allows complete natural range of motion for the users legs.
The present invention pertains to weighted belt and chap system which can be connected to external resistance through connection points on the belt and leg sections.
The present invention pertains to the use of semi-solid weights and a system to causes the weights to contour to the shape of the user's waist and legs. The system causes the weights not to move or bounce during exercise.
The present invention pertains to an exercise apparatus. The apparatus comprises a weight. The apparatus comprises a holder for a weight. The holder has a pocket which holds the weight. Preferably the pocket has a stretch slot through which the weight is placed into or removed from the pocket. The pocket is secured against the user's waist and legs. The pocket includes stretch material and the pocket has a smooth outer surface with no protrusions or flaps or zippers to press into the user's tissue. The use of rigid and stretch layers allows the system to support the weight but still allows the system to bend and move with the user.
The present invention pertains to an exercise apparatus. The apparatus comprises stretch pockets which have a slot on one side. Weights are inserted into the pocket by stretching the slot and pocket materials such that the weight goes into the pocket and is held securely on all sides. Next there is the option of inserting more than one weight into the same pocket by additional stretching of the fabric.
The present invention pertains to the use of wide stretchable expansion straps to secure the system to the users body to distribute the forces required to hold the weights over a large area.
The present invention pertains to a support system which distributes the load evenly between the belt and leg sections with a wide flexible supporting mechanism.
The present invention solves all the problems of the prior art and provides the user with a system which holds the weights securely, does not cause tissue damage, provide for good air flow, a wide range of sizes, easy adjustability, and is safe to wear.
The present invention may be worn comfortably directly on the skin or over clothing and one size will fit the majority of population.
In the accompanying drawings, the preferred embodiment of the invention and the preferred methods of practicing the invention are illustrated in which:
Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference numerals refer to similar or identical parts throughout the several views, and more specifically to
Preferably, the adjustable weight system 5 includes pockets 7 in which individual weight inserts 8 are held. The belt section 1 is designed to be positioned about the waist and hips of the user. The belt section 1 helps to support and position the thigh section 2 and the calf section 3.
In one preferred embodiment shown in
The thigh section 2 includes pockets 7 to hold individual weight inserts 8 that can be added or removed to change the amount of weight and the location of weight. The thigh section 2 includes an unweighted portion 15 that has very limited to no stretch but is flexible and allows for movement of the user's leg in relationship to a user's waist or hips. The unweighted portion 15 transmits the load to the belt section 1 which allows the user hips in back to support the position of the weighted chap system 10 and thigh section 2. The wider the unweighted portion 15 is, the more it supports and keeps the thigh section 2 from twisting preferable the un-weighted section 15 wider than one inch but less than ten inches, more preferably no less than two inches in the narrowest area. The pockets 7 are positioned mainly on the front of the user's leg with two rows of pockets 7 in front and one set of pockets 7 wrapping around a user's thigh. The thigh section 2 includes a strap mechanism 16 to secure the thigh section 2 against the thigh. The weighted chaps 10 include a calf section 3 attached to the thigh section 2 in one or more places preferably on the side of the user's leg. The calf section 3 includes a limited to no stretch flexible support 17 that allows the user's leg to bend at the knee. The calf section 3 includes pockets 7 and one or more strap mechanisms 18 to secure the calf section about the lower leg. Preferably the strap mechanisms 18 secures above and below the user's calf muscle. Although the securing locations shown are preferred other securing locations around the user's leg are also possible.
In the embodiment as shown in
In the embodiment shown in
To make the weight inserts 8 easier to insert into the pockets 7 the flexible material is covered with fabric, preferably the weight inserts 8 are inserted into a stretchable sleeve 65. The sleeve 65 is then stretched and sewn closed. The stretchable sleeve 65 may be made of many materials; preferably Lycra and Spandex material are used.
Preferably the soft flexible material 80 is a composite 70 comprising high density material 71 surrounded by a matrix of soft pliable material 72.
Materials for the weights are also described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,005,041 filed Nov. 9, 1995 titled “REINFORCED THERMOPLASTIC ELASTOMER GEL” incorporated by reference herein.
High density material 71 may consist of metal, stone, ceramic, forms of carbon as well as different chemicals containing forms of metal, oxides, and ceramic molecules suspended in a flexible matrix of pliable material 72. The pliable material 72 may consist of clay, natural or synthetic rubber or plastic, organic or inorganic gel such as glycerin or gelatin or other pliable material. Preferably the weight inserts 8 are composed of a polymer composite consisting of plastic where by the high density material 71 consists of particles suspended between the polymer chains. Preferably the composite is a soft flexible material 80 with a durometer of equal to or less than 50 shore A. Preferably the matrix includes a flexible material such as natural or synthetic rubber, and more preferably is a thermoplastic elastomer and the particles are a solid piece of high density material with a particle size greater or equal to 1 to 300 microns.
Preferably the weight inserts 8 are about 0.125 to 1 inch thick and weigh 0.125 to 1 pound. Many sizes can be used from over 12×12 slabs to very small pieces, preferably they are about two inches wide and four inches high and can be stacked together inside a pocket 7.
The weighted chap system 10 can hold one or more weight inserts 8 and preferably in 8-10 pockets 7 in each thigh section 2 for a total of 16 to 20 pockets 7 on the user's thighs. Preferably the pockets 7 stretch to a single or stack of weight inserts 8 up to one inch high or one pound per pocket 7. This results in less than 1 pound to over 16 to 20 pounds of weight on the user's thigh which the user must lift to move their legs.
Preferably the individual calf section 3 has 4 to 10 pockets on each calf for a total of 8 to 20 pockets for a total of 8 to 20 pounds on the calf section 3 of the user's legs. This results in less than 1 pound to over 8 to 20 pounds of weight on the calf area of the legs which must be lifted for the user to move their legs.
An attachment mechanism 86 connects the weighted vest 85 and the weighted chap system 10 together. Preferably a weighted vest 85 may be used to help support the weighted chaps 10, however the attachment mechanism 86 may connect to any type of clothing to provide additional support such as a shirt, jacket, vest, overalls, or pants.
Preferably the belt section 1 includes attachment loops 87 or other connection hardware. The loops 87 can be directly hooked into or rings 88 can be inserted into the loops 87. Preferably a hook 89 and a stiff elastic strap 90 connect the weighted vest 85 or other support clothing to the weighted chap system 10. Preferably the strap 91 includes an adjustment mechanism 91 to adjust the length and tension of the strap 91.
The weighted chap system 10 can be worn while doing a wide variety of exercises from simple leg lifts, to walking, running, stairs, in the water exercises, jumping, and playing sports to increase the strength of the legs while increasing the strength of the rest of the bodies supporting systems including bone density, joint strength, whole cardiovascular system and the heart. The added weight causes more calories to be burned for a specific movement and therefore can improve weight loss while building muscle and system strength.
The weighted chap system 10 can also be worn for treatment of physical disorders to correct the balance and to make the wearer aware of parts of their body which they have lost connection with, such as occurrences with M.S. and other nervous system disorders. This may be used directly on problem muscle groups or indirectly by treating the surrounding muscle groups.
The weighted chap system may also be used to improve bone density by increasing impact and increasing blood flow to the legs thereby simulating both increases in bone density as well as improving circulation and muscle condition.
The weighted chap system 10 has been designed to fit a wide range of body styles and can be worn over most clothing, and is simple to take on and off and to adjust the weight on the different sections of the legs.
In addition, the thigh section 2 and calf section 3 may be attached to the legs to resist movement and the thigh section 2 and or calf section 3 may be unattached from the users leg and allowed to hang supported by the belt section 1. This allows the user of the system 10 to benefit from the weight but allows the thigh and calf muscles to rest without removing the whole weighted chap system 10. This is important for field training such as long marches or runs.
The invention includes/a lower body exercise system comprising; a belt system connected around a user's waist; and a weighted chap system connected around a user's leg; with a support system, which connects the weighted chap system to the belt system to maintain the position of the weighted chap system on the leg during exercise.
A system where the weighted chap system may include a weighted thigh system connected about the user's thigh between the waist and knee.
A system where the weighted chap system may be connected about the user's calf between the knee and the foot.
A system where the support system may include a system which connects the calf system to the thigh system to maintain the position calf system on the user's leg.
A system where the weight in the weight system may be adjustable.
A system where the connection system may include a mechanism for removing and attaching the weighted chap system.
A system where the connection system may include a mechanism for adjusting the location of the weight system on the user's leg.
A system where the support system may connect the weighted chap system to the belt system on the front side of the user.
A system where the weighted chap system may include pockets to hold individual weight inserts.
A system where the weight inserts may be flexible solid and have a durometer of less than or equal to 50 shore A.
A system where the weight inserts may be a composite material made up of dense particles in a flexible matrix.
A system where the matrix may be a polymer and the particles may be a form of metal, stone, ceramic, or carbon from less than 1 micron to more than 300 microns in diameter.
A system where the weight inserts may be covered with a fabric shell.
A system where the weight inserts may be less than 0.25 to more than 1 inch in thickness, less than 1 to more than 3 inches wide and less than 2 to more than 6 inches in length.
A system where the belt system may include a storage mechanism to hold weight inserts.
A system where the storage mechanism may be stretch pockets.
A system where the belt system may adjust to fit different waist sizes.
A system where the belt size adjustments may be made in the front of the user.
A system where the belt size adjustments may be made in the back of the user.
A system where the weighted chap system may include a non stretch support layer and a stretch pocket layer.
A system where the non stretch support layer may be on the outside with the stretch pocket layer on the inside against the user.
A system where the stretch pocket layer may contain one or more pockets, each pocket having a slot.
A system where the slot may be shorter than the width of the weight insert and stretches to allow the weight insert to fit into the pocket.
A system where the pocket may stretch to fit the weight insert and hold the weight securely on all sides.
A system where the pocket may stretch to accommodate more than one weight insert.
A system where the stretch pocket layer may be a stretch fabric.
A system where the stretch pocket layer may be a laminate.
A system where the laminate may be a fabric covered rubber.
A system where the rubber may be neoprene.
A system where the weighted thigh system and weighted calf system may include a connection mechanism to secure the weighted thigh system to the thigh.
A system where the connection mechanism may include a stretchable strap.
A system where the stretchable strap may be made of fabric laminated to neoprene and secured with hook and loop fasteners.
A system where the stretchable strap may be greater than the one inch and less than 12 inches wide. Preferably 2 to 8 inches wide.
A where the weight inserts may be held against the user by the connection mechanism and bend to fit the contour of the user's leg.
A system where the weighted calf system may include a system that connects the weighted thigh system on one or both sides of the knee.
A system where the weighted calf system may be connected to the weighted thigh system with a stretch support fabric which goes over the user's knee.
A system where the belt system may include connection mechanisms for connecting resistance devices.
A system where the weighted chap system may include connection mechanisms for connecting resistance devices.
A resistance system which may include elastic material.
A lower body system for exercise comprising a belt system connected around a user's waist/and a weight system connected around the users legs which is connected to the belt system; and the weight system containing flexible solid weight inserts.
A weight insert where the weight insert may be a durometer of equal to or less than 50 shore A.
A weight insert where the weight insert may be comprised of clay.
A weight insert where the weight insert may include dense material suspended in a flexible matrix
A method of exercise comprising the steps of wearing weights on the legs of a user, connecting the user to external resistance, and having the user move so as to move the weights while additional resistance is applied.
A method of exercise comprising the steps of wearing weights on the waist of a user, connecting the user to external resistance, and having the user move so as to move the weights while additional resistance is applied
A method of exercising comprising the steps of: inserting weight inserts into pockets, attaching the belt to a user's waist and weighted chap system to the user's leg, moving the user's legs to move the weighted chap system.
A method of exercise where the user moves the weight inserts into different pockets.
A method of exercise where the user stores weights from the weighted chap system in the belt.
A method of exercise which may include connecting additional resistance devices to a lower body weight system.
An exercise system comprising: a leg section supported in place by a belt section each section may contain pockets to hold one or more weight inserts, weight inserts which can be inserted and remove from the pockets to add or remove resistance to movement.
A method for treating nervous system disorders to increase the connection between the user's brain and movement of parts of the user's body including the steps of weighting portions of the user's lower body, having the user move the weighted section, moving the weighted section to different locations on the lower body. Weighting of one area may improve connection to that area or connection with another area. For example if the user has problems moving the right leg improvement may occur by weighting sections of the right leg or instead by weighting sections of the left leg. Adding resistance to the left leg in this case may cause a balancing affect by making it easier to move the right leg. The result is that the user may have less problems walking and the additional use of the right leg helps to improve condition of that leg. Ultimately by use of weights at different locations the right leg may improve enough so that weights are no longer required.
A method of treatment for increasing bone density and improve circulation including the steps of wearing weights on the lower body to increase impact and increase blood flow during exercises.
A method for increasing bone density and circulation where the weights may be worn on the waist.
A method for increasing bone density and circulation where the weights may be worn on the thigh.
A method for increasing bone density and circulation where the weights may be worn on the calf.
A lower body system of exercise comprising; an outer support system comprising a breathable mesh, an inner support system comprising a breathable mesh, to hold weight pockets formed between the inner and outer support layer.
A system wherein the support layer includes a strip with slots through which weights can be inserted.
A system wherein the weights are a semi-solid material with a hardness equal to or less than 50 shore A.
A system where the belt section is angled from 1 to 15 degrees.
A system where the weight securing strap is angled from 1 to 45 degrees.
Although the invention has been described in detail in the foregoing embodiments for the purpose of illustration, it is to be understood that such detail is solely for that purpose and that variations can be made there in by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention except as it may be described by the following claims.
