U.S. patent application number 13/539651 was filed with the patent office on 2014-01-02 for exercise garment.
The applicant listed for this patent is Maya Kaminsky. Invention is credited to Maya Kaminsky.
Application Number | 20140005010 13/539651 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49778716 |
Filed Date | 2014-01-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140005010 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kaminsky; Maya |
January 2, 2014 |
EXERCISE GARMENT
Abstract
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.
Inventors: |
Kaminsky; Maya; (Chicago,
IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Kaminsky; Maya |
Chicago |
IL |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
49778716 |
Appl. No.: |
13/539651 |
Filed: |
July 2, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/105 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/4013 20151001;
A41B 7/00 20130101; A41D 2600/10 20130101; A63B 21/4021 20151001;
A63B 21/0601 20130101; A41D 27/20 20130101; A63B 21/065 20130101;
A63B 21/4007 20151001 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/105 |
International
Class: |
A63B 21/065 20060101
A63B021/065 |
Claims
1. An exercise garment comprising: a top; a bottom; and one or more
weights located on the inside of the top or the bottom which are
concealed when a user is wearing the exercise garment.
2. A wrist cuff comprising: a stretchable material formed in an
elongated hollow cylindrical defining a weight pocket portion and a
fold over portion; at least one weight pocket configured to receive
a weight, said at least one weight pocket attached to said weight
pocket portion; and a weight configured to be received in each of
said at least one weight pockets; wherein said fold over portion is
configured to fold over said weight pocket portion to conceal said
weights.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to an exercise garment and
wrist cuffs and more particularly to an exercise garment and wrist
cuffs that include a number of concealed pockets for receiving
flexible weights which can be formed to the curvature of the body
that are strategically located to conceal the weights while
avoiding interference during exercising.
[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0004] Exercise has become extremely important in maintaining or
improving a person's health. More people than ever before are
exercising either on their own or in supervised facilities, such as
health clubs. In order to intensify the exercise, individuals are
known to incorporate free weights into their exercise regimen or
use some other form of weights. So called dumbbells are known to be
used as free weights. Such dumbbells normally consist of a
relatively short length of a metal rod with weights at each end.
Normally, 5 pound and 10 pound weights are used in conjunction with
an exercise regimen. For example, a user may hold a 5 pound weight
in each hand during all or part of an exercise regimen, such as
calisthenics.
[0005] There are several problems with the use of dumbbells as a
method of intensifying all or part of an exercise regime. First,
dumbbells are generally only appropriate in certain exercises that
are done in place, such as calisthenics. Second, due to the space
requirements many health clubs, only several sets of the 5 and 10
pound weight dumbbells are available, which may leave some users
wishing to intensify their exercise without dumbbells. Thirdly,
dumbbells are generally used for strength building and are not
appropriate for cardiovascular type exercises.
[0006] In order to solve this problem, users have turned to using
their own weights to intensify their exercise. In particular,
various exercise related articles have been developed that enable
users to carry weights while exercising. For example, U.S. Pat. No.
3,490,766 discloses a wrist strap which carries a flexible weight.
This article enables a user to intensify exercise of arm related
exercises. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2003/0130070
A1 discloses an adjustable weight training belt. The belt is
intended to be wrapped around a baseball bat. U.S. Pat. No.
5,078,964 discloses flexible weights that are configured as an
elongated tube that can be wrapped around different body parts,
such as an arm, wrist or ankle. Although the various articles
mentioned above satisfy their intended purpose to intensify
exercise, their purpose is relatively limited to specific
exercises. In general, such articles are used for strength building
and are really not appropriate for cardiovascular type
exercises.
[0007] Exercise programs over the last few decades have developed
way beyond simple exercise programs, such as calisthenics. Indeed,
modern exercise programs include a myriad of both individual and
group exercise regimens. Many Individual exercise regimens are now
more focused on improving cardiovascular health. Such
cardiovascular exercise programs are intended to raise an
individual's heart rate to a certain level for a certain amount of
time. Cardiovascular exercises are known to incorporate various
types of machines, such as, tread mills, ellipticals, rowing
machines, stationary bikes and others. Walking, jogging and running
are also known to be used as part of an individual cardiovascular
fitness program. Group exercise programs such as, aerobics, step
aerobics, spinning and others are now offered at various health
clubs-all designed to improve cardiovascular health.
[0008] Such cardiovascular exercise programs are generally not
intended to build muscle strength but rather to improve
cardiovascular health. In order to intensify cardiovascular
exercise and also increase muscle strength, exercise garments have
been developed which include pockets for carrying weights. In
general, the weight pockets are located on the garment to target
certain muscle groups.
[0009] Examples of such exercise garments are disclosed in US
Patent Nos.: 5,176,600; 5,937,441; 5,978,964; 7,376,979; as well as
U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos.: US 2003/0092544 A1; US
2009/0139005 A1; US 2011/0167533 A1 and US 2011/0247127 A1, all
hereby incorporated by reference. The garments are divided into
three categories. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,176, 600; 5,937,441; 5,978,964
and U.S. patent application Nos.: US 2003/0092544 A1 disclose one
piece garments. U.S. Pat. No. 7,376,979 and U.S. patent application
No. US 2009/0139005 A1 disclose two piece garments. US Patent
Application Publication No. US 2011/0167533 A1 discloses a vest
with weight pockets while US Patent Application Publication No. US
2011/0247127 A1 discloses a pair of shorts with weight pockets.
[0010] The exercise garments disclosed above are all configured
such that the weights are conspicuously visible on the outside of
the garment. While such garments may be appropriate for use at
health clubs, some individuals may prefer to wear their exercise
garment outside of a health club without the weights being
noticeable. For example, various individuals are known to be style
conscious and may prefer to wear exercise garments both in and out
of a health club without the weights being noticeable.
[0011] Thus, there is a need for exercise garments which carry
weights in a non-conspicuous manner for individuals that prefer
that the weights not be noticeable.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] Briefly, the present invention relates to exercise garments
and wrist cuffs which include 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 and wrist cuffs are 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.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0013] These and other advantages of the present invention will be
readily understood with reference to the following specification
and attached drawing wherein:
[0014] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an exemplary design of an
exercise garment in accordance with the present invention, worn by
an individual shown in phantom with concealed weights also shown in
phantom.
[0015] FIG. 2 is a partial isometric view of an exemplary sports
top in accordance with the present invention illustrating a weight
pocket with a weight removed in accordance with the present
invention.
[0016] FIG. 3 is a sectional view along line 3-3 of FIG. 1.
[0017] FIG. 4 is a partial isometric view of a portion of an
exemplary trouser in accordance with the present invention shown
with an optional ankle zipper illustrating weight pockets in an
ankle portion of the trousers, shown with the weights removed.
[0018] FIG. 5 is a sectional view along line 5-5 of FIG. 1.
[0019] FIG. 6 is a partial isometric view of an exemplary waist
band in accordance with the present invention illustrating the
location of the weight pockets, shown with the weights removed.
[0020] FIG. 7 is a sectional view along line 7-7 of FIG. 1.
[0021] FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate a method for bending the flexible
weights in accordance with the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 10 is a plan view of an exemplary wrist cuff in
accordance with the present invention, shown in an unfolded
condition with a weight removed.
[0023] FIG. 11 is similar to FIG. 10, but shown with the wrist cuff
in a folded condition.
[0024] FIG. 12 illustrates the wrist cuff on the wrist of a user
illustrating a concealed weight in phantom.
[0025] FIG. 13 is a partial sectional view in plan of a wrist cuff
illustrated in FIGS. 10-12 showing two weights installed in
opposing weight pockets.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0026] The present invention relates to exercise garments and wrist
cuffs which include 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 and wrist cuffs are 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.
[0027] A key aspect of the invention is the ability to conceal the
weights in a garment and wrist cuff so that fashion conscious users
can wear the garments and wrist cuffs with weights disposed in the
various pockets on the garments that are inconspicuous. As such,
the principles of the present invention are applicable to various
types of garments and are not limited to the garments illustrated
or described herein. More specifically, the exercise garments
illustrated and described relate to a two piece exercise garment
having a sports top with an integral sports bra and a pair of
trousers. The principles of the present invention are related to
one piece garments as well as one and two piece garments not
intended to be used for exercise. For example, the principles of
the present invention can be incorporated into casual and dress
clothes to enable additional intensity while a user is engaged in
routine activities--not related to exercise. In addition, the
principles of the present invention relate to various styles of
tops, both men and women's tops including women's tops with and
without integrated sports bras (hereinafter "tops"). The principles
of the invention are applicable to various types and styles of
trousers including shorts and the like (hereinafter "bottoms").
[0028] Referring to FIG. 1, an exemplary two piece exercise garment
in accordance with the present invention is shown which includes
bottoms 20 and a top 22. As shown, the bottoms 20 include one or
more weights 24 disposed in the waistband 26 of the bottoms 20. In
an embodiment which utilizes stretchable material for the bottoms
20, the waistband 26 may be formed by doubling over a free end (not
shown) of the material used for used for the bottoms 20 and
stitching the free end of the material along a stich line 28. By
doubling over the material used for the bottoms 20 to form the
waist band 26, a two ply waist band 26 is formed. The top of the
waistband 26 may also be stitched forming a second stitch line 30.
As best seen in FIG. 6 an opening, generally identified with the
reference numeral 36, is formed on the top edges of the two ply
waist band 26. The opening 36 defines a front wall 38 (FIG. 7) and
a rear wall 40 of the waist band 26.
[0029] The weight pocket 34 may be formed in a generally
rectangular shape. The bottom of the weight pocket 34 may be
secured within the inside of the waist band 26 by way of the
stitches forming the stitch line 28. One wall 42 of the weight
pocket 34 is secured at the top to the rear wall 40 of the
waistband 26 by the stitches 30. The opposing wall 44 of the weight
pocket 34 is secured to the front wall 38 of the waistband 26 by
way of the stitching 46. As such, the opening 36, defined above,
formed on the top edge of the waist band 26, enables a weight 24 to
be readily inserted and removed with respect to the weight pocket
34.
[0030] In the embodiment illustrated, the optional two ply
waistband acts to minimize discomfort to the user. In order to
conceal the weight so that it is inconspicuous when the bottoms 20
are worn by a user, the weights 24 are formed to be relatively
thin, for example, 1/4''-3/8''. Moreover, the weights 24 are formed
from relatively flexible material so that the weights 24 can be
individually made to conform to the user's waist.
[0031] Other methods for forming the weight pockets 3 are
considered to be within the broad scope of the invention. For
example, the weight pockets 34 can simply be attached to the
inside, i.e. surface of the waist band 26 closest to the user.
Other than stitching, other methods for attaching the weight
pockets 36 to the waist band 26. For example, adhesives could be
used.
[0032] The angular location of the weights 24 along the waist band
26 as well as the number of weights is merely exemplary. More or
fewer weights than shown could be used and the relative location of
the weights 24 can be varied.
[0033] One or more weights 48 can be located in an ankle or lower
portion 50 of the bottoms 20. As shown in FIG. 4, one or more
weight pockets 52 may be attached to the inside of the pant leg
just above the bottom hem 54, As shown, the weight pocket 52 may be
formed from a single piece of material 56 attached to the inside of
the pant leg on the bottom by the hem 54 and the sides, for
example, by way of the stitches 56 and 58, as shown in FIG. 4, to
form a pocket.
[0034] In order to facilitate placement and removal of the weights
48, an ankle zipper 60 may optionally be provided. As shown best in
FIG. 4, the ankle zipper 60 provides easy access to the weight
pockets 52. Without the ankle zipper 60, the lower portion of the
bottoms would have to be turned inside out in order to access the
weight pockets 52.
[0035] The location of the weight pockets 52 adjacent the hem of
the bottoms 20 and adjacent a seam 62 (FIG. 1) or ankle zipper 60
contributes to the concealment of the weights 48. In addition
relatively thin weights 48 are disposed in the weight pockets
52.
[0036] The top 22 of the exercise garment is illustrated in FIGS. 2
and 3. As mentioned above, the top 22 may optionally include an
integrated inner bra for support. In such an embodiment, the top 22
may include back portion 62 that is attached to the top 22, for
example, by stitching or other conventional means for attachment.
The back portion 62 is formed from a mesh for ventilation. As used
herein, the back portion 62 of the top 22 is that portion that is
in contact with a user's back. As shown in FIG. 3, a weight pocket
64 is formed on the back portion 62 of the bra. The weight pocket
63 is formed by attaching a generally rectangular piece of material
to the back portion 62 of the top 22, for example, by stitching, as
generally identified with the reference numeral 67, on three sides,
as shown in FIG. 2. A weight 66 is disposed in the weight pocket
64. Similar to the other weight locations, strategic location of
the weight pocket and the use of a relative thin weight on the
inside of the exercise garment help conceal the weights.
[0037] FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate one method of bending the weights
24, 48 and 66. In particular, the weights are formed in a generally
rectangular shape. In order to bend the weights 24, 48 and 66, a
user grasps the ends of the weights and bends the weight 24, 48 and
66 to the desired curvature to conform to the user's body part
adjacent the intended location of the weight 24, 48 and 66.
[0038] FIGS. 10-13 illustrate an exemplary wrist cuff, generally
identified with the reference numeral 70, in accordance with the
present invention. The wrist cuff 70 is configured in a generally
hollow cylindrical shape, formed from a stretchable material
configured to enable a user to slip the wrist cuff over their
wrist, as generally shown in FIG. 12. FIG. 10 illustrates the wrist
cuff 70 in an elongated configuration while FIG. 12 illustrates the
wrist cuff 70 in a work out configuration.
[0039] Referring first to FIG. 10, the wrist cuff 70 is initially
in an initial mode. As shown, one portion, identified with the
reference numeral 72, of the wrist cuff 70 includes one or more
weight pockets 74. An opposing portion, generally identified with
the reference numeral 76, is used as a fold over portion which
folds over the weight pocket portion 72. A weight 77 is inserted
into each of the weight pockets 74.
[0040] After the weight 77 is inserted into the weight pocket 74,
an edge 78 of the fold over portion 76 is folded over the weight
pocket portion 72 in the direction of the arrows 80 and 82. The
fold over portion 76 may be folded over until the edge 78 on the
fold over portion 76 is generally aligned with an edge 84 on the
weight pocket portion 72, thus covering up and concealing the
weight pocket 74 and installed weight 77, as generally shown in
FIG. 12.
[0041] The weight pocket 74 used in the wrist cuff 70 may be formed
as a generally rectangular mesh or other type of material ,
attached on three sides, for example, by stitching, generally
identified with the reference numeral 86, to the weight pocket
portion 72 of the wrist cuff 70, defining an open end 86. As shown
in FIG. 12, a weight 77 is inserted in the direction of the arrow
88 into the open end 86.
[0042] As shown in FIG. 13, a wrist cuff 70 with two weights 77 is
shown. More or fewer weights 77 are contemplated. Notwithstanding
the number of weights used in the wrist cuff 70, the weights 77 are
concealed when the fold over portion 76 is folded over the weight
pocket portion 72, as generally shown in FIG. 12.
[0043] The weights 24, 48, 66 and 77 may be formed from various
pliable materials. For example, the weights 24, 48, 66 and 77 may
be formed from lead that is powder coated black. The powder coating
is used to protect a user from contact with the lead.
[0044] The weights 24, 48, 66 and 77 can be formed in various sizes
and shapes. For example, the weights 24, 48, 66 and 77 can all be
formed in a rectangular shape varying in thickness, for example
from 1/4'' to 3/8 inches. Depending on the desired weight, the size
of the weights can be varied. For example, the weights 24 and 77
used in the waist band 26 and wrist cuffs 70, respectively, can be
formed to be 2''.times.3.5''.times.1/4'', which, if made from lead,
will weigh 8 ounces. The weights 48 and 66 may be formed to be
1/4''.times.3.times.3/8'', which if made from lead will weigh 4
ounces. Other materials, dimensions and weights are
contemplated.
[0045] In accordance with the present invention, all of the weights
are disposed on the inside of the exercise garment. In addition,
relatively thin weights are used, for example, 1/4'' to 3/8''.
These factors help conceal the weights when a user is wearing the
exercise garment. In addition, the use of flexible weights that can
be conformed to the shape of the user's body parts enhances the
ability to conceal the weights. Finally, strategically locating the
weights adjacent seams or in a back portion of a sports top or
within a two ply waist band further helps to conceal the
weights.
[0046] Various types of materials can be used for the exercise
garment. The exercise garment 20 may be made from various
stretchable materials, such as, a tactel material, for example, 88%
nylon and 12% Lycra.RTM..sup.1. The back portion 62 of the top 22
may also be made from a stretchable material, such as the power
mesh. The inner bra (not shown) may be formed from the tactel
material. .sup.1 Lycra is a registered trademark of Invista, a
wholly owned subsidiary of Koch Industries, Inc.
[0047] The weight pockets 34, 52, 64 and 74 may be formed in a
generally rectangular shape. These weight pockets 34, 52, 64 and 74
are formed to have the same shape as the weights 24, 48, 66 and 77
that they carry. The weight pockets 34, 52, 64 and 74 may be made
from a various stretchable materials, such as a power mesh which is
90% nylon and 10% spandex. In order to avoid having the weights
dislodge during exercise, the weight pockets 34, 52, 64 and 74 are
stretchable and are formed to provide a relatively tight fit with
respect to the weights 24, 48, 66 and 77.
[0048] Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present
invention are possible in light of the above teachings. Thus, it is
to be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, the
invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described
above.
[0049] What is claimed and desired to be secured by a Letters
Patent of the United States is:
* * * * *