U.S. patent application number 14/192805 was filed with the patent office on 2014-06-26 for neutral bias resistance device.
This patent application is currently assigned to Tau Orthopedics, LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Tau Orthopedics, LLC. Invention is credited to Gerard von Hoffmann, Kaitlin von Hoffmann.
Application Number | 20140179497 14/192805 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50975274 |
Filed Date | 2014-06-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140179497 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
von Hoffmann; Kaitlin ; et
al. |
June 26, 2014 |
NEUTRAL BIAS RESISTANCE DEVICE
Abstract
Disclosed is a neutral bias, dynamic constant resistance
exercise device. The device provides resistance training throughout
an angular range of motion. The device may be low profile, and worn
by a wearer, such as beneath conventional clothing. Exercise of
selective joints or motion of the body may thereby be accomplished
throughout the wearer's normal daily activities, without the need
for access to conventional exercise equipment. Alternatively, the
device may be worn as a supplemental training tool during
conventional training techniques.
Inventors: |
von Hoffmann; Kaitlin;
(Sunnyvale, CA) ; von Hoffmann; Gerard; (Coto de
Caza, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Tau Orthopedics, LLC |
Coto de Caza |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Tau Orthopedics, LLC
Coto de Caza
CA
|
Family ID: |
50975274 |
Appl. No.: |
14/192805 |
Filed: |
February 27, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12951947 |
Nov 22, 2010 |
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14192805 |
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12797718 |
Jun 10, 2010 |
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12951947 |
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61218607 |
Jun 19, 2009 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
482/124 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2220/24 20130101;
A63B 2230/06 20130101; A63B 2230/50 20130101; A63B 21/0083
20130101; A63B 2209/10 20130101; A63B 2220/51 20130101; A63B
21/00189 20130101; A63B 23/02 20130101; A63B 23/0494 20130101; A63B
21/4017 20151001; A63B 23/1281 20130101; A63B 2225/20 20130101;
A63B 2220/34 20130101; A63B 2230/00 20130101; A63B 21/0552
20130101; A63B 2225/50 20130101; A63B 21/023 20130101; A63B 21/4011
20151001; A63B 21/0087 20130101; A63B 21/4025 20151001; A63B
2208/14 20130101; A63B 21/4039 20151001 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/124 |
International
Class: |
A63B 21/00 20060101
A63B021/00; A63B 21/02 20060101 A63B021/02 |
Claims
1. A low profile, wearable dynamic resistance device, comprising: a
waist band, for attachment around the waist of a wearer; a left leg
and right leg superior leg attachment structures, for attachment to
a leg of the wearer in between the waist band and the wearer's
knee; a left leg and right leg inferior leg attachment structures,
for attachment to the leg of the wearer below the knee; and at
least one left leg resistance panel and at least one right leg
resistance panel extending between the waist band and corresponding
inferior leg attachment structures; wherein the resistance panel
imparts bidirectional resistance to movement throughout a range of
motion.
2. A low profile, wearable dynamic resistance device as in claim 1,
wherein each of the superior leg attachment structures comprises a
band for wrapping around the leg above the knee.
3. A low profile, wearable dynamic resistance device as in claim 1,
wherein each of the inferior leg attachment structures comprises a
band for wrapping around the leg below the knee.
4. A low profile, wearable dynamic resistance device as in claim 1,
wherein the resistance panel comprises a malleable material.
5. A low profile, wearable dynamic resistance device as in claim 4,
wherein the material comprises copper.
6. A low profile, wearable dynamic resistance device as in claim 4,
wherein the resistance panel comprises a plurality of malleable
strands, extending in an inferior--superior direction in an as worn
orientation.
7. A low profile, wearable dynamic resistance device as in claim 6,
wherein the plurality of malleable strands are woven into a
fabric.
8. A low profile, wearable dynamic resistance device as in claim 4,
wherein the sum of the areas of all of the strands, taken in a
transverse cross section through the strands in between the waist
and the superior leg attachments is within the range of from about
0.020 and about 0.060 square inches per inch of the resistance
panel measured in a circumferential direction around the leg for
each leg.
9. A low profile, wearable dynamic resistance device as in claim 1,
wherein the resistance panel comprises a pivotable resistance
element.
10. A low profile, wearable dynamic resistance device as in claim
1, wherein the superior attachment structures and the inferior
attachment structures comprise first and second regions of a
garment.
11. A low profile, wearable dynamic resistance device as in claim
1, wherein the resistance device imposes a first level of
resistance to movement across the hip and a second level of
resistance across the knee, and the first level is greater than the
second level.
12. A low profile, wearable dynamic resistance device as in claim
1, wherein each of a left and right resistance panels imposes a
resistance to movement of at least about 10 foot pounds in between
the waist and the superior attachment structure.
13. A low profile, wearable dynamic resistance device as in claim
1, wherein the device imposes a resistance to movement at the hip
of at least about 10 foot pounds, and resistance to movement at the
knee of at least about 5 foot pounds, for each of the right and
left legs.
14. A low profile, wearable dynamic resistance device as in claim
6, wherein the strands have an average cross sectional diameter of
at least about 0.020 inches.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 12/951,947, filed on Nov. 22, 2010, which is a
continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
12/797,718, filed on Jun. 10, 2010 which claims the benefit of U.S.
Provisional Application No. 61/218,607, filed Jun. 19, 2009, the
entirety of these applications are hereby incorporated by reference
herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Resistance training, sometimes known as weight training or
strength training, is a specialized method of conditioning designed
to increase muscle strength, muscle endurance, and muscle power.
Resistance training refers to the use of any one or a combination
of training methods which may include resistance machines,
dumbbells, barbells, body weight, and rubber tubing.
[0003] The goal of resistance training, according to the American
Sports Medicine Institute (ASMI), is to "gradually and
progressively overload the musculoskeletal system so it gets
stronger." This is accomplished by exerting effort against a
specific opposing force such as that generated by elastic
resistance (i.e. resistance to being stretched or bent). Exercises
are isotonic if a body part is moving against the force. Exercises
are isometric if a body part is holding still against the force.
Resistance exercise is used to develop the strength and size of
skeletal muscles. Full range of motion is important in resistance
training because muscle overload occurs only at the specific joint
angles where the muscle is worked. Properly performed, resistance
training can provide significant functional benefits and
improvement in overall health and well-being.
[0004] Research shows that regular resistance training will
strengthen and tone muscles and increase bone mass. Resistance
training should not be confused with weightlifting, power lifting
or bodybuilding, which are competitive sports involving different
types of strength training with non-elastic forces such as gravity
(weight training or plyometrics) an immovable resistance
(isometrics, usually the body's own muscles or a structural feature
such as a door frame).
[0005] Whether or not increased strength is an objective,
repetitive resistance training can also be utilized to elevate
aerobic metabolism, for the purpose of weight loss.
[0006] Resistance exercise equipment has therefore developed into a
popular tool used for conditioning, strength training, muscle
building, and weight loss. Various types of resistance exercise
equipment are known, such as free weights, exercise machines, and
resistance exercise bands or tubing. Various limitations exist with
the prior art exercise devices. For example, many types of exercise
equipment, such as free weights and most exercise machines, are not
portable. With respect to exercise bands and tubing, they may need
to be attached to a stationary object, such as a closed door or a
heavy piece of furniture, and require sufficient space. This
becomes a problem when, for example, the user wishes to perform
resistance exercises in a location where such stationary objects or
sufficient space are not readily found. Resistance bands are also
limited to a single resistance profile in which the amount of
resistance changes as a function of angular displacement of the
joint under load. This may result in under working the muscles at
the front end of a motion cycle, and over working the muscles at
the back end of the cycle. Conventional elastic devices also
provide a unidirectional bias that varies in intensity throughout
an angular range but not in direction. Such devices thus cannot
work both the flexor and extensor muscles of a given motion segment
without adjustment.
[0007] A need therefore exists for resistance exercise equipment
that is portable, that may be used on its own without the need to
employ other types of equipment, and that applies a relatively
constant load throughout both a flexion and extension range of
motion.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] There is provided in accordance with one aspect of the
present invention, a low profile, wearable, dynamic resistance
device. The dynamic resistance device comprises a waistband, for
attachment around the waist of a wearer. A left leg and right leg
superior leg attachment structures are provided, for attachment to
a leg of the wearer in between the waistband and the wearer's knee.
A left leg and right leg inferior leg attachment structures are
provided, for attachment to the leg of the wearer below the
knee.
[0009] At least one left leg resistance panel and at least one
right leg resistance panel extends between the waistband and the
corresponding inferior leg attachment structures. The resistance
panel impart by directional resistance to movement throughout a
range of motion.
[0010] Each of the superior leg attachment structures may comprise
a band for wrapping around the leg above the knee, and may secured
by a hook and loop or other releasable fastener. Each of the
inferior leg attachment structures may comprise a band for wrapping
around the leg below the knee, and may comprise a hook and loop or
other releasable fastener.
[0011] The resistance panel may comprise a malleable metal. The
metal may comprise copper. The resistance panel may comprise a
plurality of malleable strands, typically extending in an
inferior-superior direction in an as worn orientation. The
plurality of malleable strands may be woven into a fabric. The sum
of the cross-sectional areas of all the strands, taken in a
transverse cross-section through the strands in between the waist
and the superior leg attachments is typically within the range of
from about 0.020 and about 0.060 square inches, per inch of the
resistance panel measured in a circumferential direction around the
leg for each leg. Alternatively, or in addition, each resistance
panel may comprise a pivotable resistance element.
[0012] In one implementation of the invention, the superior
attachment structures and inferior attachment structures comprise
first and second regions of a garment. The dynamic resistance
device may impose a first level of resistance to movement across
the hip, and a second level of resistance across the knee, where
the first level is greater than the second level. Each of a left
and right resistance panels may impose a resistance to movement to
at least about 10 foot pounds in between the waist and the superior
attachment structure. In some implementations of the invention, the
device imposes a resistance to movement at the hip of at least
about 10 foot pounds, and resistance of movement at the knee of at
least about 5 foot pounds, for each of the right and left legs.
[0013] The malleable strands typically have an average diameter of
at least about 0.020 inches, and may be at least about 0.040
inches, 0.050 inches, or greater, depending upon device design and
desire performance characteristics.
[0014] There is provided in accordance with a further aspect of the
present invention, a method of elevating aerobic metabolism. The
method comprises the steps of attaching a garment to a wearer, the
garment having a first attachment structure for attachment at the
waist, a second attachment structure for attachment to the leg
above the knee, and a third attachment structure for attachment to
the leg below the knee. The first, second and third attachment
structures may be discrete zones on a unitary garment.
[0015] The garment additionally comprises a first resistance panel
between the first and second attachment structures, and a second
resistance panel between the second and third attachment
structures. The resistance panels may comprise any of a variety of
elements for providing resistance against both flexion and
extension of the hip and knee.
[0016] The wearer then wears the garment while moving through a
normal range of motion, in opposition to resistance from the
garment. The garment is neutrally biased, so that it does not exert
a bias against the wearer when the wearer is not in motion.
[0017] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a passive exercise device. The exercise device
comprises a garment, having a waist portion and a left and right
leg portion. A left resistance element is operatively secured to
the left leg portion, and a right resistance element is operatively
secured to the right leg portion. Each of the right resistance
elements imposes a resistance to movement of at least about 2 ft.
lbs, and is neutral biased in the absence of movement.
[0018] In certain embodiments, the exercise device imposes a
resistance against extension in the amount of between about 2 and
about 75 ft. lbs., such as at least about 2, 5, 7.5, 10 and 25 ft.
lbs. In certain embodiments, the exercise device imposes a
resistance against flexion within the range of from about 1 to
about 50 ft. lbs, such as at least about 2, 5, 7.5, 10 or 15 ft.
lbs.
[0019] In certain embodiments, the passive exercise device imposes
a level of resistance to extension which is at least 50% higher and
in some implementations at least 100% higher than the resistance
against flexion.
[0020] The passive exercise device may additionally include a
release, for disengaging a resistance element in response to a
sudden movement by the wearer.
[0021] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a low profile, passive exercise device,
configured to elevate aerobic metabolic activity compared to a
baseline aerobic metabolic activity in the absence of the device,
through a range of normal movement between a first region of the
body and a second region of the body. The passive exercise device
comprises a first attachment structure for attachment with respect
to a first region of the body. A second attachment structure is
provided, for attachment with respect to a second region of the
body which is movable throughout an angular range with respect to
the first region. A flex zone is provided between the first and
second attachment structures, and the flex zone imparts
bi-directional resistance to movement between the first and second
regions of the body, throughout a range of motion, in an amount of
at least about 1 ft. lb.
[0022] In one implementation of the invention, the first attachment
structure comprises a structure for attachment to the leg above the
knee. The first attachment structure may be configured for
attachment at the waist. In one implementation of the invention,
the flex zone comprises a malleable material, such as a copper rod
or plurality of copper strands.
[0023] The first attachment structure and second attachment
structure may comprise first and second regions of a garment. The
garment may extend at least from the waist to below the knee, and,
in some applications of the invention, from the waist to the ankle
The garment may impose a first level of resistance to movement
across the hip, and a second, lower level of resistance across the
knee. One or more resistance elements may be carried by the
garment, or the garment or portions of the garment may be
constructed using a plurality of resistance strands woven to
produce a resistance fabric.
[0024] Further features and advantages of the present invention
will become apparent to those of skill in the art in view of the
detailed description of preferred embodiments which follows, when
considered together with attached drawings and claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] FIG. 1 is a plot of different resistance profiles as a
function of angular rotation of a joint.
[0026] FIG. 2 illustrates a comparison in muscle loading throughout
an angular range for a constant resistance device and an elastic
resistance device.
[0027] FIG. 3 illustrates a comparison in muscle loading throughout
an angular range for a hybrid resistance device having a constant
resistance component and an elastic resistance component.
[0028] FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of an exercise device in
accordance with the present invention, for providing resistance to
movement at the hip.
[0029] FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of an exercise device,
for providing resistance to movement at both the hip and the
knee.
[0030] FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of the exercise device of
FIG. 5, in which a greater degree of resistance is provided to
movement at the hip compared to the knee.
[0031] FIG. 7 is a front elevational view of a garment
incorporating resistance features in accordance with the present
invention.
[0032] FIG. 8 is a partial elevational view of a resistance element
in accordance with the present invention.
[0033] FIGS. 9A and 9B are perspective views of an alternative
resistance garment in accordance with the present invention.
[0034] FIG. 10 is a front schematic view of a garment such as that
in FIG. 9.
[0035] FIG. 11 is a rear schematic view of a garment such as that
in FIG. 9.
[0036] FIG. 12 is a flat plan view of an alternative resistance
garment in accordance with the present invention.
[0037] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an alternative resistance
garment in accordance with the present invention.
[0038] FIG. 14 is a flat plan view of the resistance garment of
FIG. 13.
[0039] FIGS. 15 and 16 show an alternate implementation of the
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0040] Detailed descriptions of the preferred embodiments are
provided herein. It is to be understood, however, that the present
invention may be embodied in various other forms. Therefore,
specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as
limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a
representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ
the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed
system, structure or manner.
[0041] The knee joint is a uni-axial hinge joint. The knee moves in
a flexion (bending of the knee) and extension (straightening of the
knee) direction. The three major bones that form the knee joint
are: the femur (thigh bone), the tibia (shin bone), and the patella
(kneecap). The prime muscle movers of the knee joint are the
quadriceps muscles (on top of the femur), which move the knee into
extension; and the hamstring muscles (underneath the femur), which
move the knee into flexion. The quadriceps muscles are made up of
five muscles known as the rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, vastus
medialis, vastus intermedius and a secondary muscle, the vastus
medialis oblique (VMO). The hamstring is made up of three muscles
known as the biceps femoris, semimembranosus, and semitendinosus.
The hamstring to quadriceps muscle strength ratio is two-thirds;
meaning, the hamstring is normally approximately thirty-three
percent weaker than the quadriceps. The muscles, ligaments, nervous
system, and skeletal system work in unison to stabilize the knee
during gait activities (walking, running, jumping).
[0042] In general, the devices in accordance with the present
invention are designed to provide resistance to motion between a
first region and a second region of the body such as across a
simple or complex joint, throughout an angular range of motion. The
resistance can be either unidirectional, to isolate a single muscle
or muscle group, or preferably bidirectional to exercise opposing
muscle pairs or muscle groups. Optionally, the device will be user
adjustable to select uni or bidirectional resistance.
[0043] In the example of a device to apply a load under motion
across the knee, configured to train quadriceps, the device imposes
resistance to extension of the lower leg at the knee joint and
throughout the angular range of motion for the knee. During flexion
(movement in the return direction) the device may be passive
without providing any resistance to movement. Alternatively, in a
bidirectional device, the device imposes resistance throughout both
extension and flexion in this example to train both the quadriceps
and the hamstring muscles. The resistance to flexion and extension
may be equal, or may be dissimilar, depending upon the objective of
the exercise.
[0044] The devices in accordance with the present invention may
also be provided with a user adjustable load or resistance.
[0045] In one implementation of the invention, the device provides
passive resistance to motion throughout an angular range. At any
stationary point within the range, the device imposes no bias.
Rather the device merely resists movement in either one or both of
flexion and extension.
[0046] In one mode of operation, the device is worn over an
extended period of time wherein the activities of the wearer are
dominantly aerobic as distinguished from anaerobic (i.e. dominantly
non-anaerobic). The invention may be practiced where some of the
activities are of an anaerobic nature, depending upon the training
objective of the wearer. The extended period of time could be as
short as one hour or less but is preferably at least two hours and
sometimes at least eight hours, although it could also be at least
about four hours or six hours or more.
[0047] Aerobic activity means that all of the metabolic oxygen
requirements of the active tissues of the body are being fully met
by the oxygen supply transported in the blood at that time.
Activity levels that stay within these requirements are classified
as aerobic and last beyond 5-7 minutes of continuous, rhythmic
exercise. The primary fuel sources for maintaining this aerobic
condition are fat (triglyceride) and sugar
(carbohydrate/glucose/glycogen). The predominant by-products are
CO.sub.2, H.sub.2O, heat and large quantities of adenosine
triphosphate (ATP).
[0048] Anaerobic activity means that the metabolic oxygen
requirements of the active tissues of the body exceed the oxygen
supply being transported in the blood at that time. Any aerobic
activity can become an anaerobic activity if the intensity of the
exercise becomes increasingly harder so that the oxygen requirement
of the active body tissues begins to exceed the blood's oxygen
supply. High intensity activities that can only be sustained for
periods of time less than 5-7 minutes fit the anaerobic
classification. The principal fuel for anaerobic activity is sugar,
and the predominant byproduct is lactic acid.
[0049] Metabolically, people are never perfectly aerobic, or
perfectly anaerobic. Instead, the body functions more dominantly in
one condition than the other based on the intensity or the duration
of the activity in which the body is engaged. Thus, even though the
total distance is the same, a swimmer will provoke an entirely
different metabolic response by swimming 10.times.100 yards hard on
a 1:30 interval than by swimming an easy 1,000 yards straight.
[0050] During low exertion level conditions, the consumption ratio
is roughly 2/3 fat and 1/3 carbohydrate with a trace of protein.
Both provide the necessary ATP (potential high-energy molecule)
that the muscles use for their contraction process. As long as the
oxygen supply to the active tissue is equal to or greater than the
metabolic requirement, glucose molecules are actively transported
into the muscle via insulin while the free fatty acid (FFA)
molecules freely cross the cell membranes. Sugar (glycogen)
previously stored in the muscle cells is added to the potential
fuel supply.
[0051] Once inside the cell, cellular enzymes dismantle the
molecules into carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. The oxygen and carbon
combine to form CO.sub.2 which is returned to the lungs via the
blood stream for us to exhale. The remaining hydrogen ions are
shuttled by active transporters called NAD and FAD into the small
energy-producing organelles called mitochondria. The hydrogen and
oxygen combine to form H.sub.2O which we eliminate through
sweating, breathing, our intestines and bladder. The heat produced
during the enzyme activity maintains our body core temperature and
elevates it during exercise. Large quantities of the high energy
ATP are produced to sustain prolonged, continuous muscular
activity.
[0052] As the intensity of muscular activity increases, the oxygen
requirement increases; body core temperature elevates; the brain
signals the adrenal medullas to secrete epinephrine (adrenaline);
blood delivers the epinephrine throughout the body; the epinephrine
stimulates the Beta-receptors of fat cells (adipocytes) by
triggering internal adipocyte lipase to dismantle the stored
triglyceride into FFA's and glycerol. The muscles use the FFA's as
previously described, and the liver catabolizes the glycerol and
reduces it to H.sub.2O and heat, both of which we eliminate.
[0053] Thus, extended easy to moderate training is a better way to
burn fat, and, as discussed below, high intensity exercise is a
better way to build burst strength. The elite athlete can not
optimize their training regimen unless they know the crossover
point. This can be evaluated, for example, by monitoring blood for
the appearance of elevated lactic acid which signals the conversion
to anaerobic activity. Both improve strength.
[0054] Aerobic activities include sleeping, sitting, and exercise
activities that produce heart rates that are about 85% or less of
one's estimated maximum rate. Roughly estimated, this is 170-160
bpm for healthy people 20-30 years old; 153-145 for healthy people
30-50 years old, and above age 50 it may be in the range of about
140-128. Above about 85%, the body's demand for oxygen beings to
overtake the blood's oxygen supply, and a person begins the
transition into anaerobic dominance. The change-over can be easily
documented using laboratory metabolic analyzer systems, but this is
not always practical. The simplest method is to monitor one's own
breathing process during exercise. If it is easy to speak to
someone while exercising, then one is dominantly aerobic. If one
has to use a halting speech pattern due to the need for frequent
breaths, then one is in transition. If getting a breath of air is
more important than speaking, then one is dominantly anaerobic.
[0055] Activities that last less than about 10 seconds do not
produce lactic acid, and they do not utilize glycogen (sugar stored
in the muscle). ATP that has been previously produced by aerobic
and anaerobic activity and has been stored in the muscle is used
for such short-burst activities. Examples include blinking one's
eye, twitching a finger, exploding out of starting blocks in a
track event, sprinting 35 yds. (i.e., football drills), or possibly
up to a 25 yard sprint for an elite, in condition swimmer.
[0056] During the short burst activity ATP is split by an enzyme to
release the potential energy in the compound. Within microseconds
upward to about 30 seconds, ADP and the separated terminal
phosphate are re-united by creatine phosphate to re-create another
ATP molecule to be used again. The liberated energy is used for
muscular contraction and resynthesis of ATP.
[0057] High intensity muscular activity exceeding about 10 seconds
requires more oxygen than the blood can supply to the active muscle
tissues. This hypoxic (insufficient oxygen) condition activates an
enzyme in the muscle cell which interrupts the aerobic sugar and
fat metabolism pathway. One molecule of stored muscle sugar
(glycogen) and one molecule of the blood sugar (glucose) entering
the cell are converted to two molecules of pyruvic acid. Pyruvic
acid is reduced into lactic acid. Minimal amounts of ATP are
produced.
[0058] This snowball effect quickly increases the lactate
concentration, further increasing the anaerobic enzyme activity to
produce more lactate. Lactic acid spilling over into the blood
stream is circulated to fat cells and impairs the stimulation of
fat cell lipase by the circulating adrenaline. Fat cell
triglyceride is not released into the blood stream which deprives
the muscle cells of a supply of fat for their aerobic use. The
reduction in available fat shuts down the aerobic activity of the
ATP-producing muscle mitochondria. Increasing the exercise
intensity, depriving the muscle mitochondria of fat and oxygen,
increasing the lactic acid concentration all stimulate the
increased activity of the anaerobic enzyme activity. The process is
a cycle that feeds itself until there is not enough ATP to continue
driving the muscle. The result is muscle fatigue and failure.
[0059] Heart rates exceeding about 90% of one's estimated,
age-adjusted maximum typically accompany anaerobic metabolism
dominance.
[0060] Even during this type of high-intensity work, we are still
not perfectly anaerobic. While muscles in one part of the body are
working aerobically, others are working anaerobically. When the
preponderance of muscle tissue is working anaerobically, the ratio
of sugar and fat use switches to 1/4 fat and 3/4 sugar rather than
the 2/3 fat and 1/3 carbohydrate consumed at lower exertion
levels.
[0061] The present invention is intended primarily for use to build
strength under conditions which favor aerobic metabolism, which, in
view of the foregoing will as a necessary consequence be
accompanied by an elevated consumption of body fat. Thus the
present invention may also comprise methods of achieving weight
loss, by wearing one or two or more passive resistance devices for
an extended period of time (disclosed elsewhere herein) each day
for at least two or three or four or five or more days per week.
The present invention also contemplates methods of reducing percent
body fat via the same method steps.
[0062] Yet other embodiments of the present invention include
biometric sensors and electronic data storage and/or wireless data
export to a remote receiver such as a smartphone or other wireless
device. In some embodiments, the sensors detect electrical signals
which are related to the load being transmitted by the force
modifying apparatus, the angular position of the upper leg
attachment relative to the lower leg attachment, and/or the angular
velocity of the upper leg attachment relative to the lower leg
attachment, temperature, pulse or other data of interest.
[0063] Various dimensions and materials are described herein. It is
understood that such information is by example only, and is not
limiting to the inventions.
[0064] The angular range of motion permitted by the dynamic joint
54 may be within the range of from about 0.degree. (straight leg)
to about 145.degree. or more. Typically, an angular range of motion
between about 0 and about 45 or 55.degree. is sufficient for a
joint such as the knee.
[0065] A bi-directional exercise device provides resistance to
movement in both the flexion and extension directions. However, the
level of resistance may differ. For example, in a normal knee, the
ratio of the natural strength of a hamstring to a quadricep is
roughly 1:3. A balanced passive resistance device may therefore
impose 1 lb. of resistance on flexion for every 3 lbs. of
resistance on extension. However, for certain athletic competitions
or other objectives, the wearer may desire to alter the basic
strength ratio of the unexercised hamstring to quadricep. So for
example, the passive exercise device 20 may be provided with a 2
lb. resistance on flexion for every 3 lb. resistance on extension
or other ratio as may be desired depending upon the intended
result.
[0066] In any of the embodiments disclosed herein, whether
mechanical braces, fabric garments or hybrids, the resistance to
movement will be relatively low compared to conventional weight
training in view of the intended use of the apparatus for hours at
a time. Anaerobic metabolism may be elevated by repetitively
placing a minor load on routine movement over an extended period.
The load will generally be higher than loads placed by normal
clothing and technical wear, and preselected to work particular
muscle groups. Preferably, the resistance elements may be adjusted
or interchanged with other elements having a different resistance,
or additive so that adding multiple resistance elements can
increase the net resistance in a particular resistance zone.
[0067] The specific levels of resistance will vary from muscle
group to muscle group, and typically also between flexion and
extension across the same muscle group. Also wearer to wearer
customization can be accomplished, to accommodate different
training objectives. In general, resistances of at least about 0.5,
and often at least about 1 or 2 or 3 or more foot-pounds will be
used in most applications on both flexion and extension. Devices
specifically configured for rehabilitation following injury
(traumatic injury or surgical procedure) may have lower threshold
values as desired. Across the hip or knee, resistance against
extension in healthy patients will often be within the range of
from about 2 to about 75 foot-pounds, more commonly within the
range of from about 2 to about 25 foot-pounds, such as at least
about 5, 7.5, 10 or 15 foot-pounds. Resistance against flexion will
typically be less, such as within the range of from about 1 to
about 50 foot-pounds, and often within the range of from about 2 to
about 25 foot-pounds. Values of at least about 5, 7.5 or 10 foot
pounds may be appropriate depending upon the wearer's objectives.
The resistance to extension might be at least about 130%, sometimes
at least about 150% and in some embodiments at least about 200% of
the resistance to the corresponding flexion.
[0068] The resistance garment may impart any of a variety of
resistance profiles, as a function of angular displacement of the
joint. For example, FIG. 1 schematically and qualitatively
illustrates the units such as pounds of resistance to movement in
either or both an extension or flexion direction, as a function of
the angular deviation of the joint across a dynamic motion range.
In this illustration, an angle of zero may represent a limb in a
"start" or straight or other reference configuration, while the
midpoint of the range of motion is half way through the range of
motion of the target join or motion segment. The maximum range of
motion is the maximum normal range for the target joint.
[0069] Referring to plot 60, there is illustrated an example in
which the resistance to movement is constant throughout the angular
range of motion, as a function of angle. Thus, at whatever point
the distal extremity may be throughout the angular range of motion
with respect to the proximal anatomy, incremental motion encounters
the same resistance as it would at any other point throughout the
angular range of motion. If motion stops, the resistance stops and
there is no net bias or force applied by the device against the
distal extremity.
[0070] Alternatively, referring to plot 62, there is illustrated
the force curve relating to a dynamic joint in the garment in which
the resistance to motion is greatest at the beginning of deviation
from a starting point, and the resistance to motion falls off to a
minimum as the distal extremity reaches the limit of its angular
range.
[0071] Referring to plot 64, the garment imposes the least
resistance at the beginning of bending the limb from the starting
point, and the force opposing motion increases as a function of
angular deviation throughout the range of motion. This may be
utilized, for example, to emphasize building strength on the back
half or back portion of an angular range of motion.
[0072] As a further alternative, referring to plot 66, the garment
may be configured to produce the most strength at the end points of
the range of motion, while deemphasizing a central portion of the
range of motion. Although not illustrated, the inverse of the plot
66 may additionally be provided, such that the end points in either
direction of the angular range of motion across a joint are
deemphasized, and strength throughout the middle portion of the
range of motion is emphasized.
[0073] As will be apparent to those of skill in the art, any of a
variety of resistance profiles may be readily constructed,
depending upon the desired objective of the training for a
particular athlete or rehabilitation protocol.
[0074] Referring to FIG. 2, there is illustrated a qualitative
relationship between a constant and an elastic resistive force,
throughout a range of motion. The constant force line 80 remains
essentially unchanged as a function of angular displacement from
any starting point. So the work required to move in opposition to
the resistance is at its predetermined value 82 starting at the
beginning of any movement within the range, throughout both an
early cycle 90 and a late cycle 92.
[0075] In contrast, extension (or flexion) throughout an angular
range against an elastic resistive force encounters a variable
resistance which starts low and increases as a function of the
angle of displacement. This elastic resistive force is represented
by line 84. Throughout an early cycle 90, resistance may be less
than the predetermined value 82 until the elastic has been
sufficiently loaded that the elastic resistance curve 84 crosses
the predetermined value 82 of the constant resistance line 80 at a
transition 88. Only angular displacement within the late cycle 92
encounters resistance at or above the predetermined value 82.
[0076] The angle zero can be any reference point throughout the
walking cycle, such as standing straight up, or with the leg at the
most posterior part of the stride, wherever the elastic has been
designed to provide neutral (zero) bias. The shaded area 86
represents work that would be accomplished under the constant
resistance device, but would not be accomplished during the early
cycle 90 for the elastic device as the elastic is loading and
resistance is climbing. Thus the constant resistance device forces
work throughout the angular range, while never exceeding a
predetermined maximum resistance force, but the elastic may provide
inadequate resistance throughout the early cycle 90. This is
important because strength is best developed throughout the range
of motion that is actually exercised under load, so elastic
mechanisms may inadequately load the muscles in the early cycle 90.
The shaded area 86 thus represents the inefficiency in an elastic
resistance system compared to a constant resistance system.
[0077] Early cycle loading in an elastic model can be elevated by
pre-tensioning the elastic so that at angle zero the resistance is
already up to the reference value 82. But the device now has lost
its neutral bias resting position and at all angles throughout the
cycle the wearer will be fighting a bias which may be undesirable.
In addition, pre-tensioning the elastic will also elevate
resistance throughout the late cycle 92 potentially above what the
wearer can tolerate or at least sufficiently that the wearer will
simply shorten their stride to avoid the resistance spike. Thus
maintaining resistance within a range of at least a threshold
minimum and a maximum throughout the angular range of motion is
preferred. The maximum will generally be less than about 3.times.,
generally less than about 2.times. the minimum, and in different
settings no more than about 80%, 50%, 25%, 10% or 5% or 2% greater
than the minimum. In general, substantially constant resistance
means plus or minus no more than about 10% from the average
resistance throughout the working range.
[0078] Referring to FIG. 3, the performance of a hybrid garment is
illustrated, in which both a constant resistance component and an
elastic component are present. This might be accomplished, in the
copper rod example described below, by securing one or more spring
wire elements (stainless steel, NiTinol or other elastic metals or
polymers known in the art) in parallel with the passive resistive
element. Bending across the joint thus both bends the passive
component as well as the spring or elastic component.
[0079] Thus the net force curve on, for example, extension is
illustrated as 94 and represents the sum of the resistance from the
passive and elastic components assuming the elastic component is
configured to be fully relaxed at the reference angle zero.
However, under flexion, the elastic component assists flexion in
opposition to the resistance from the passive component, producing
a curve more like 96 in which resistance to flexion climbs as the
angular deviation returns to the reference point. Hybrid
elastic/passive configurations can be used where a different
resistance profile is desired for flexion compared to extension
across a particular motion segment.
[0080] In any of the foregoing embodiments, it may be desirable to
provide a release which disengages the resistance to movement upon
an abrupt increase in force from the wearer. The release may be in
the form of a releasable detent or interference joint which can be
opened by elastic deformation under force above a preset threshold
which is set above normally anticipated forces in normal use. If a
wearer should stumble, the reflexive movement to regain balance
will activate the release and eliminate resistance to further
movement, as a safety feature.
[0081] Resistance exercise devices in accordance with the present
invention may also be configured for use with larger muscle groups
or more complex muscle sets, such as the exercise device
illustrated in FIG. 4 which is adapted for providing resistance to
movement at the hip. The exercise device 150 comprises a superior
attachment structure such as a waistband 152 for encircling the
waist of the wearer. Waistband 152 if provided with a closure
structure 154, such as at least a first attachment structure 156
and optionally a second attachment structure 160. First attachment
structure 156 and second attachment structure 160 cooperate with
corresponding attachment structures 158 and 162 to enable secure
closure of the waistband 152 about the waist of the wearer, in an
adjustable manner. Any of a variety of closure structures such as
belts, buckles, hook and loop or Velcro strips, snaps, or others
disclosed elsewhere herein may be utilized.
[0082] A first (left) resistance element 164 is secured to the
waistband 152 and extends across the hip to a first inferior
attachment structure 166. The first inferior attachment structure
166 may comprise any of a variety of structures for securing the
first resistance element 164 to the wearer's leg. As illustrated,
the first inferior attachment structure 166 is in the form of a
cuff 168, adapted to surround the wearer's knee. The cuff 168 may
alternatively be configured to surround the wearer's leg above or
below the knee, depending upon the desired performance
characteristics. Cuff 168 may be provided with an axial slit for
example running the full length of the medial side, so that the
cuff may be advanced laterally around the wearer's leg, and then
secured using any of a variety of snap fit, Velcro or other
adjustable fasteners. Alternatively, the cuff 168 may comprise a
stretchable fabric cuff, that may be advanced over the wearer's
foot and up the wearer's leg into position at the knee or other
desired location.
[0083] As will be apparent from FIG. 4, the exercise device 150, as
worn, will provide resistance to movement at the hip in an amount
that depends upon the construction of first resistance element 164.
First resistance element 164 may comprise any of a variety of
structures or fabrics which provide resistance to movement, as have
been described elsewhere herein. In one embodiment, first
resistance element 164 comprises one or more elongate elements such
as a rod or bar of homogeneous bendable material. In one
embodiment, the first resistance element comprises one or more
elongate copper rods, having a diameter within the range of from
about 0.125 or 0.25 inches to about 0.75 inches. As the wearer
advances a leg forward from a first, neutral position to a second,
forward position, the rod bends to provide resistance. The
malleable nature of this material causes the force to stop once the
leg has reached the second, forward position. As the leg is brought
rearwardly from the second, forward position, the rod again bends,
providing resistance to movement in the opposite direction. This
resistance may be considered passive, and the rod exerts no
directional bias in the absence of motion by the wearer.
[0084] Alternatively, the first resistance element 164 may comprise
a material which provides an active bias in any predetermined
direction. For example, a rod or coil spring comprising a material
such as spring steel, Nitinol, or a variety of others known in the
art, will provide zero bias in its predetermined neutral position.
However, any movement of the wearer's leg from the predetermined
zero position will be opposed by a continuous and typically
increasing bias. Thus, even when the wearer's leg is no longer in
motion, the first resistance element 164 will urge the wearer's leg
back to the preset zero position.
[0085] The exercise device 150 is preferably bilaterally
symmetrical, having a second resistance element 170 and a second
inferior attachment 172 formed essentially as a mirror image of the
structure described above.
[0086] The bending characteristics of the first resistance element
near the attachment to the belt may be optimized by providing a
first tubular support concentrically disposed over a second tubular
support in a telescoping relationship which is concentrically
disposed over the first resistance element 164. This structure
enables control of the flexibility characteristics and moves the
bending point inferiorly along the length of the first resistance
element 164.
[0087] The first and second resistance elements 164 and 170 can be
provided in a set of graduated resistance values such as by
increasing cross-sectional area, or by increase in the number of
resistance elements 164. Thus, the belt can be configured to
support a first, second and third tubular support elements for
receiving a first, second and third resistance element 164. One or
two or three or four or more resistance elements may be provided,
depending upon the construction of the resistance element as will
be apparent to those of skill in the art in view of the disclosure
herein.
[0088] At least a right and a left safety release may be provided,
to release the resistance from the right and left resistance
elements in response to a sudden spike in force applied by the
wearer such as might occur if the wearer were to try to recover
from missing a step or tripping. The release may be configured in a
variety of ways depending upon the underlying device design. For
example, in a solid flexible rod resistance element, a short
section of rod may be constructed of a different material which
would snap under a sudden load spike. That resistance element would
be disposed and replaced once the release has been actuated.
Alternatively, a male component on a first section of the
resistance element can be snap fit with a female component on a
second section of the resistance element, such that the two
components become reversibly disengaged from each other upon
application of a sudden force above the predetermined safety
threshold. Two components can be pivotable connected to each other
along the length of the resistance element, but with a coefficient
of static friction such that movement of the pivot is only
permitted in response to loads above the predetermined threshold.
Alternatively, one or more of the belt connectors or corresponding
inferior connectors can be releasably secured with respect to the
wearer. Any of a variety of interference fit attachment structures
or hook and loop fasteners can be optimized to reversibly release
upon application of the threshold pressure. In more complex systems
or systems configured for relatively high resistance such as for
heavy athletic training, more sophisticated release mechanisms may
be configured such as those used in conventional ski bindings and
well understood in the art.
[0089] Referring to FIG. 5, there is disclosed a further
implementation of the present invention, which provides resistance
to movement at both the hip as well as the knee. The embodiment of
FIG. 5 is similar to that illustrated in FIG. 4, with the addition
of a third resistance element 186 and a fourth resistance element
188 extending from the knee to the foot, ankle or leg below the
knee. In the illustrated embodiment, the third resistance element
186 extends inferiorly to a foot or ankle support 190. The fourth
resistance element 188 extends inferiorly to a second foot or ankle
support 192. The foot or ankle supports 190 and 192 may comprise
any of a variety of structures, such as an ankle band for
surrounding the ankle, a boot or sock for wearing on the foot,
and/or a shoe or other article to be attached in the vicinity of
the foot.
[0090] Referring to FIG. 6, there is illustrated a side elevational
view of an implementation of the design illustrated in FIG. 5. In
this implementation of the invention, a first, second and third
resistance elements are provided between the waistband and the
knee, to provide a first level of resistance to movement. A first
and second resistance elements are provided between the knee and
the ankle, to provide a second, lower level of resistance between
the femur and the ankle. Thus, different muscle groups may be
challenged by different level of resistance as has been discussed
previously herein.
[0091] A partially exploded view of a segment of a resistance
element 164 is illustrated in FIG. 8. In one implementation of the
invention, the attachment structure for attaching a resistance
element to the body may be one or more belts, cuffs or garments as
has been described herein. The attachment structure is provided
with at least one sleeve 194 extending on a generally superior
inferior axis on each side of the body and optionally on the medial
side (inseam) of each leg. Sleeve 194 comprises any of a variety of
flexible materials, such as fabric or polymeric tubing.
[0092] Sleeve 194 removably receives a resistance core 196. Core
196 may comprise one or more solid copper rods, or other element
which resist bending. A plurality of sleeves 194 may be provided on
a garment or other attachment structure, such as two or three or
four or five or more, extending in parallel to each other across a
joint or other motion segment to provide a multi-component
resistance element. The wearer may elect to introduce a resistance
core 196 into each of the sleeves 194 (e.g. for maximum resistance)
or only into some of the sleeves 194 leaving other sleeves empty.
In this manner, the wearer can customize the level of resistance as
desired.
[0093] Passive resistance or biased resistance to movement in
accordance with the present invention may be built into a partial
or full body suit, depending upon the desired performance
characteristics. Resistance may be built into the body suit in any
of a variety of ways, such as by incorporation of any of the
foregoing structures (wires or other malleable materials) into the
body suit, and/or incorporation of elastic stretch or flex panels
of different fabrics as will be disclosed below.
[0094] Referring to FIG. 7, there is illustrated a front
elevational view of a garment in the form of a full body suit 220,
incorporating resistance elements in accordance with the present
invention. Although illustrated as a full body suit, the garment
may be in the form of pants alone, from the waist down, or an upper
body garment similar to a shirt. In general, the body suit is
provided with one or more resistance elements spanning a joint of
interest, as has been discussed herein. The resistance element may
be any of the devices disclosed previously herein, either removably
or permanently attached to the fabric of the garment. For example,
in the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of sleeves 194 extend
proximally from the waist 222 down to the ankle 224 for permanently
or removably receiving corresponding resistance elements therein.
Preferably, the resistance elements may be removably carried by the
garment, such as via an opening 226 illustrated at the superior end
of sleeve 194, thereby enabling customization of the resistance
level by the wearer. In addition, the resistance elements may
preferably be removed for laundering the garment, and for taking
the garment on and off. The garment can more easily be positioned
on the body without the resistance elements, and the resistance
elements may be introduced into the sleeve 194 or other receiving
structure thereafter.
[0095] In addition, or as an alternative to the resistance elements
disclosed previously herein, the garment may be provided with one
or more elastic panels positioned and oriented to resist movement
in a preselected direction. For example, an elastic panel having an
axis of elongation in the inferior superior direction, and
positioned behind the knee, can provide resistance to extension of
the knee. Alternatively, a stretch panel on the front or anterior
surface of the leg, spanning the knee, can bias the knee in the
direction of extension and resist flexion. Panels 228 and 230
illustrated in FIG. 7 can be configured to stretch upon flexion of
the knee thereby biasing the garment in the direction of extension.
Resistance to flexion or extension or other movement of any other
joint or motion segment in the body can be provided, by orienting
one or more stretch panels of fabric in a similar fashion. In a
passive resistance garment, the panels may comprise a plurality of
wires or strands attached to or woven or braided into the fabric,
as discussed below.
[0096] Any of a variety of fabrics may be utilized to form the
garment, preferably materials which are highly breathable thereby
allowing heat and moisture to escape, and having sufficient
structural integrity to transfer force between the body and the
resistance elements. The fabric can be compression or other elastic
fabric, or an inelastic material with elastic panels in position to
load specific muscle groups, or metal or metal--nonmetal hybrids
depending upon the desired performance.
[0097] The woven resistance fabric of the present invention may
comprise any of a variety of weaves typically between at least a
first support filament and at least a second resistance filament.
For example, the resistance fabric may comprise weaves such as
plain weaves, basket weaves, rep or rib weaves, twill weaves (e.g.,
straight twill, reverse twill, herringbone twill), satin weaves,
and double weaves (e.g., double-width, tubular double weave,
reversed double weave). In general, the weave is a convenient
structure for supporting a plurality of resistance imparting
strands in a manner that can be made into or supported by a garment
like structure that can be carried by a wearer's body. Nonwoven
constructs can also be utilized, such as by securing a plurality of
nonwoven (e.g., parallel) resistance strands (e.g., metal wire
strands) to each other or to a supporting fabric base. Securing may
be accomplished by dip coating, spray coating or otherwise coating
or embedding the resistance strands with a flexible adhesive or
other polymer, or weaving or braiding, to produce a flexible
resistance band or sheet.
[0098] The term "strand" as used herein is a generic term for an
elongate, thin flexible element suitable for weaving. For example,
strands may include, but are not limited to monofilaments,
filaments twisted together, fibers spun together or otherwise
joined, yarns, roving yarns, crepe yarns, ply yarns, cord yarns,
threads, strings, filaments laid together without twist, single
strand or multi strand wire as well as other configurations. Strand
includes elements sometimes referred to herein as rods, such that
for example a 0.125 inch diameter copper rod is a relatively thick
strand. Strand diameters will generally be at least about 0.018
inches, at least about 0.025 inches, at least about 0.040 inches,
at least about 0.050 inches or at least about 0.10 inches or more,
depending upon the construction and desired performance. For
strands that are not circular in cross sections, the foregoing
values can readily be converted to cross sectional areas as is
understood in the art. Unless otherwise specified, references
herein to strand diameters or cross sectional areas along the
length of a strand or of a group of strands refers to an average
value for the corresponding diameters or cross sectional areas.
[0099] A woven resistance fabric embodiment generally comprise at
least a first and second sets of relatively straight strands, the
warp and the weft, which cross and interweave to form a fabric.
Typically, the warp and weft yarn cross at approximately a right
angle as woven, but may cross at any angle such as at least about
45, 65, 75 or 85 degrees. Also typically, fabric is woven to have a
given width, but may have any desired length. The warp yarn runs in
the length direction of the fabric, which is generally the longer
dimension thereof, and the weft yarn runs in the crosswise or width
direction thereof, which is generally the shorter dimension. It may
be convenient to weave passive resistance fabric such that the warp
strand is a metal such as copper and the weft is a conventional
athletic fabric material. The pants or body suit or resistance
strips would be cut with the long axis of the resistance strands
primarily running in an inferior--superior direction in the example
of a pant, and the non-resistance strands run in a circumferential
direction relative to the leg. A textile and/or fabric may be woven
in a single-layer weave and/or in a plural-layer weave. It is noted
that textiles and/or fabrics having two or more layers, i.e. plural
layers, are commonly and generally referred to as multilayer
weaves. Certain weaves may be referred to specifically, e.g., a
two-layer woven fabric may be referred to as a double weave. For
example, an inner liner may be provided for comfort, to separate
the wearer from the resistance layer.
[0100] In one embodiment of the present invention, a first warp or
weft fibers may be aesthetic fibers that are selected for their
aesthetic appeal (e.g., color, texture, ability to receive dye,
drapeability, etc.). Examples of such fibers may include natural
fibers, cotton, wool, rayon, polyamid fibers, modeacrylic fibers,
high modulus fibers, Kevlar.RTM. fibers, Nomex.RTM. fibers, and
other fibers formulated to produce or exhibit aesthetic
characteristics.
[0101] A second warp or weft fibers may be performance fibers that
are selected for their strength or protective properties (e.g.,
cut, abrasion, ballistic, and/or fire resistance characteristics,
etc.). Examples of performance fibers include high molecular weight
polyethylene, aramid, carbon fiber, Kevlar.RTM. fibers, Nomex.RTM.
fibers, fiberglass, and other fibers formulated to produce or
exhibit performance characteristics. Many performance fibers are
not aesthetically desirable (e.g., don't receive dyes or colors
well, etc.); however, by structuring a fabric in accordance with
various embodiments of the present invention, traditional aesthetic
problems associated with such fibers may have a significantly
reduced effect given that such fibers are generally hidden from
view.
[0102] A third warp or weft fibers may be comfort fibers that are
selected for their comfort-providing qualities (e.g., softness
against a wearer's skin, cooling properties, etc.). Examples of
comfort fibers include cellulosic fibers such as cotton, rayon,
wool, microfiber polyester, nylon, and other fibers formulated to
produce or exhibit comfort characteristics.
In addition, the fibers that will extend around the leg and
transverse to the metal fibers may be stretchable fibers that are
selected to provide flexibility to the fabric to allow the fabric
to have a better fit on the wearer and to allow the wearer more
unrestricted movement while wearing the fabric. Examples of
stretchable fibers include Lycra.RTM. fibers, Spandex.RTM. fibers,
composite fibers that include Lycra.RTM. or Spandex.RTM. fibers,
Kevlar.RTM. fibers, high modulus polyethylene, wool, rayon, nylon,
modeacrylic fibers, and other fibers formulated to exhibit stretch
characteristics.
[0103] Materials used for the shape memory element strands need
only be biocompatible or able to be made biocompatible. Suitable
materials for the shape memory element strands include shape memory
metals and shape memory polymers. Suitable shape memory metals
include, for example, TiNi (Nitinol), CuZnAl, and FeNiAl alloys.
Particularly preferred are "superelastic" metal alloys.
Superelasticity refers to a shape memory metal alloy's ability to
spring back to its austenitic form from a stress-induced martensite
at temperatures above austenite finish temperature. The austenite
finish temperature refers to the temperature at which the
transformation of a shape memory metal from the martensitic phase
to the austenitic phase completes.
[0104] For example, martensite in a Nitinol alloy may be stress
induced if stress is applied at a temperature above the Nitinol
alloy's austenite start temperature. Since austenite is the stable
phase at temperatures above austenite finish temperature under
no-load conditions, the material springs back to its original shape
when the stress is removed. This extraordinary elasticity is called
superelasticity. In one example, Nitinol wire may be in the
superelastic condition where the wire has been cold worked at least
40% and given an aging heat treatment at approximately 500 degrees
Celsius for at least 10 minutes. The Nitinol wire is in its fully
superelastic condition where the use temperature is greater than
the austenite finish temperature of the Nitinol wire.
[0105] The term "elastic" is used to describe any component that is
capable of substantial elastic deformation, which results in a bias
to return to its non-deformed or neutral state. It should be
understood that the term "elastic" includes but is not intended to
be limited to a particular class of elastic materials. In some
cases, one or more elastic portions can be made of an elastomeric
material including, but not limited to: natural rubber, synthetic
polyisoprene, butyl rubber, halogenated butyl rubbers,
polybutadiene, styrene-butadiene rubber, nitrile rubber,
hydrogenated nitrile rubbers, chloroprene rubber (such as
polychloroprene, neoprene and bayprene), ethylene propylene rubber
(EPM), ethylene propylene diene rubber (EPDM), epichlorohydrin
rubber (ECO), polyacrylic rubber, silicone rubber, fluorosilicone
rubber (FVMQ), fluoroelastomers (such as Viton, Tecnoflon, Fluorel,
Aflas and Dai-EI), perfluoroelastomers (such as Tecnoflon PFR,
Kalrez, Chemraz, Perlast), polyether block amides (PEBA),
chlorosulfonated polyethylene (CSM), ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA),
various types of thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), for example
Elastron, as well as any other type of material with substantial
elastic properties. In other cases, an elastic portion could be
made of another type of material that is capable of elastic
deformation or composite weaves of elastic and inelastic fibers or
threads. In one exemplary embodiment, each elastic portion may
include neoprene potentially augmented by a secondary elastic
component such as sheets or strips of a latex or other rubber
depending upon the desired elastic force and dynamic range of
stretch.
[0106] Another fabric with a high modulus of elasticity is
elastane, which is known in the art of compression fabrics. The
material may be a polyester/elastane fabric with moisture-wicking
properties. For example, the fabric may comprise 5 oz/yd.sup.2
micro-denier polyester/elastane warp knit tricot fabric that will
wick moisture from the body and include 76% 40 denier dull
polyester and 24% 55 denier spandex knit. The high elastane content
allows for proper stretch and support. The fabric may be a tricot
construction at a 60'' width. The mean warp stretch may be 187% at
10 lbs of load, and the mean width stretch may be 90% at 10 lbs of
load. This fabric also may have a wicking finish applied to it.
Such a fabric is available from UNDER ARMOUR.TM. Although the
foregoing fabric is given as an example, it will be appreciated
that any of a variety of other fabric or other materials known in
the art may be used to construct the garment 100, including
compression fabrics and non-compression fabrics. Examples of such
fabrics include, but are not limited to, knit, woven and non-woven
fabrics comprised of nylon, polyester, cotton, elastane, any of the
materials identified above and blends thereof. Any of the foregoing
can be augmented with mechanical resistance elements, such as
bendable rods, springs and others disclosed herein.
[0107] The fabric can be characterized by the total cross sectional
area of metal per unit length of fabric, measured transverse to the
direction of the metal strands. For example, a plain weave having
parallel metal strands each having a diameter of 0.020 inches, each
adjacent strands separated by 0.020 inches, will have a metal
density of 25 strands per inch. The sum of the cross sections of
the 25 strands is approximately 0.008 square inches.
[0108] The optimal metal density will depend upon garment design,
such as whether the entire circumference of a leg is surrounded by
hybrid fabric, or only discrete panels will include the hybrid
fiber, the presence of any supplemental resistance elements, and
the desired resistance provided by a given motion segment on the
garment. In general, the metal density will be at least about 0.010
square inches of metal per running inch of fabric, and may be at
least about 0.020, at least about 0.030 and in some implementations
at least about 0.040 square inches of metal per inch. Most fabrics
will have within the range of from about 0.020 and about 0.060
square inches of metal per inch of fabric, and often within the
range of from about 0.025 and about 0.045 square inches per inch of
fabric.
[0109] Referring to FIGS. 9A, 9B, 10 and 11, there is illustrated a
side opening pant embodiment of the present invention which can
support either resistance fabric, resistance rods or both types of
resistance element. The pant 100 comprises a waist 102 which may be
opened or closed or tightened by a fastener 104. Fastener 104 may
be any of a variety of preferably low profile and comfortable
adjustable fasteners such as Velcro or a belt buckle.
[0110] A right leg 106 comprises a resistance panel 108 and a side
opening 110. The resistance panel runs from the waist to the ankle
and may be made from or support a resistance fabric and or
resistance strands. The resistance panel may have an average width
measured in the circumferential direction around the leg of no more
than about 2'', sometimes no more than about 4'' and often no more
than about 6'' or 8'' so that it does not wrap all the way around
the leg. Typically, the resistance panel will be oriented to run
along the lateral side of the leg, although additional resistance
panels may run along the medial side, the posterior or anterior or
any one or combination of the foregoing, depending upon the desired
performance.
[0111] The resistance panel may be constructed from a resistance
fabric, or may have one or more panels of resistance fabric carried
thereon. The resistance panels may also or alternatively be
provided with at least one or two or three or four or more
attachment structures or guides such as sleeve 109, for receiving a
resistance element such as a malleable rod or other resistance
element disclosed elsewhere herein. The sleeve may have a closed
inferior end and an open or openable superior end, to removably
receive the resistance element therein, so that the wearer can
customize the resistance level as desired.
[0112] In the illustrated embodiment, the right resistance panel
108 is securely held against the leg by a plurality of straps 112
which extend across the opening 110. Each strap has a first end
which is preferably permanently secured to the resistance panel
108, and a second end which may be releasably secured to the
resistance panel such as by Velcro or other releasable fastener.
The left and right legs are preferably bilaterally symmetrical.
[0113] The straps 112 preferably comprise a stretch fabric such as
a weave with elastic fibers at least running in the longitudinal
direction. One or two or three or more straps 112 may be provided
both above and below the knee, to securely hold the resistance
panel in place. Straps 112 may be oriented perpendicular to the
long axis of the leg, or an angle as illustrated to provide a criss
cross configuration.
[0114] Referring to FIG. 12, there is illustrated a flat pattern
for a modified implementation of the invention. Waistband 250
extends between a left end 252 and a right end 254. A fastener 256
such as one or two or more Velcro straps 258 may be provided on
either end of the waistband 250.
[0115] A left resistance panel 260 and right resistance panel
261are attached to or formed integrally with the waistband and
configured for attachment to the wearer's left and right legs,
respectively. Left resistance panel 260 extends between a superior
end 262 attached to the waistband 250 and an inferior end 264 which
may be attached to the wearer below the knee such as in the
vicinity of the ankle or to a shoe. A plurality of straps 266 are
attached at one end 268 to the resistance panel 260 and a second
free end 270 is configured so that the strap 266 can be wrapped
around the wearer's leg and the free end 270 can be attached to the
resistance panel 260 at an attachment zone 274 such as with Velcro
or other fastener. In one implementation the free end 270 is fed
through a buckle and looped back and attached to the strap 266, so
that the strap can be easily tensioned as desired before fastening
the fastener. At least about 4 or 6 or 8 or more straps may be
provided for each leg, depending upon the materials used and the
intended level of resistance that the garment will impose.
[0116] Each resistance panel can be made from a resistance fabric,
or carry resistance fabric thereon. Alternatively, each resistance
panel can be provided with attachment structures such as one or two
or more connectors or sleeves for receiving resistance elements. In
the illustrated embodiment, a first sleeve 276 spans both the hip
and knee, and a second, shorter sleeve (not illustrated) spans the
hip, for receiving copper rods or other resistance element. As
discussed previously, the garment will generally impose a greater
resistance across the hip than across the knee.
[0117] The resistance panel 260 may comprise both resistance
fabric, as well as an attachment structure such as a sleeve for
receiving a resistance rod or for the attachment of additional
resistance panels. This enables wearer customization of the
resistance level and profile of the garment.
[0118] Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, a resistance garment is shown
having a waist or belt 250 and left and right resistance panels 260
and 261. In this implementation, the resistance panels may have an
average width of no more than about 8 inches, no more than about 6
inches, no more than about 4 inches, no more than about 2 inches,
or no more than about 1 inch depending upon whether resistance is
generated by a fabric or other resistance element.
[0119] The left resistance panel is associated with at least a
first strap 280 and as illustrated also a second strap 282 which
are secured to the waist and or the resistance panel 260. As shown
in FIG. 13, the first strap is wrapped helically around the leg and
secured to the ankle by attachment to itself, or to the left
resistance panel 260 or to an ankle strap 284 that may be provided
at the inferior end of the resistance panel 260. The second strap
282 may then be wrapped helically around the leg in the opposite
direction and secured to the ankle At each of the crossing points
between the straps 280 and 282 and the resistance panel 260
complementary Velcro panels align and create attachment points.
Preferably the straps comprise stretch fabric to hold the
resistance panel snugly in place yet accommodate moving
musculature.
[0120] Another implementation is shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, in which
a lateral resistance panel 290 is provided on each leg, as well as
an anterior resistance panel 292. Anterior resistance panels may be
provided with or without lateral or medial or posterior resistance
panels depending upon the desired performance of the garment. While
lateral or medial resistance panels will primarily bend in response
to stride, anterior or posterior panels may both bend, as well as
axially elongate and contract in response to stride.
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