U.S. patent application number 14/983148 was filed with the patent office on 2016-06-30 for resistance exercise clothing.
The applicant listed for this patent is McCullough Shriver. Invention is credited to McCullough Shriver.
Application Number | 20160183606 14/983148 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 56162769 |
Filed Date | 2016-06-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160183606 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Shriver; McCullough |
June 30, 2016 |
RESISTANCE EXERCISE CLOTHING
Abstract
A method and apparatus for exercising a muscle in a given
agonist and antagonist muscle pair of a user's human body by
providing an elongated elastic band having a first length when no
external forces are applied thereto, elongating the elastic band to
a second length that is greater than the first length, securing the
elastic band to a garment in a manner whereby when the elastic band
is installed on the garment an axial force is imposed on the body
of the user and the elastic band is disposed in aligned proximate
relationship with at least one of the muscles in a given pair of
muscles comprising an agonist muscle and antagonist muscle
pair.
Inventors: |
Shriver; McCullough;
(Marlborough, CT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Shriver; McCullough |
Marlborough |
CT |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
56162769 |
Appl. No.: |
14/983148 |
Filed: |
December 29, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62097233 |
Dec 29, 2014 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
2/69 ;
482/124 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41D 2400/38 20130101;
A63B 21/4015 20151001; A41D 13/0015 20130101; A41D 2300/22
20130101; A41D 31/185 20190201; A63B 21/4007 20151001; A63B
21/00061 20130101; A63B 21/0552 20130101; A63B 21/4005 20151001;
A63B 21/4019 20151001; A63B 21/4025 20151001; A63B 21/0555
20130101; A63B 2208/02 20130101; A63B 21/00065 20130101; A63B 21/04
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A41D 13/00 20060101
A41D013/00; A63B 21/055 20060101 A63B021/055; A63B 21/04 20060101
A63B021/04; A63B 21/00 20060101 A63B021/00 |
Claims
1. A method for exercising a muscle in a given agonist and
antagonist muscle pair of a user's human body by providing an
elongated elastic band having a first length when no external
forces are applied thereto, elongating the elastic band to a second
length that is greater than the first length, securing the elastic
band to a garment in a manner whereby when the elastic band is
installed on the garment an axial force is imposed on the body of
the user and each such elastic band is disposed in aligned
proximate relationship with at least one of the muscles in a given
pair of muscles comprising an agonist muscle and antagonist
muscle.
2. The method as described in claim 1 wherein elongated elastic
members are positioned in aligned proximate relationship with
respect to both of the muscles in a given pair of muscles
comprising an agonist muscle and antagonist muscle.
3. The method as described as described in claim 1 wherein the step
of attaching an elongated elastic member to a garment in a manner
whereby when the garment is installed an axial force is imposed on
the body of the user with each such member disposed in aligned
proximate relationship with at least one of the muscles in a given
pair of muscles comprising an agonist muscle and antagonist muscle
includes attaching a first elastic band having a first end disposed
at one of the insertion paths of the muscles at both the
intertubercular groove (sulcus) and the crest of the greater
tubercle.
4. The method as described in claim 2 including attaching first and
second elastic bands having respective first ends disposed at left
and right insertion paths of the muscles at both the
intertubercular groove (sulcus) and the crest of the greater
tubercle.
5. The method as described in claim 4 wherein the step of attaching
includes positioning the first and second elastic bands to extend
downwardly generally aligned with the infraspinatus muscle.
6. The method as described in claim 5 wherein the step of attaching
includes attaching each of the second ends of the elastic bands
across the back of the shirt to the side thereof distal from the
first end thereof.
7. A garment for use by a human having an elongated elastic member
fabricated into the garment which is in tension when the garment is
worn by the user and disposed in aligned proximate relationship
with at least one of the muscles in a given pair of muscles
comprising an agonist muscle and antagonist muscle.
8. The garment as described in claim 7 wherein exercise of an
agonist muscle in a given pair of muscles is achieved by imposing a
force on the body of the person wearing the garment that simulates
the force and direction that would be produced by the antagonistic
muscle if the antagonist muscle was contracted.
9. The garment as described in claim 8 wherein an elongated elastic
member is disposed in aligned proximate relation with respect to
the antagonistic muscle in the pair of muscles on a garment worn by
the user whereby the agonist muscle has to work harder to overcome
the forces imposed by the elongated elastic member and improved
exercise of the agonist muscle is achieved.
10. A garment having at least (a) one elongated elastic band having
first and second axial spaced points of the equilibrium length of
the elastic band fixed to (b) first and second axial spaced points
of the garment without the application of external forces and the
first and second points on the elastic band are closer together
than the first and second points on the garment without the
application of external forces and said first and second points on
said elastic band and said first and second points on said garment
are dimensioned and configured to be aligned with a specific
muscle.
11. The garment as described in claim 10 wherein said first and
second points on said elastic band and said first and second points
on said garment are dimensioned and configured to align with an
antagonist muscle.
12. The garment as described in claim 12 including a first elastic
band having a first end disposed at one of the insertion paths of
the muscles at both the intertubercular groove (sulcus) and the
crest of the greater tubercle.
13. The garment as described in claim 12 including a first and
second elastic bands each having a first end disposed at both left
and right insertion paths of the muscles at an intertubercular
groove (sulcus) and the crest of the greater tubercle.
14. The garment as described in claim 13 wherein said first and
second elastic bands to extend downwardly from said first end and
are generally aligned with the infraspinatus muscle when the
garment is worn.
15. The garment as described in claim 14 wherein each of the second
ends of the elastic bands across the back of the shirt to the side
thereof distal from the first end thereof.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. provisional
application 62/097,233 filed on Dec. 29, 2014 by the present
inventor.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention is generally directed to clothing.
More particularly, the present invention is directed to clothing
that is intended to exercise specific muscle or muscles of the
human body. Other embodiments may be relevant to other animals and
the exercise thereof.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The human body is made up of hundreds of muscles; each
classified as either skeletal, visceral or cardiac muscle tissue.
Both flexors and extensors are skeletal muscles, and both have a
unique function in the body relating to joint movement. Skeletal
muscles attached to a bone, interact with bones for movement and
are voluntarily controlled. When performing a workout, we activate
the body's skeletal muscle groups to create movement and burn
calories. Flexors and extensors are at the core of such movement.
Together, they bend and straighten the body's joints to create
motion and activate other muscle groups. Flexors work to bend a
joint. You may recognize a common exercise term right in the word
"flex." When you flex your muscles, your flexors contract and pull
on the bone, creating a bending movement of the joint. When making
a bicep curl a person pulls his or her first upward to his or her
shoulder. The angle between the forearm and bicep decreases as the
flexor muscle tightens and contracts. Extensors serve the opposite
purpose. They increase the angle between, for example, the upper
and lower arm. In a bicep curl, the extensor muscles contract as
the first is let down from the shoulder. The same occurs with
walking or running, as hip extensors contract and pull the thigh
back to the original straightened position.
[0004] Agonist muscles and antagonist muscles refer to muscles that
cause or inhibit a movement. Agonist muscles cause a movement to
occur through their own contraction. For example, the triceps
brachii does during the up phase of a push-up (elbow extension).
During the down phase of a push-up, the same triceps brachii
actively controls elbow flexion while relaxing. It is still the
agonist. While resisting gravity during relaxing, the triceps
brachii is still the prime mover, or controller, of the joint
action. For both of those movements the elbow flexor muscles are
the antagonists. Agonists are also referred to, interchangeably, as
"prime movers", since they are the muscles being considered that
are primarily responsible for generating a specific movement. This
term typically describes skeletal muscles.
[0005] Antagonist muscles oppose a specific movement. This controls
a motion, slows it down, and returns a limb to its initial
position. Antagonism is not an intrinsic property. It is a role,
played depending on the motion. If the motion is reversed, agonist
and antagonist switch roles. While a flexor muscle is always flexor
when actin in flexion, it is agonist, and when acting in extension,
it is antagonist. An extensor muscle is agonist in extension and
antagonist in flexion
[0006] The present concept will be better understood by contrasting
other prior art apparatus:
[0007] US Patent application 20080256675 shows panels compressing
the vastus lateralis muscle. This compression is inconsistent with
the present invention Thus, this document is representative of art
that does not teach the present invention. The reference to this
document is merely to differentiate a common garment construction
that does not show or suggest the present approach.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 8,347,412 describes athletic pants that
comprise a main body portion comprised of a first material. The
main body portion includes a hip portion, a first leg extending
from the hip portion and a second leg extending from the hip
portion. At least one opening is formed in the main body with a
second material provided in the opening. The second material is
different from the first material and has a substantially greater
elasticity than the first material. The opening may be provided as
a horizontal slit in a knee portion of the main body. Alternatively
or in addition, the opening may be provided as a vertical slit
extending along a vastus lateralis portion of the pants. Thus less
elastic force over the knee joint is inconsistent with the
apparatus of the present invention.
[0009] US Patent application 20070028362 teaches apertured clothing
in which the opening is over the vastus lateralis.
[0010] A wide variety of so called exercise clothing includes
compression garments that do not provide, supplement or improve
muscle exercise. The prior art described above also do not achieve
material benefits. Clothing capable of achieving such benefits has
enormous potential benefits. It is therefore seen that there exists
a need in the art to overcome the deficiencies and limitations
described herein and above.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] The shortcomings of the prior art are overcome and
additional advantages are provided through elongated elastic
members that are part of garment. Each such member is disposed in
aligned proximate relationship with at least one of the muscles in
a given pair of muscles comprising an agonist muscle and antagonist
muscle.
[0012] In another aspect such elongated elastic members are
disposed in aligned proximate relationship with respect to both of
the muscles in a given pair of muscles comprising an agonist muscle
and antagonist muscle.
[0013] The present invention includes the method for exercising a
muscle in a given agonist and antagonist muscle pair of a user's
human body by providing an elongated elastic band having a first
length when no external forces are applied thereto, elongating the
elastic band to a second length that is greater than the first
length, securing the elastic band to a garment in a manner whereby
when the elastic band is installed on the garment an axial force is
imposed on the body of the user and each such elastic band is
disposed in aligned proximate relationship with at least one of the
muscles in a given pair of muscles comprising an agonist muscle and
antagonist muscle.
[0014] In some embodiments the method includes positioning elastic
members in aligned proximate relationship with respect to both of
the muscles in a given pair of muscles comprising an agonist muscle
and antagonist muscle. The method may include the step of attaching
an elongated elastic member to a garment in a manner whereby when
the garment is installed an axial force is imposed on the body of
the user with each such member disposed in aligned proximate
relationship with at least one of the muscles in a given pair of
muscles comprising an agonist muscle and antagonist muscle includes
attaching a first elastic band having a first end disposed at one
of the insertion paths of the muscles at both the intertubercular
groove (sulcus) and the crest of the greater tubercle.
[0015] The method may include attaching first and second elastic
bands having respective first ends disposed at left and right
insertion paths of the muscles at both the intertubercular groove
(sulcus) and the crest of the greater tubercle. Other embodiments
of the method wherein the step of attaching includes positioning
the first and second elastic bands to extend downwardly generally
aligned with the infraspinatus muscle. The method may include the
step of attaching that includes attaching each of the second ends
of the elastic bands across the back of the shirt to the side
thereof distal from the first end thereof.
[0016] Other forms of the invention include a garment for use by a
human having an elongated elastic member fabricated into the
garment, which is in tension when the garment is worn by the user
and disposed in aligned proximate relationship with at least one of
the muscles in a given pair of muscles comprising an agonist muscle
and antagonist muscle. The garment may exercise an agonist muscle
in a given pair of muscles is achieved by imposing a force on the
body of the person wearing the garment that simulates the force and
direction that would be produced by the antagonistic muscle if the
antagonist muscle was contracted. The garment may have an elongated
elastic member disposed in aligned proximate relation with respect
to the antagonistic muscle in the pair of muscles on a garment worn
by the user whereby the agonist muscle has to work harder to
overcome the forces imposed by the elongated elastic member and
improved exercise of the agonist muscle is achieved.
[0017] Some embodiments of the garment in accordance with the
present invention have at least (a) one elongated elastic band
having first and second axial spaced points of the equilibrium
length of the elastic band fixed to (b) first and second axial
spaced points of the garment without the application of external
forces and the first and second points on the elastic band are
closer together than the first and second points on the garment
without the application of external forces and said first and
second points on said elastic band and said first and second points
on said garment are dimensioned and configured to be aligned with a
specific muscle.
[0018] The garment may have the first and second points on the
elastic band and the first and second points on said garment are
dimensioned and configured to align with an antagonist muscle. The
garment may include a first elastic band having a first end
disposed at one of the insertion paths of the muscles at both the
intertubercular groove (sulcus) and the crest of the greater
tubercle.
[0019] The garment may include first and second elastic bands each
having a first end disposed at both left and right insertion paths
of the muscles at an intertubercular groove (sulcus) and the crest
of the greater tubercle. The garment have first and second elastic
bands that extend downwardly from said first end and are generally
aligned with the infraspinatus muscle when the garment is worn.
Each of the second ends of the elastic bands may extend across the
back of the shirt to the side thereof distal from the first end
thereof.
[0020] It is an object of the present invention to enhance
exercises, assist in rehabilitation of the body, and improve
posture.
[0021] It is an object of the present invention to engage a
particular muscles by providing clothing that provides an external
force opposing the particular muscle.
[0022] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
an apparatus and method that have targeted muscles contract
eccentrically (the muscle elongates while under tension from an
opposing force greater than the muscle produces).
[0023] Additional features and advantages are realized through the
techniques of the present invention. Other embodiments and aspects
of the invention are described in detail herein and are considered
a part of the claimed invention.
[0024] The recitation herein of desirable objects which are met by
various embodiments of the present invention is not meant to imply
or suggest that any or all of these objects are present as
essential features, either individually or collectively, in the
most general embodiment of the present invention or in any of its
more specific embodiments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of
the invention will be apparent from the following more particular
description of illustrative embodiments of the invention, as
illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which like reference
characters refer to the same parts throughout the different views.
The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being
placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. Those
skilled in the art will understand that the devices and methods
specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying
drawings are non-limiting exemplary embodiments. The features
illustrated or described in connection with one exemplary
embodiment can be combined with the features of other embodiments.
Such modifications and variations are intended to be included
within the scope of the present invention.
[0026] The subject matter which is regarded as the invention is
particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding
portion of the specification. The invention, however, both as to
organization and method of practice, together with the further
objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference
to the following description taken in connection with the
accompanying drawings in which:
[0027] FIG. 1 is a partially schematic view of a first embodiment
of pant in accordance with the present invention,
[0028] FIG. 2 is a partially schematic view of a second embodiment
of pant in accordance with the present invention,
[0029] FIG. 3 is a partially schematic front view of a first
embodiment of shirt in accordance with the present invention,
[0030] FIG. 4 is a partially schematic rear view of the first
embodiment of shirt in accordance with the present invention,
[0031] FIG. 5 is a partially schematic rear view of a second
embodiment of shirt in accordance with the present invention,
[0032] FIG. 6 is a partially schematic front view of a second
embodiment of shirt in accordance with the present invention,
[0033] FIG. 7 is a partially schematic front view of a first
embodiment of T-shirt in accordance with the present invention,
[0034] FIG. 8 is a partially schematic rear view of a first
embodiment of T-shirt in accordance with the present invention,
[0035] FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic front view of the muscles of a
human body,
[0036] FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic rear view of the muscles of a
human body.
[0037] FIGS. 11A and 11B are respectively anterior and posterior
diagrammatic views of the humerus bone in the human upper arm.
[0038] FIG. 12 is a more detailed diagrammatic posterior view of
the human right shoulder and the muscles thereof.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0039] The following is a list of commonly used agonist/antagonist
muscle pairs:
pectorals/latissimus dorsi (pecs and lats) anterior
deltoids/posterior deltoids (front and back shoulder) trapezius
24/deltoids 30 (traps and delts) abdominals/spinal erectors (abs
and lower-back) left and right external obliques (sides)
quadriceps/hamstrings (quads and hams) tibialis anterior, extensor
digitorum longus 99/gastrocnemius muscles biceps/triceps forearm
flexors/extensors.
[0040] The human body typically utilizes pairs of muscles in which
one muscle contracts the other stretches. The return to the
previous position is achieved by the initially stretched muscle
subsequently being contracted. A goal of embodiments of the
resistance wear of the present invention is to replicate the
contraction of a muscle, albeit an outside and continuous force
thus requiring muscles on the opposing side to engage and
ultimately cancel out the resistance wear's force. The purpose is
to provide clothing that provides the benefits of resistance
training. Such resistance training is often focused on exercise and
rehabilitation.
[0041] Muscle contraction is the activation of tension-generating
sites within muscle fibers. In physiology, muscle contraction does
not mean muscle shortening because muscle tension can be produced
without changes in muscle length such as holding a heavy book or a
dumbbell at the same position. The termination of muscle
contraction is followed by muscle relaxation, which is a return of
the muscle fibers to their low tension-generating state.
[0042] Isotonic contractions generate force by changing the length
of the muscle and can be concentric contractions or eccentric
contractions. A concentric contraction causes muscles to shorten,
thereby generating force. Eccentric contractions cause muscles to
elongate in response to a greater opposing force.
[0043] Isometric contractions generate force without changing the
length of the muscle.
[0044] Isotonic contractions are muscular contraction against a
resistance in which the length of the muscle changes. The antonym
is isometric. Isotonic movements are either concentric (working
muscle shortens) or eccentric (working muscle lengthens).
[0045] Isometric contractions are muscular contraction against
resistance in which the length of the muscle remains the same.
[0046] In natural movements that underlie locomotor activity,
muscle contractions are multifaceted as they are able to produce
changes in length and tension in a time-varying manner. Thus,
length and tension are unlikely to remain the same in muscles that
contract during locomotor activity.
[0047] A goal of the present invention is to have targeted muscles
contract eccentrically (the muscle elongates while under tension
from an opposing force greater than the muscle produces).
Resistance bands place a larger force than the opposing muscles,
causing the opposing muscles to lengthen. This then allows the
eccentrically contracted muscles to either:
[0048] (a) Contract isometrically (forces cancelling each other
out, without a change in muscle length) or
[0049] (b) Contract concentrically (exert more force than the
resistance bands place on them, the muscle shortens in length).
[0050] In an isotonic contraction, the muscle length can either
shorten to produce a concentric contraction or lengthen to produce
an eccentric contraction. Furthermore, it the muscle length
shortens, the contraction is concentric. But it the muscle length
lengthens, then the contraction is eccentric.
[0051] In order to induce continuous tension from the resistance
bands: [0052] The resistance bands must be exerting a restoring
force back into an equilibrium position; the equilibrium position
would experience zero net force, or no tension. [0053] By providing
elongated elastic bands having respective equilibrium lengths
(without the application of external forces) that are shorter than
the distance between two connection points on the clothing, placing
the garment on a human body would cause them to stretch to a length
greater than the equilibrium length. For convenience of description
the term "equilibrium length" is used herein to refer to the length
of a given elastic band without the application of external forces.
Thus, the elastic bands utilized herein are stretched to a length
greater than the equilibrium length, aligned with a specific muscle
and secured along the axial extent of one of the muscles of a given
pair of muscles and then secured to a garment. Accordingly, the
other muscle in the given pair of muscles will be beneficially
exercised by the apparatus and method of the present invention.
[0054] Antagonist and agonist muscles often occur in pairs, called
antagonistic pairs. As one muscle contracts, the other relaxes. An
example of an antagonistic pair is the biceps and triceps; to
contract--the triceps relaxes while the biceps contracts to lift
the arm. "Reverse motions" need antagonistic pairs located disposed
on opposite sides of a joint or bone, including abductor-adductor
pairs and flexor-extensor pairs. These consist of an extensor
muscle, which "opens" the joint (by increasing the angle between
the two bones) and a flexor muscle, which does the opposite by
decreasing the angle between two bones.
[0055] Thus, the concept results in exercise of an agonist muscle
in a given pair of muscles by imposing a force on the body that
simulates the force and direction that would be produced by the
antagonistic muscle if the antagonist muscle was contracted. More
particularly, the concept positions an elongated elastic member in
aligned proximate relation with respect to the antagonistic muscle
in the pair of muscles on a garment worn by the user. Thus, the
agonist muscle has to work harder to overcome the forces imposed by
the elongated elastic member and improved exercise of the agonist
muscle is achieved.
[0056] Another aspect to consider is the spring constant (the
elasticity of a spring). Hooke's law is a principle of physics that
states that the force needed to extend or compress a spring by some
distance is proportional to that distance. That is: where is a
constant factor characteristic of the spring, its stiffness. By
Newton's Third Law of Motion, as a spring is pulled, it pulls back
with a restoring force. This force follows Hooke's Law, which
relates the force of the spring to the spring constant, and the
displacement of the spring from its original position.
[0057] How far each resistance bands is stretched will determine
the force induced. It will be understood that the elastic bands
have an elastic limit whereby after a specific maximum extension
the band will not restore to the original length and may break. In
order to counteract this issue, elastic bands have varying
restoring forces. One band may have greater restoring force and may
not be cut as short, thereby resolving the issue of elastic limit.
Those skilled in the art will recognize that the force is the
product of the elongation times the spring rate for the elastic
band. Thus various embodiments provide suitable forces for the
particular application and more particularly provide flexibility in
choosing how much force will be exerted in opposition to a given
muscle.
[0058] Various embodiments of the present invention will use
elastic bands having different spring rates. More particularly
various embodiments of the present invention are constructed with
one of three levels of force corresponding to light, moderate, and
heavy duty applications. The respective levels in such applications
may be achieved by selection of the respective spring rates.
[0059] Many muscles are parts of cooperating muscle groups. For
example, when muscles cause a limb to move through the joint's
range of motion, the motion may be the result of both agonists and
antagonists as well synergist and fixator muscles. Synergist
muscles perform, or assist in performing, the same set of joint
motion as the agonists. Synergists are sometimes referred to as
neutralizers because they help cancel out, or neutralize, extra
motion from the agonists to make sure that the force generated
works within the desired plane of motion. Fixator muscles provide
the necessary support to assist in holding the rest of the body in
place while the movement occurs. Fixators are also sometimes called
stabilizers.
[0060] As an example, when you flex your knee, your hamstring
contracts, and, to some extent, so does your gastrocnemius (calf)
and lower buttocks. Meanwhile, your quadriceps are inhibited
(relaxed and lengthened somewhat) so as not to resist the flexion.
In this example, the hamstring serves as the agonist, or prime
mover; the quadricep serves as the antagonist; and the calf and
lower buttocks serve as the synergists. Agonists and antagonists
are usually located on opposite sides of the affected joint (like
your hamstrings and quadriceps, or your triceps and biceps), while
synergists are usually located on the same side of the joint near
the agonists. Larger muscles often call upon their smaller
neighbors to function as synergists.
[0061] Thus, although it is common to think of a joint's movement
as being the action of one muscle, multiple muscles may
cooperatively function. Each muscle, because of its different
attachment points and angle of pull, tends to pull a bone in a
different direction. These divergent pulls, collectively, culminate
in a certain joint action. A force couple can be defined as a pair
of muscle forces that act together on a joint to produce rotation,
and these forces may actually exert pulls in opposite directions.
These muscles may be synergistic pairs, consisting of prime movers
and groups of stabilizers, for instance, or agonist/antagonist
pairs. Force couple, then, is actually another way of referring to
muscle synergists or a synergistic action.
[0062] One example of an important force couple in the human body
is the deltoid-rotator cuff force couple. The rotator cuff is more
than one muscle but each of these works with the deltoid to create
its own important force couple. The major function of this force
couple is to prevent migration of the humeral head out of the
glenoid socket during shoulder abduction, preventing impingement of
the rotator cuff against the acromion. As the deltoid moves the
humerus in an upward direction, the pull of the deltoid can exert a
shearing force that can pull the humeral head out of its socket in
a superior direction, if left unchecked. The rotator cuff muscles
each exert a force that checks this tendency, known as the
"superior component."
[0063] In some cases a force-couple includes agonist, synergist and
stabilizer muscles that all work as one (agonist muscles are
muscles most responsible for a movement, synergist muscles assist
the agonist muscles, and stabilizer muscles support the body while
agonist and synergist muscles work)
[0064] When a continuous force is applied from outside the body, a
motor neuron (a nerve cell forming part of a pathway along which
impulses pass from the brain or spinal cord to a muscle or gland)
will innervate many different muscle fibers to counter the force.
Muscle fibers of adjacent motor units overlap. This interdigitation
facilitates several motor units collectively contracting in support
of each other rather than working as independent segments.
[0065] By targeting a specific area in the body, several muscles
will be utilized to react against the resistance wear. The
respective placements of the elastic bands are determined by their
ability to create movement from a group of muscles. Muscles work by
applying forces to parts of bones which are various types of
levers.
[0066] In some embodiments of the present invention the elastic
bands of the resistance clothing, particularly the legs and arms
will have band intersection points that replicate the internal
structure of muscles and bones.
[0067] 1. The primary function is to engage muscles throughout the
body and act as an outside force, applying constant resistance to
opposing muscles. Through various daily routines and exercises,
this increased force will be applied and can also enhance the
working out of the body. When a stressor is placed upon the body, a
reaction of the kinetic chain increases oxygen and blood supply as
well as neural recruitment to a specific area (known as the general
adaptation syndrome). Through repetition, the kinetic chain
increases the body's proficiency to efficiently supply oxygen and
blood as well as effectively employ proper muscle fibers. The human
body and mind become efficient at providing the right amount of
blood and oxygen to perform functions rather than oversupplying and
being wasteful.
[0068] 2. The second function is to help alleviate poor posture.
Poor posture is the result of anyone muscle being over worked
against the opposing muscles, and is often job related, e.g. Jobs
that require sitting for extended periods of time). There is a
stretching or lengthening of one muscle while the opposing muscles
tightens. Common examples of poor posture are the shoulders pulled
forwards towards the chest and hips that have shifted placing
stress loads on the spine. Embodiments of the clothing in
accordance with the present invention will help by pulling on the
tightened muscles and stretching them back to a normal position or
by pulling in the opposite direction causing tightened muscles to
engage the resistance and ultimately strengthening them.
Strengthening and stretching muscles will improve posture and help
reduce stress on the spine
[0069] 3. Lastly, this clothing will greatly help in the
rehabilitation of the body. Wearing this clothing during rehab
places a constant and larger force upon the targeted muscles,
reducing the time to fully heal. For example, when a bone is broken
and needs to be in a cast for several weeks, the muscles
surrounding the bones that are in shortened positions will adapt
and undergo a physical shortening themselves. When the cast is
removed, the shortened muscles will need to be stretched for weeks
in order to regain full mobility. The brain understands where limbs
and other body parts are positioned through the use of
mechanoreceptors. The cumulative sensory input to the central
nervous system from many mechanoreceptors is known as
proprioception. This is a vital source of information to the
nervous system and studies have shown proprioception to be altered
after injury. When proprioception becomes altered, the risk for
further injury greatly increases. Injuries noted are low back pain,
ankle sprains, and ACL injuries. By focusing on core training and
balance, increase their proprioceptive capabilities would result,
ultimately enhancing postural control and decreasing tissue
overload. By applying a resistance to certain body areas while the
clothing is worn, mechanoreceptors receive more information from
the body, enhancing proprioception.
[0070] The first embodiment of the pant 149 in accordance with the
present invention shown in FIG. 1 provides an elastic force
intended is to replicate knee flexion (bending of a joint,
duplicating quadricep muscles). This is replicated by creating
respective pulls from respective bands 150 and 152 that are an
outside or external force that is independent of the forces
provided by human body muscle forces. This is accomplished by
placing a first elastic band 152 in a position that is closed
spaced from and aligned with the vastus laterais 89 and vastus
medialis 90 muscles. The other band 150 is aligned with and closely
spaced to the sortorius muscle path is also replicated and will
cause tension on the rotation of the leg. The patella n is the
crossing point of the two bands and then continue down the path of
the tibialis anterior and extensor digitorum longus 99. The
constant pull of the bands 150 and 152 will replicate all of the
aforementioned muscles, including the rectus lemons, when flexed.
In order to counter these outside forces, the leg must engage
muscles in the back of the leg to flex backwards, particularly
those of the hamstring complex. Although the full length of the
elastic bands 150 and 152 is not visible in FIG. 1 it will be
understood that both bands 150 an 152 extend substantially the full
length of the axial extent of each leg.
[0071] The second illustrated pant 154 embodiment shown in FIG. 2
illustrates elastic bands 158 and 156 located on the back of each
leg of the pants. More particularly, the back of the pants have two
resistance bands 158 and 156 per leg biasing the respective leg
position toward knee flexion (corresponding to the action of the
hamstring muscles). The first elastic resistance band 158 follows
the path of the biceps femoris 108, while elastic band 156 follows
the semitendinosus 109 muscles. The respective resistance bands
intersect behind the popliteal fossa and then continue down the
back of the calf following the respective medial and lateral
gastrocnemius muscles 97. The bands' location outside the body
creates a force that causes the leg to bend backwards as if the
biceps femoris, semitendinosus, and gastrocnemius muscles are
contracted. To counter this force, the muscles in the front of the
legs, particularly those of the quadriceps complex will inherently
produce a counteracting force.
[0072] FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate a first embodiment of a shirt 160
in accordance with the present invention. One part of the shirt
will focus on the posterior muscles of the arms, particularly those
innervated by the muscu/utaneous nerve. Two bands are placed over
the biceps brachii 50. The biceps brachii 50 split into two parts
near the top of the arm. One part runs over the intertubercular
groove on the humerus and inserts into the supraglenoid tubercle of
the scapula. While the second part of the biceps brachii 50 inserts
into the caracoid process of the scapula b. The human arm also
utilizes the caracoid muscle to act as a flexor of the forearm, a
similar performance to the biceps brachii 50. Respective elastic
bands 160 are diposed in closely spaced aligned with the biceps
brachii 50 for the purpose of innervating posterior muscles on the
arms.
[0073] The overlapping section of the elastic bands 162 and 164
mimic the insertion of the biceps brachii 50 into the radial
tuberosity, while performing the function of this muscle and the
caracoid muscle. The pectoralis major 29 is targeted as well. The
origin of elastic band 166 is the clavicular head, the medial
halfof clavicle. By following the path that replicates the position
of the infraspinatus muscle 210 illustrated in greater detail in
FIG. 12, as well as the middle and inferior fibers of the trapezius
24, we are able to apply a force upon the pectoralis major. The
actions of the pectoralis major 29 are shoulder horizontal
adduction, shoulder medial rotation, and shoulder adduction.
[0074] The elastic band is placed in accordance along the back and
through the arms to counteract the function of the pectoralis major
29. This is done so by replicating the posterior deltoid muscle.
This muscle is supported by triceps brachii, trapezius 24, and
infraspinatus. Deltoids are focused upon in this first illustrated
shirt embodiment. Muscles that will be exercised are shoulder
abduction (lateral movement of the arms away from the body),
horizontal abduction (lateral movement of the arms away from the
body from a horizontal position), and flexion (movement of the arm
away from the body to the front). This is accomplished by placing
two intersecting bands along similar paths of the latissimus dorsi.
The intersection of the two bands overlap at the insertion point,
which is the intertubercular groove of the humerus. Finally the
rectus abdominals will be placed under tension as a single band
wraps once around the core, travel up the length of the back, along
the sides of the spine, continuing over the shoulders and ending
there. The resistance bands will be placed in accordance to the in
aligned proximate relationship iliocostalis, longissimu, and
spinalis muscles. These muscles work cooperatively to extend the
vertebral column.
[0075] A second embodiment of a shirt 170 in accordance with the
present invention is shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. This shirt 170 will
perform the opposite function of shirt 160. The first area of
resistance will focus upon the biceps brachii 50. Elastic bands 172
and 173 are placed following a path similar to the triceps brachii
51 and crossing at the insertion point at the ulna. The anterior
and posterior deltoid are the paths for the next resistance bands
174 & 175. Both of these bands 174, 175 intersect at the
insertion point of the deltoid into the tuberosity of the humerus.
This places tension on the latissimus dorsi muscle. The resistance
band 176 follows the path of the pectoralis major 29 and continues
looping through the back of the shirt. This replicates flexed
pectoralis major muscles 29 and pulls the back and shoulders
forward. In order to counter these forces, the upper trapezius 24a
and rhomboids 45, 46, located between the user's shoulder blades,
pull the user's shoulders back while the latissimus dorsi muscles
31 pull the user's upper arms back and into extension. Finally an
additional band 177 runs up the front core, over the shoulders and
ending near the shoulder blades will resist against the lower back
(iliocostalis, longissimu, and spinalis muscles.)
[0076] The rectus abdominis muscles 34 and 35 run vertically and
help contract the upper body by inserting into the ribs 5-7 and
below at the xiphoid process of the sternum. Additional band, 177
follows the path of the rectus abdominis 34 and 35, wrapping the
core once and following two paths up the rectus abdominis 34 and
35, over the shoulders and ending at the shoulder blades.
[0077] Referring now to FIGS. 7 and 8 there is shown a third shirt
embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment is a T-shirt
180 having raglan sleeves with flatlock seams. A flatlock is a kind
of stitch that sews flat one or two pieces of cloth used for
edging, hemming, or seaming. First and second bands are secured to
the back into the flatlock seam disposed over the infraspinatus
muscle 42, the teres minor muscle 43, posterior deltoid muscle 30,
as well as the mid trapezius 24b and lower trapezius 24c muscles.
The benefits with the upper garment shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 is
twofold: by placing bands on the opposing side of the pectoralis
major 29 muscles, the shirt 180 improves posture and increases the
users strength as a result of the positioning of the elastic bands
180 and 182 that provide a substantially continuous tension is
being applied. The bands 180 and 182 respectively are aligned and
proximate to the anatomical path of the muscles that oppose the
pectoralis major 29. These muscles are the infraspinatus muscle 42,
the teres minor muscle 43, posterior deltoid muscle 30, as well as
the mid trapezius 24b and lower trapezius 24c muscle.
[0078] The shirt 180 includes resistance bands 181 and 182 have
respective first ends disposed at respective left and right
insertion paths of the muscles at both the intertubercular groove
200 (sulcus) and the crest of the greater tubercle 202. These
locations are illustrated in FIGS. 11A and 11B which also
illustrates the head of the humerus 204, the anatomical neck 206,
and the greater tuberosity 208. The attachment of the resistance
bands 180, 182 at this point over the flesh covering the specified
insertion points extends the moment arm to the furthest outboard
position to create greater torque. (The term "outboard" as used
herein refers to a position that is spaced away from vertical
central axis of a standing human.) The respective second ends of
the bands are on the respective distal sides of the user's torso
under the arm pit. Thus, the length is maximized to maximize the
torque. This can easily be explained by biomechanics as the muscle
insertion themselves are at the furthest most outboard position to
minimize the amount of force necessary to rotate a body part. In
this manner the apparatus and method of the present invention is
able to achieve the greatest amount of torque with the least amount
of force applied by a resistance band.
[0079] Each of the resistance bands 181 and 182 extend from the
respective first axial extremities at a downward angle that
replicates the position of the infraspinatus muscle 210 illustrated
in greater detail in FIG. 12. This infraspinatus muscle 212 is used
primarily in the horizontal shoulder abduction. The teres minor
muscle 43 as well as the posterior deltoid 30 aid in the horizontal
shoulder abduction and follow similar paths. It will be understood
that maximizing the torque in the manner described above has the
benefit of what might be metaphorically be deemed to be more bang
for the buck.
[0080] To further this action of horizontal shoulder abduction, the
middle and inferior fibers of the trapezius 24 play key roles in
promoting proper posture. The location thereof is show in greater
detail in FIG. 13 showing the location of both the middle trapezius
24b as well as the lower trapezius 24c. The insertions for this
group of muscles are the spinous process T1-T12, the acromion, the
superior lip of spine of the scapula, and lastly the tubercle of
the spine. These middle fibers retract the scapulae while the
inferior fibers medially rotate and depress the scapulae.
[0081] The path of these 3 groups of muscles all follow an oblique
path that is substantially at a 45 degree angle with respect to a
horizontal or vertical axes of a standing user. The path may also
be described as a being disposed at a downward/horizontal angle
from their insertion points near the outside of the shoulder down
past the spine.
[0082] In the illustrated embodiment the resistance bands 181 and
182 extend beyond the spine (which is the center of rotation) to
maximize the moment arm. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 7
and 8 the second axial extremity of each elastic band 181 and 182
is secured to the opposite side of the user's torso opposite the
bands. This aspect of the present invention is based more on
mechanics than anatomy. By extend the moment arm beyond the spine,
the present apparatus and method is able to utilize less force
(resistance), and yet create the same effect as would be achieved
with more robust bands that terminate at the spine.
[0083] This construction results in a more comfortable upper
garment and makes the manufacturing process easier as short strong
bands do not need to be stretched from the insertion points near
the shoulder/arm to the spine (on the upper garment) in order to
achieve the same results.
[0084] In the preferred embodiment the respective elastic bands are
latex rubber and in some cases have a width of one inch. The width
may however vary based on the spring constant of the band, the
muscle involved including the shape and robustness thereof, the
size of the garment, the space limitations inherent in the
construction of the garment including other elastic bands and the
robustness desired for garments in a particular niche markets. The
length of the respective elastic bands will ordinarily be at least
as long as the muscle over which the respective elastic band is
positioned in closely spaced aligned relationship. As described
above with respect to the shirt 180 the elastic bands 181, 182 may
be longer than the muscle. with the band is disposed in closely
spaced aligned relationship.
[0085] Typically, each of the respective bands have a length
without the application of any external forces that is stretched to
a second length that is greater than the first length. When
stretched to the second length the band is attached to a garment.
Typically the first length is about 60% of the second length.
[0086] The location of the respective muscles with which the
present invention cooperate will be better understood by reference
to FIGS. 9 and 10 which are respective front and back diagrammatic
views of human muscles.
[0087] Head & Neck Muscles [0088] 20. Platysma or Platysma
Myoides [0089] 21. Sternocleidomastoid [0090] 22. Omohyoid [0091]
23. Sternohyoid [0092] 24. Trapezius [0093] 25. Splenius Capitis
[0094] 26. Splenius Cervicis [0095] 27. Levator Scapulae [0096] 28.
Supraspinatus
[0097] Trunk Muscles [0098] 29. Pectoralis Major [0099] 30. Deltoid
[0100] 31. Latissimus Dorsi [0101] 32. Serratus Anterior [0102] 33.
External Oblique [0103] 34. Rectus Abdominis [0104] 35. Umbilicus
[0105] 36. Abdominal Aponeurosis [0106] 37. Linea Alba [0107] 38.
Subclavius [0108] 39. Pectoralis Minor [0109] 40. Serratus
Posterior Superior [0110] 41. Internal Oblique [0111] 42.
Infraspinatus [0112] 43. Teres Minor [0113] 44. Teres Major [0114]
45. Rhomboideus Major [0115] 46. Rhomboideus Minor [0116] b.
Scapula [0117] c. 9th Rib [0118] d. 10th Rib [0119] e. 11th Rib
[0120] f. 12th Rib [0121] 47. Serratus Posterior Inferior [0122]
48. Lumbodorsal Fascia [0123] 49. Sacrospinalis
[0124] Upper Extremity Muscles [0125] 50. Bicep Brachii [0126] 51.
Triceps Brachii [0127] 52. Branchialis [0128] 53. Lacertus Fibrosus
[0129] 54. Extensor Carpi Radialis Longus [0130] 55.
Brachiorodialis [0131] 56. Flexor Capi Radialis [0132] 57. Palmaris
Longus [0133] 58. Flexor Digitorum Sublimis [0134] 59. Flexor Carpi
Ulnaris [0135] 60. Palmaris Brevis [0136] 61. Extensor Carpi
Radialis Brevis [0137] 62. Flexor Pollicis Longus [0138] 63.
Pronator Quadratus [0139] 64. Flexor Pollicis Brevis [0140] 65.
Palmaris Longus [0141] 66. First Dorsal Interosseus [0142] 67.
First Lumbricalis [0143] 68. Fibrous SHeaths of the Tendons [0144]
69. Adductor of the Little Finger [0145] 70. Annular Ligament of
the Carpus [0146] g. Head of the Humerus [0147] 71. Extensor
Digitorum Communis [0148] 72. Extensor Carpi Ulnaris [0149] 73.
Extensor Pollicis Longus [0150] h. Medial Epicondyle of Humerus
[0151] i. Lower End of Radius [0152] j. Lower End of Ulna [0153]
74. Tendons of the Extensors [0154] 75. Adductor Pollicis [0155]
76. Tendons of the Extensors [0156] 77. Pronator Teres [0157] 78.
Palmar Aponeurosis
[0158] Lower Extremity Muscles
k. Anterior Superior Spine of Ilium [0159] 79. Iliacus [0160] 80.
Gluteus Medius [0161] 81. Tensor Fasciae Latac [0162] 82. Rectus
Femoris [0163] 83. Psoas Major [0164] 84. Pectineus [0165] 85.
Sartorius [0166] 86. Adductor Longus [0167] 87. Adductor Mangus
[0168] 88. Gracilis [0169] 89. Vastus Lateralis [0170] 90. Vastus
Medialis [0171] 91. Gluteus Minimus [0172] 92. Superior Extremity
of Rectus Femoris [0173] 93. Inferior Extremity of Rectus Femoris
[0174] m. Head of Femur [0175] 94. Inferior Extremities of Psoas
& Iliacus [0176] 95. Adductor Brevis [0177] n. Patella [0178]
o. Head of Fibula p. Medial Condyle of Femur Tuberosity of Tibia
[0179] 96. Tibialis Anterior [0180] 97. Gastrocnemius, Medial Head
[0181] 98. Soleus [0182] 99. Extensor Digitorum Longus [0183] 100.
Peroneus Longus [0184] 101. Peroneus Brevis [0185] 102. Flexor
Digitorum Longus [0186] 103. Extensor Hallucis Longus [0187] 104.
Ligamentum Cruciatum Crusis [0188] 105. Extensor Digitorum Brevis
[0189] 106. Abductor Hallucis s. Iliumt. Greater Trochanter [0190]
107. Gleteus Maximus [0191] 108. Biceps Femoris [0192] 109.
Semitendinous [0193] 110. Semimembranosus [0194] 111. Plantaris
[0195] 112. Gastrocnemius, Lateral Head [0196] 113. Flexor
Digitorum Longus [0197] 114. Peroneus Tertius [0198] 115. Tendon of
Tibialis Posterior [0199] 116. Achilles Tendon [0200] 117.
Pyriformis [0201] 118. Gemellus Superior & Femellus Inferior
[0202] 119. Obturator Interous [0203] 120. Quadatus Femoris
[0204] The resistance athletic wear in accordance with the present
invention utilizes resistance bands that replicate the muscular
system in the human body. Thus, for example, in a agonist and
antagonist pair of muscle placing an elongated elastic band in
closely spaced aligned relation with one of the muscles in the pair
of muscles creates tension upon the other muscles in the pair of
muscles. This has particular application to muscles that have
connection points to bones to provide flexion. Flexion is the
action of bending or the condition of being bent, especially the
bending of a limb or joint. As a result the user will feel tension
throughout the clothing thereby enhancing exercises, assist in
rehabilitation of the body, and improve posture.
[0205] Various embodiments of the present invention employ a
plurality of elastic bands to achieve the benefits described
herein. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other
embodiments may use one of more such elastic bands or other elastic
bands without departing from the spirit of the present
invention.
[0206] Although the description herein has been focused on human
anatomy it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the
apparatus and methods of the present invention has application to
other muscles of other animals. For example the apparatus and
methods may be used for horses and dogs in competitive races.
[0207] Although the description above contains many specifics,
these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the
invention, but as merely providing illustrations of some of the
presently preferred embodiments of this invention. Thus, the scope
of this invention should be determined by the appended claims and
their legal equivalents. Therefore, it will be appreciated that the
scope of the present invention fully encompasses other embodiments
which may become obvious to those skilled in the art, and that the
scope of the present invention is accordingly to be limited by the
appended claims, in which reference to an element in the singular
is not intended to mean "one and only one" unless explicitly so
stated, but rather "one or more." All structural, chemical, and
functional equivalents to the elements of the above-described
preferred embodiment that are known to those of ordinary skill in
the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are
intended to be encompassed by the present claims. Moreover, it is
not necessary for a device or method to address each and every
problem sought to be solved by the present invention, for it to be
encompassed by the present claims. Furthermore, no element,
component, or method step in the present disclosure is intended to
be dedicated to the public regardless of whether the element,
component, or method step is explicitly recited in the claims. No
claim element herein is to be construed under the provisions of 35
U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, unless the element is expressly
recited using the phrase "means for."
[0208] All publications and patent applications mentioned in this
specification are indicative of the level of skill of those skilled
in the art to which this invention pertains. All publications and
patent applications are herein incorporated by reference to the
same extent as if each individual publication or patent application
was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by
reference.
* * * * *