U.S. patent application number 15/623293 was filed with the patent office on 2017-12-21 for wearable resistive equipment.
This patent application is currently assigned to Hey Let's Train, LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Hey Let's Train, LLC. Invention is credited to Aaron Mottern.
Application Number | 20170361151 15/623293 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 60661549 |
Filed Date | 2017-12-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170361151 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Mottern; Aaron |
December 21, 2017 |
WEARABLE RESISTIVE EQUIPMENT
Abstract
Aspects of the present disclosure involve a wearable resistive
equipment that integrates endurance and strength training
capabilities into the clothing, while enhancing the effect of
exercise, rest and motion. In one embodiment, the wearable
resistive equipment is designed to include built-in resistance
bands with end-clasping members for affixing to an external
apparatus. In other embodiments the wearable resistive equipment is
designed to include built-in resistance bands that can extend to
various positions on a user's upper or lower legs. In yet other
embodiments, the wearable resistive equipment is designed to
include built-in resistance bands that extend upward toward the
lower mid-section of a body for abdominal training.
Inventors: |
Mottern; Aaron; (St. Louis,
MO) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Hey Let's Train, LLC |
St. Louis |
MO |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Hey Let's Train, LLC
St. Louis
MO
|
Family ID: |
60661549 |
Appl. No.: |
15/623293 |
Filed: |
June 14, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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62350267 |
Jun 15, 2016 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41D 2300/22 20130101;
A63B 21/00065 20130101; A41D 1/08 20130101; A41D 13/0015 20130101;
A63B 21/0552 20130101; A63B 21/00061 20130101; A41D 31/18 20190201;
A63B 21/4025 20151001; A63B 2209/10 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A63B 21/00 20060101
A63B021/00; A63B 21/02 20060101 A63B021/02; A63B 21/055 20060101
A63B021/055; A63B 21/04 20060101 A63B021/04; A41D 1/08 20060101
A41D001/08; A63B 23/04 20060101 A63B023/04 |
Claims
1. A wearable resistive equipment comprising: two or more generally
free-floating resistance bands positioned generally within two or
more corresponding channel systems, which are contained generally
wholly within the wearable resistive equipment comprising: a first
end of the two or more resistance bands coupled adjacent to a first
end of the wearable resistive equipment; a second end of the two or
more resistance bands coupled adjacent to a second end of the
wearable resistive equipment; wherein the two or more resistance
bands and corresponding channel systems are substantially parallel
to each other and do not intersect with each other; wherein each of
the resistance bands comprises a predetermined level of resistance
that is varied via a thickness of the resistance bands selected
from a predefined range, wherein the wearable resistive equipment
comprising the two or more resistive bands is generally
substantially configured to a portion of a user so as to provide a
targeted amount of resistance on the muscles of a user, thereby
enhancing exercise of the user; and wherein the wearable resistive
equipment comprises a pant member.
2. The wearable resistive equipment of claim 1, wherein the pant
member further comprises: a first pant leg, a second pant leg, and
a generally annular waist section, wherein the first and second
pant legs are coupled together via the waist section, the coupling
of the first and second pant legs extending generally downwardly to
a crotch area; and wherein the pant member will substantially
conform to a portion of a user, wherein the pant member further
comprises; a first resistance band channel system disposed adjacent
to the first pant leg; a second resistance band channel system
disposed adjacent to the second pant leg; wherein the two or more
resistance bands are generally positioned within each of the first
and second channel systems; and wherein the two or more resistance
bands are substantially parallel to each other and do not
intersect.
3. The wearable resistive equipment of claim 2, wherein the first
end of the two or more resistance bands is coupled adjacent to the
first end of the pant member, and wherein the first end of the pant
member is coupled generally adjacent to the waist section of the
pant member.
4. The wearable resistive equipment of claim 3, wherein the second
end of the two or more resistance bands is coupled adjacent to the
second end of the pant member, which is located generally adjacent
to the bottom of the first and second pant legs.
5. The wearable resistive equipment of claim 4, wherein clasping
members are coupled generally adjacent to the second end of the
plurality of resistance bands, and configured to generally
mechanically couple to an external apparatus.
6. The wearable resistive equipment of claim 4, wherein the
resistance bands further comprise a loop around extension
configured to generally loop around a lower extremity of a
user.
7. The wearable resistive equipment of claim 4, wherein the second
end of the two or more resistance bands extend generally to a lower
leg area of the user.
8. The wearable resistive equipment of claim 4, wherein the second
end of the two or more resistance bands extend generally to an
upper leg area of the user.
9. The wearable resistive equipment of claim 1, wherein the
resistance of the one or more resistance bands is varied via a
thickness of the one or more resistance bands, wherein the
thickness of the resistance bands is from 0.2 millimeters to 10
millimeters.
10. The wearable resistive equipment of claim 1, wherein the two or
more of the resistance bands comprise natural rubber.
11. The wearable resistive equipment of claim 1, herein fabric used
in the construction of the wearable resistive equipment is
washable, and comprises an anti-microbial treatment or properties
to reduce odor and fungus.
12. The wearable resistive equipment of claim 1, wherein the two or
more resistance bands are coupled at least in part adjacent to the
wearable resistive equipment at each of the first and second ends
by stitching, buttons, Velcro, clasps and/or snaps.
13. The wearable resistive equipment of claim 1, wherein the
wearable resistive equipment enhances the effects of exercise
and/or rehabilitation of a user via the two or more resistance
bands, which are generally aligned with the muscle patterns of a
user.
14. The wearable resistive equipment of claim 1, wherein the
wearable resistive equipment enhances the effects of exercise
and/or rehabilitation of a user.
15. The wearable resistive equipment of claim 1, further comprising
a loop around portion configured to couple to a foot of a user.
16. A method of exercise comprising: positioning two or more
generally free-floating resistance bands within two or more channel
systems in a portion of wearable resistive equipment, which are
contained generally wholly within the wearable resistive equipment,
that are substantially parallel to each other and do not intersect;
coupling a first end of the two or more resistance bands adjacent
to a first end of the wearable resistive equipment; coupling a
second end of the two or more resistance bands adjacent to a second
end of the wearable resistive equipment; aligning, generally, the
two or more resistance bands within the wearable resistive
equipment with the muscle patterns of a user so as to provide
resistance on muscles of a user; selecting a specific level of
resistance, from a predefined range, for each of the resistance
bands within the channel systems; and providing a predetermined
amount of resistance to the muscles of a user, thereby providing
the user with enhanced benefits of movement.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein the two or more resistance
bands are substantially configured to a particular characteristic
of a user; wherein the resistance bands are substantially parallel
to each other and do not intersect with each other; and wherein the
two or more resistance bands are generally aligned with the muscles
in the legs of a user.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein the first end and the second
end of the two or more resistance bands run substantially parallel
to the muscles in the legs of a user, thereby providing an enhanced
amount of resistance, at least in part via the two or more
resistance bands, on the leg muscles of a user while the leg
muscles of a user contract or are at rest.
19. The method of claim 16, wherein the wearable resistive
equipment enhances the effects of exercise and/or rehabilitation of
a user.
20. A wearable resistive equipment comprising: two or more
generally free-floating resistance bands positioned generally
within two or more corresponding channel systems, both of which are
contained generally wholly within the wearable resistive equipment
comprising: a first end of the two or more resistance bands coupled
adjacent to a first end of the wearable resistive equipment; a
second end of the two or more resistance bands coupled adjacent to
a second end of the wearable resistive equipment; wherein the two
or more resistance bands and corresponding channel systems are
substantially parallel to each other and do not intersect with each
other; wherein each of the resistance bands comprises a
predetermined level of resistance that is varied via a thickness of
the resistance bands selected from a predefined range, wherein the
thickness of the resistance bands is from 0.2 millimeters to 10
millimeters; wherein the wearable resistive equipment comprising
the two or more resistive bands is generally substantially
configured to a portion of a user so as to provide a targeted
amount of resistance on the muscles of a user, thereby enhancing
exercise of the user; and wherein the wearable resistive equipment
comprises a pant member.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 62/350,267, filed on Jun. 15, 2016, which is
hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates to wearable resistive
equipment and, more particularly, wearable resistive equipment that
provides resistance for exercise, rehabilitation or casual, general
use.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Exercise clothing may be widely available and often designed
to provide various benefits to ordinary people and professional
athletes alike. For example, exercise clothing may be designed to
trigger the acceleration of blood flow, increase oxygen to the
muscles, or even reduce the build-up of lactic acid. Exercise
clothing can also be designed to draw moisture away from the body
in order to keep a person cool in the summer and warm in the
winter. Wearable resistive equipment designed with a built-in
mechanism that provides endurance and strength training is,
however, minimally available and is often restricted by the
characteristics of the clothing material. Wearable resistive
equipment with built-in mechanisms that may be currently available,
may fail to properly follow the contours of the muscles of a user
and therefore fail to provide enhanced or optimal resistance to
enhance exercise or increase calorie burn, and decrease workouts or
workout time.
SUMMARY
[0004] The present disclosure involves wearable resistive equipment
that includes a pant member, a plurality of generally free-floating
resistance bands within a plurality of channel systems that are
generally contained wholly within the wearable resistive equipment.
According to one example, the wearable resistive equipment includes
a first end of the plurality of resistance bands that is coupled to
a first end of the wearable resistive equipment and a second end of
the plurality of resistance bands that is coupled to a second end
of the wearable resistive equipment. Each of the resistance bands
are substantially parallel to each other, do not intersect, may be
generally aligned with the muscle patterns of a user, and comprise
a predetermined level of resistance selected from a predefined
range. The wearable resistive equipment comprising the plurality of
resistive bands is substantially configured to a portion of a user
so as to provide a targeted amount of resistance on the muscles of
a user. The effect of the wearable resistive equipment may be when
the user is not moving, or when the muscles contract, thereby
allowing the user, by and through the plurality of resistance
bands, to undergo enhanced muscle development, exercise, or
rehabilitation, when used by a user.
[0005] According to an embodiment, the pant member includes a first
pant leg, a second pant leg and a generally circular waist section,
wherein the first and second pant legs are coupled together, and
coupled to the waist section. The coupling of the legs may form a
crotch area. The pant member may be configured to generally,
substantially conform to a portion of a user. The pant member also
includes a first resistance band channel system disposed generally
adjacent to the first pant leg, a second resistance band channel
system disposed generally adjacent to the second pant leg, and a
plurality of resistance bands positioned within each of the first
and second channel systems.
[0006] Embodiments of the present disclosure also include a method
of exercise, which includes positioning a plurality of generally
free-floating resistance bands within a plurality of channel
systems in a portion of wearable resistive equipment. By coupling a
first end of the plurality of resistance bands to a first end of
the wearable resistive equipment, coupling a second end of the
plurality of resistance bands to a second end of the wearable
resistive equipment, and aligning generally the plurality of
resistance bands within the wearable resistive equipment generally
with the muscle patterns of a user, a user experiences enhanced
resistance on their muscles while at rest or when the muscles
contract and expand. This method allows a user to undergo enhanced
exercise and/or rehabilitation.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DI WINGS
[0007] Example embodiments are illustrated in referenced figures of
the drawing. It is intended that the embodiments and figures
disclosed herein are to be considered illustrative rather than
limiting.
[0008] FIG. 1A is a front view of an embodiment of a wearable
resistive equipment with built-in resistance bands, including
clasping member to couple the wearable resistive equipment to an
external apparatus, such as a shoe.
[0009] FIG. 1B is a rear view of wearable resistive equipment with
build-in resistive bands of FIG. 1A.
[0010] FIG. 1C is a side view of the wearable resistive equipment
with build-in resistive bands of FIG. 1A.
[0011] FIG. 2A is a front view of another embodiment of a wearable
resistive equipment with built-in resistance bands including
resistive foot support.
[0012] FIG. 2B is a back view of the wearable resistive equipment
with build-in resistive bands of FIG. 2A.
[0013] FIG. 2C is a side view of the wearable resistive equipment
with build-in resistance bands of FIG. 2A.
[0014] FIG. 3A is a front view of another embodiment of a wearable
resistive equipment with built-in resistance bands including
resistive lower, mid-portion support.
[0015] FIG. 3B is a back view of the wearable resistive equipment
with built-in resistance bands of FIG. 3A.
[0016] FIG. 4A is a front view of another embodiment of a wearable
resistive equipment with built-in resistance bands that extend
generally to the lower leg area of a user.
[0017] FIG. 4B is a back view of the wearable resistive equipment
with build-in resistive bands of FIG. 4A.
[0018] FIG. 4C is a side view of the wearable resistive equipment
with build-in resistance bands of FIG. 4A.
[0019] FIG. 5A is a front view of another embodiment of a wearable
resistive equipment with built-in resistance bands that extend
generally to the upper leg area of a user.
[0020] FIG. 5B is a back view of the wearable resistive equipment
with build-in resistive bands of FIG. 5A.
[0021] FIG. 5C is a side view of the wearable resistive equipment
with build-in resistance bands of FIG. 5A.
[0022] FIG. 6 describes a method of exercising.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] Aspects of the present disclosure involve a wearable
resistive equipment that integrates endurance and strength training
capabilities into the wearable resistive equipment such that a user
may experience an increased level of resistance when wearing the
wearable resistive equipment. The present disclosure discloses a
wearable resistive equipment that may include a pant member, a
plurality of generally free-floating resistance bands within a
plurality of channel systems that are contained wholly within the
wearable resistive equipment. The wearable resistive equipment may
include a first end of the plurality of resistance bands that is
secured to a first end of the wearable resistive equipment and a
second end of the plurality of resistance bands that is secured to
a second end of the wearable resistive equipment. Each of the
resistance bands are substantially parallel to each other, do not
intersect, generally aligned with the muscle patterns of a user,
and comprise a predetermined level of resistance selected from a
predefined range. The wearable resistive equipment comprising the
plurality of resistive bands is substantially configured to a
portion of a user so as to provide a targeted amount of resistance
on the muscles of a user after the muscles contract, thereby
allowing the user, by and through the plurality of resistance
bands, to undergo enhanced muscle development when worn or used by
a user.
[0024] In an embodiment the pant member may include a pant member
comprising a first pant leg, a second pant leg and a generally
annular waist section, wherein the first and second pant legs are
coupled together via the waist section that extends down to a
crotch area. The pant member may be configured to generally, or
substantially conform to a portion of a user. The pant member also
includes a first resistance band channel system disposed on the
first pant leg, a second resistance band channel system disposed on
the second pant leg, and a plurality of resistance bands positioned
within each of the first and second channel systems.
[0025] FIGS. 1A-1C depict an embodiment of an apparatus that offers
resistive training without the need for external equipment.
Specifically, FIG. 1A is a front view of a first embodiment of a
wearable resistive equipment 100 with a plurality of generally
free-floating resistance bands 104 within a plurality of channel
systems 102 that are contained generally wholly within the wearable
resistive equipment 100. FIGS. 1B and 1C provide the back and side
views of the wearable resistive equipment 100. As seen in FIG. 1B,
the wearable resistive equipment 100 includes a pant member 126
with resistance bands 104 disposed generally vertically in each
pant leg. In other embodiments, the resistance bands 104 may be
disposed horizontally, or in other configurations, in each pant leg
to align generally with the contours and/or directions of the
muscles of a user.
[0026] In one embodiment, a front of each leg of the pant member
126 includes two resistance bands 104, one in each channel system
102, spaced apart from each other and generally extending parallel
with each other as they extend between a first end of the pant
member 130, which is located generally adjacent to a first end of
the resistance bands 140 and the waist area 112 of the pant member
126, that extends generally downwardly to a crotch area 150, and a
second end of the pant member 132, which is located generally
adjacent to the second end of the resistance bands 142 of the first
134 and second legs 136 of the pant member 126. In this embodiment,
one resistance band 104 is provided in each of the channel systems
102 on the pant member 126. In other embodiments, more than one
resistance band 104 may be provided in each of the channel systems
102 on the pant member 126, or some channel systems 102 may have
resistance bands 104 and others may not.
[0027] As seen in FIGS. 1B and 1C, a back of each leg of the pant
member 126 may include two resistance bands 104 spaced apart from
each other and generally extending parallel with each other as they
extend between the first end of the pant member 130. The first end
of the pant member 130 is located generally adjacent to the first
end of the resistance bands 140 and the waist section 112 of the
pant member 126. A second end of the pant member 132 is located
generally adjacent to the second end of the resistance bands 142,
which is coupled generally adjacent to the first 134 and second
legs 136 of the pant member 126. In this embodiment, one resistance
band 104 is provided in each of the channel systems 102 adjacent to
the pant member 126. In other embodiments, more than one resistance
band 104 may be provided in each of the channel systems 102
adjacent to the pant member 126.
[0028] The resistance bands 104 may be positioned within a channel
system 102 (shown in dashed lines) designed to generally house or
enclose the resistance bands 104 therein. In this way, the
resistance bands 104 are generally-free floating within the channel
system 102, thereby allowing the resistance bands 104 to stretch
(i.e. provide resistance) within the channel system 102, and not be
exposed on an outside of the pant member 126. Additionally, as the
resistance bands 104 stretch, the resistance bands 104 follow the
contours of the body of a user and do not otherwise obstruct or
block the user from performing certain movements. This
configuration enhances the comfort, safety, and usability of the
wearable resistive equipment 100 for a user.
[0029] To create the band channel 102, fabric slightly wider than
the range of widths of the resistance bands 104 can be stitched to
the pant member 126 on two parallel sides to provide an area
between the stitches that fits the resistance bands 104 therein.
The resistance bands 104 can extend the length of the channel
system 102 and can be secured or generally coupled at both a first
end of the pant member 130, which is located generally adjacent to
the first end of the resistance bands 140 and the waist section 112
of the pant member 126, and a second end of the pant member 132,
which is located generally adjacent to the second end of the
resistance bands 142 and the first 134 and second legs 136 of the
pant member 126. The resistance bands 104, located generally inside
the channel systems 102, can be secured to the wearable resistive
equipment 100 by way of stitching, sonic welding, buttons, zippers,
snaps, clasps, Velcro, or by other methods and configurations
suitable for this use.
[0030] The channel system 102 can be made to provide sufficient
room within the channel system 102 such that the resistance bands
104 are able to move and stretch as needed to provide a desired
tensile strength. In other words, the resistance bands 104 can be
free-floating in the channel systems 102 so that the resistance
bands 104 are able to stretch freely between the first and second
ends of the channel systems 102. That is, the resistance bands 104
are not restricted or constrained by being attached to the fabric
of the pant member 126 along the entire length of the channel
systems 102, except for at the first and second ends of the channel
systems 102. The channel systems 102 may appear generally hunched
when the wearable resistive equipment 100 is not in use. This
allows channel systems 102 to expand when in use to accommodate the
stretching of the resistance bands 104.
[0031] The resistance bands 104 fit within the channel systems 102
with adequate spacing such that the location of the resistance
bands 104 remain in general alignment with the pant member 126, and
so as to align with the contours of the leg and muscles of a user.
The location of channel systems 102 on each leg 134 and 136 of the
pant member 126 may play a role in strength training and/or
endurance training, as the location of the channel systems 102 and
corresponding resistance bands 104 can target specific muscles
groups. For example, in FIG. 1A, the resistance bands 104 are
placed in alignment with the frontal muscle groups extending from a
front hip end 114a to a front ankle end 116a. This placement can
correspond to the quadriceps and tibialis anterior muscle groups,
among others, which can be impacted by the location of the
resistance bands 104 in accordance with FIG. 1A. Similarly, FIG. 1B
illustrates the resistance bands 104 which are placed about the
posterior muscles groups extending from the back hip end 114b to
the back ankle end 116b and impacting the hamstring, gluteus, and
calf muscles among others.
[0032] The front hip end 114a and back hip end 114b provide an
adjoining point for the resistance bands 104 to be secured to the
pant member 126. At the front and back hip ends, 114a and 114b, the
resistance bands 104 can be permanently, selectively, or removably
coupled to the wearable resistive equipment 100. In some instances,
the resistance bands 104 may be removably coupled to the wearable
resistive equipment 100 via buttons, zippers, clasps, snaps,
Velcro, or by other methods and systems. In other instances, the
resistance bands 104 may be permanently secured into the wearable
resistive equipment 100 via stitching, sonic welding, or by other
methods or systems. In one example, the coupling of the resistance
band 104 to the pant member 126 can be at the hip area 114a and
114b with the pant member 126 extending to the waist area 112. In
some embodiments, the exercise pant 126 may have a high-rise
design, where the resistance bands 104 are designed to extend up
generally past the hips 114a and 114b towards the abdomen and lower
back areas of a user.
[0033] The front and back ankle ends 116a and 116b may be
configured to be locations were the resistance bands 104 can
loosely extend out from the band channel 102 for attachment to an
external apparatus, such as a shoe. For the attachment of the
resistance bands 104 to an external apparatus, the resistance bands
104 can be configured to include clasping members or hooks 108 that
affix to an apparatus such as a shoe 122 and 124. For example, the
hooks 108 can attach to shoe laces 122 and/or loops 124 for foot
and speed resistive training, and other training. Further, although
the use of hooks 108 are described herein, other attachment units
can be used including, but not limited to, clasps, latches, clips,
fish hooks, lobster clasps, S hooks, or by other methods or
systems.
[0034] Although the wearable resistive equipment 100 is described
herein to include resistance bands 104 that terminate at the front
116a and back 116b ankle ends for attachment to an external
apparatus, many other band 104 configurations are possible. For
example, FIGS. 2A 2C depict another embodiment of the wearable
resistive equipment 200 with resistance bands 204. In FIGS. 2A-2C
wearable resistive equipment 200 is illustrated with resistance
bands 204 that are configured to extend beyond the ankle ends 116a
and 116b and loop around 203 a lower extremity (e.g. under the foot
206 in this embodiment). In this embodiment, instead of the bands
104 being coupled to the shoes of a user via hooks 108 as in the
embodiment of FIG. 1, the resistance bands 204 extend under the
foot of a user.
[0035] FIGS. 2A-2C provide an illustration of an embodiment of the
pant member with resistance bands 204 disposed on the leg of the
pant member 205. The resistance bands 204 are placed to generally
correspond with the front and back muscle groups of the lower body.
Accordingly, the quadriceps, and tibialis anterior muscle groups,
as well as the hamstring and calf muscles groups, among others,
will be affected by the location and operation of the resistance
bands 204 in accordance with the embodiment of FIGS. 2A-2C.
[0036] In FIG. 2C, which shows an underfoot view of a right foot of
a user wearing the pant member 205, the pant material and the
resistance bands 204 loop around 203 under the foot 206 to define
an open-toe extension 208. The open-toe extension 208 of the pant
member 205 enables the resistance bands 204 to extend from the
front hip end 114a to the back hip end 114b, where the resistance
bands 204 can be affixed to the pant member 205. The resistance
bands 204 may remain disposed in a free-floating manner within the
channel system 202 to allow for better tensile strength.
[0037] Still referencing FIG. 2A-2C, the resistance bands 204 can
be configured to provide support starting generally at the hip area
114a and 114b and generally around to the gluteus maximus muscles
within a pant member 205 with a high-rise design. The pant member
205 includes a first end of the plurality of resistance bands 230
that is located generally adjacent to a first end of the pant
member 240, which is also generally adjacent to the hip area 114a
and 114b, and a second end of the plurality of resistance bands 232
that is located generally adjacent to a second end of the pant
member 242, which is also generally adjacent to the foot 206 area
of a user. Each of the resistance bands 204 is generally aligned
with the muscle patterns of a user, and each of the resistance
bands 204 comprises a predetermined level of resistance selected
from a predefined range. The wearable resistive equipment 200
comprising one or more resistive bands 204, is substantially
configured to a portion of a user so as to provide a targeted
amount of resistance on the muscles of a user during rest or after
the muscles contract, thereby allowing the user, by and through the
plurality of resistance bands 204, to undergo enhanced muscle
development when used or worn by a user.
[0038] Moving on to another embodiment of the wearable resistive
equipment 300, reference is made to FIGS. 3A-3B. As seen in the
figures, the various elements of the wearable resistive equipment
300 are similar to that of the embodiment in FIGS. 2A-2C, however,
resistive bands 304 extend beyond the hip ends 112a, 112b to
generally the abdomen area of a user. Resistive bands 304 may still
reside within the channel system 302 in order to provide
free-floating stretch and/or expansion within the channel systems
302.
[0039] As illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the resistance bands 304
can extend inferiorly or towards the foot from the front abdomen
area 360a and the back abdomen area 360b to provide abdominal and
gluteus resistive support. Therefore, the resistive bands 304 can
continue down the lower body and loop around 308 the bottom foot
similar to the second embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A-2C. In some
instances, the resistance bands 304 may be disposed about the side
of the top pant leg 340, around the knee area 342 and over the
front of the lower leg 344. Resistance bands 304 with such
placement, for example, can impact the quadriceps and calf muscles,
among others, while avoiding contact resistance on the knees.
[0040] As illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the wearable resistive
equipment 300 can further be configured to include a mesh material
306 to provide added ventilation to provide heat dissipation during
athletic training, and when the wearable resistive equipment 300 is
on a user. The wearable resistive equipment 100, 200, 400, 500 may
also be configured to include the mesh material 306 for various
portions of the wearable resistive equipment.
[0041] Further, like many exercise pants, the wearable resistive
equipment 300 can also be equipped with one or more pockets 310 for
storage of belongings. The pocket 310 may be located on the front,
back, or side of the exercise pant 304. In addition, the pocket 310
may be open-ended, or closable via buttons, Velcro, snaps, clasps,
zippers, or other methods or systems. Pocket 310 or other storage
configurations can also be included in wearable resistive equipment
100, 200, 400, or 500 of the embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS.
1B-1C, 2B-2C, 4B-4C, and 5B-5C.
[0042] Further, the wearable resistive equipment 100, 200, 300 can
be designed to be a short or calf-length (e.g. capri) pant. For
example, as shown in FIGS. 4A-4C, the wearable resistive equipment
400 includes resistance bands 404 that terminate at the front 440
and back areas 442 of the lower legs 407 of a user. The resistance
bands 404 and the channel systems 402 are configured in a similar
way to those described in FIGS. 2A-2C, except that the resistance
bands 404 and channel systems 402 terminate at the front 440 and
back areas 442 of the lower legs 407 of a user. The pant member 405
also includes a loop around 403 that extends beyond the ankle ends
116a, 116b in order to loop around 403 a lower extremity (e.g.
under the foot 406).
[0043] FIGS. 4A-4C provide an illustration of the pant member 405
with resistance bands 404 disposed on the leg of the pant member
405. Similar to the resistance bands 204 in FIGS. 2A-2C, resistance
bands 404 are generally configured to generally correspond with the
front 440 and back 442 muscle groups of the lower body of a user.
Accordingly, the quadriceps, and tibialis anterior muscle groups as
well as the hamstring and calf muscles groups, among others, will
be affected by the location of the resistance bands 404 in
accordance with the embodiment of FIGS. 4A-4C.
[0044] In FIG. 4C, which describes a bottom view of an underfoot
embodiment of a foot 408 of a user wearing the pant member 405, the
resistance bands 404 terminate generally adjacent to the front 440
and back 442 areas of the lower leg 407 of the user, and wherein
the pant member 405 loops around 403 under the foot 406 to define
an open-toe extension 408. The resistance bands 404 may remain
disposed in a free-floating manner within the channel system 402 to
allow for better tensile strength among other advantages.
[0045] Still referencing FIGS. 4A-4C, the resistance bands 404 can
be configured to provide support starting generally at the hip area
114a and 114b and generally around to the gluteus maximus muscles
within a pant member 405 with a high-rise design. In addition, and
as seen in FIG. 2C, the resistance bands 404 terminate at the front
440 and back areas 442 of the lower legs 407 of a user and the pant
member 405 continues under the foot 406. In other embodiments, the
pant member may not continue under the foot 406.
[0046] FIGS. 5A-5C provide an illustration of the short member 505
with resistance bands 504 disposed on the upper leg 507 of the
short member 505. Resistance bands 504 may be configured to
correspond with the front 509 and back 511 muscle groups of the
upper legs 507 of the user.
[0047] The wearable resistive equipment 500 of the embodiments in
FIGS. 5A-5C, may include resistance bands 504 that couple at the
front 509 and back 511 areas of the upper legs 507 of a user. The
resistance bands 504 and the channel systems 502 are configured in
a similar way to those described in FIGS. 2A-2C, except that the
resistance bands 504 and channel systems 502 terminate or couple to
the wearable resistive equipment 500 at the front 509 and back 511
areas of the upper legs 507 of a user. A front 509 of each leg of
the short member 505 includes two resistance bands 504, one in each
channel system 502, spaced apart from each other and generally
extending parallel with each other as they extend between a first
end of the short member 530, which is located generally adjacent to
a first end of the resistance bands 540 and the waist area 112 of
the short member 505, that extends generally downwardly to a crotch
area 550, and a second end of the short member 532, which is
located generally adjacent to the second end of the resistance
bands 542 of the first 534 and second legs 536 of the short member
505. The resistance bands 504 may remain disposed in a
free-floating manner within the channel system 502 to allow for
better tensile strength among other advantages.
[0048] Alternative wearable resistive equipment 100, 200, 300, 400,
500 designs may be contemplated that may include alternate
placement of the resistance bands 104, 204, 304, 404, 504 that
extend to a low, mid, and high-rise waist area 112a and 112b.
Additionally, or alternatively, the wearable resistive equipment
100, 200, 300, 400, 500 can be configured to provide resistance
bands 104, 204, 304, 404, 504 that only extend to a portion of the
body and/or can have varying resistance band 104, 204, 304, 404,
504 placement. The wearable resistive equipment 100, 200, 300, 400,
500 can target one muscle group such as the calf muscles,
hamstrings, and/or quadriceps, or others. As another example, the
wearable resistive equipment can target the entire lower body such
that one or a group of resistive bands are disposed through-out the
pant member. In certain embodiments, the wearable resistive
equipment 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 may include resistance bands 104,
204, 304, 404, 504 that are natural rubber. In certain embodiments,
the wearable resistive equipment may include resistance bands 104,
204, 304, 404, 504 that are about 30 millimeters in width. In
certain embodiments, the band channels 102, 202, 302, 402, 502 are
about 42 inches or about 1067 millimeters in length.
[0049] Further, the wearable resistive equipment 100, 200, 300,
400, 500 can be configured for various tensile strengths. In an
embodiment, various versions of the wearable resistive equipment
100, 200, 300, 400, 500 may exist with each version supporting a
different tensile strength. Furthermore, each version of the pant
or short member can include different tensile strengths. In some
embodiments, the tensile strengths can vary between 10-100 pounds.
The thickness of the resistance bands 104, 204, 304, 404, 504 may
be one manner of varying the tensile strength, which can range from
0.6 millimeters to 2.5 millimeters. Thicker resistance bands 104,
204, 304, 404, 504 may be used for greater tensile strength. In
certain instances, the resistance bands 104, 204, 304, 404, 504 may
be configured to be removable from within the channel systems 102,
202, 302, 402, 502 such that bands of different tensile strength
can be interchanged in the resistive system. Also, in certain
instances, multiple resistance bands 104, 204, 304, 404, 504 can be
enclosed in one channel systems 102, 202, 302, 402, 502.
[0050] Still further, the wearable resistive equipment 100, 200,
300, 400, 500 may include exterior seams that are over-lock seams.
Still in some embodiments, the exterior seams of the wearable
resistive equipment 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 may include seams such
as, but not limited to, flat-felled seams, whipstitch seams,
topstitch seams, lock-stitch seams, chain-stitch seams, etc.
[0051] Although various representative embodiments of this
invention have been described above with a certain degree of
particularity, those skilled in the art could make numerous
alterations to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the
spirit or scope of the inventive subject matter set forth in the
specification. For example, one skilled in the art could use the
embodiments described in FIGS. 1A-1C, 2A-2C, 3A-3C, 4A-4C and
5A-5C, to configure a shirt member, with long or short sleeves, a
cycling or wrestling singlet, a wearable resistive equipment that
covers the abdominal area of a user, or a wearable resistive
equipment the covers the entire body of a user. These designs could
contain a plurality of similar resistance bands that are generally
free-floating within a plurality of similar channel systems that
are contained wholly within the wearable resistive equipment. The
resistance bands in these designs can be disposed vertically,
horizontally, or in other designs, to align generally with the
contours of the muscles of a user. The resistance bands in these
designs could comprise a similar channel system to those described
in 102, 202, 302, 402, 502 to house or enclose the resistance bands
therein. In this way, the resistance bands in these designs are
generally free-floating within the channel system, thereby allowing
the resistance bands to stretch (i.e. provide resistance) within
the channel system and not be exposed on an outside of the wearable
resistive equipment.
[0052] The present disclosure also discloses a method of exercise
600, which includes positioning a plurality of generally
free-floating resistance bands within a plurality of channel
systems in a portion of a wearable resistive equipment 602. By
securing and/or coupling a first end of the plurality of resistance
bands to a first end of the wearable resistive equipment 604,
securing and/or coupling a second end of the plurality of
resistance bands to a second end of the wearable resistive
equipment 606, and aligning generally the plurality of resistance
bands within the wearable resistive equipment generally with the
muscle patterns of a user 608, a user can experience enhanced
resistance on his or her leg muscles while the muscles contract 610
or are at rest. This method allows a user to undergo enhanced
exercise, enhanced calorie burn, and/or reduce the time of
exercise.
[0053] The plurality of resistance bands may be substantially
configured to a particular user, in part using characteristics of a
user, such as waist size, inseam, height, weight, among other
characteristics. Using these characteristics, the bands may be
generally aligned with the muscles in the legs of a user. A first
end and a second end of the plurality of resistance bands runs
substantially parallel to the muscles in the legs of a user,
thereby providing an enhanced amount of resistance, at least in
part via the targeted resistance bands, on the leg muscles of a
user while the leg muscles of a user contract or are at rest. The
method of exercise, by and through the wearable resistive
equipment, enhances the effects of exercise and/or rehabilitation
of a user.
[0054] All directional references (e.g. top, bottom, front, back)
are only used for identification purposes to aid the reader's
understanding of the embodiments of the present invention, and do
not create limitations, particularly as to the position,
orientation, or use of the invention unless specifically set forth
in the claims. Joinder references (e.g. attached, coupled,
connected, and the like) are to be construed broadly and may
include intermediate members between a connection of elements and
relative movement between elements. As such, joinder references do
not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and
in fixed relation to each other.
[0055] In methodologies directly or indirectly set forth herein,
various steps and operations are described in one possible order of
operation, but those skilled in the art will recognize that steps
and operations may be rearranged, replaced, or eliminated without
necessarily departing from the spirit and scope of the present
invention. It is intended that all matter contained in the above
description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be
interpreted as illustrative only and not limiting. Changes in
detail or structure may be made without departing from the spirit
of the invention as defined in the appended claims.
* * * * *