Athletic Training Aid and Method

Abstract

A training aid includes a garment including multiple securements. The securements are located at areas corresponding to predetermined anatomical areas of the torso including but not limited to the chest and abdomen. The training aid also includes at least one pair of securements worn on opposite upper extremities, such as the left and right forearms, wrists, hands, fingers, and/or thumbs and are configured to releasably attach the upper extremities in close proximity to any of the anatomical areas of the torso as desired by the wearer. When attached, the wearer is trained to emulate efficient running styles of world class runners. The various securements can include fibers that interlock when they are brought into pressing contact with each other.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to an athletic device, athletic training aid, and method, and more particularly to a device and method for training runners and joggers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Few runners and joggers run with an ideal, efficient running style or gait. An inefficient running style increases fatigue which leads to a greater incidence of lower body injuries. Many devices have been developed to help people achieve a more efficient running style by limiting movement of the arms to some degree. Conventional examples include those that use straps that wrap over the athlete's neck or shoulders, such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,335,875 to Elkin, U.S. Pat. No. 4,337,938 to Rodriguez, U.S. Pat. No. 5,529,556 to Segarra, and U.S. Pat. No. 7,147,590 to Toven. Such devices do not keep the runner's forearms or hands close to the torso, which reflects the common belief that arms and hands should move forward and backward in a piston-like movement relative to the torso.

Many conventional devices require the runner to hold onto a handle, which undesirably causes the user to make a first while running. Some devices require the use of straps which cannot be readily removed from the user's extremities in the event of a fall or a collision. When falling or before an impending collision, a runner would reflexively put her hands forward for protection, and such straps or handles may delay or even prevent the runner from protecting herself Straps that cannot be readily disengaged are also inconvenient when a runner needs to move his arms to a greater extent to improve locomotion, such as when running uphill, or to improve balance, such as when running over an uneven or unstable surface. Accordingly, there is a need for a training aid that provides greater safety and flexibility of use.

Applicant's observation of world class runners reveals a common trait: a very “quiet” upper body. Arm movements are usually minimal and flexure of the hip and lower extremities are used primarily to move the body forward. Accordingly, there is also a need for a training aid and method that encourages runners to emulate the “quiet” upper body of elite runners. Running with a quiet upper body results in efficient motion, which conserves metabolic energy.

Some conventional devices appear heavy or overly obtrusive as compared to garments typically worn by runners. Such devices may not provide sufficient ventilation and/or may cause a weight imbalance that increases the risk of fatigue and injury. Some runners may not be receptive to wearing such devices because of their unusual appearance or obtrusive feel. Accordingly, there is a further need for a training aid with improved comfort, safety and marketability.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly and in general terms, the present invention is directed to an athletic training aid and method.

In aspects of the present invention, an athletic training aid comprises a garment adapted to be worn by a user. The garment includes a plurality of securement fibers located over an anterior surface of the user's torso when the garment is worn by the user. The athletic training aid further comprises a first band adapted to be worn by the user around a first upper extremity of the user, the first band including a plurality of securement fibers configured to attach to the securement fibers of the garment when pressed on to the securement fibers of the garment. The athletic training aid further comprises a second band adapted to be worn by the user around a second upper extremity of the user, the second band including a plurality of securement fibers configured to attach to the securement fibers of the garment when pressed on to the securement fibers of the garment.

In other aspects of the present invention, an athletic training aid comprises a garment adapted to be attached to a user's torso, the garment including an upper securement located on an upper area of the garment over the user's chest when the garment is worn and a lower securement located at a lower area of the garment below the upper area. The training aid further comprises a first securement adapted to secure a portion of the user's left arm below the elbow to the user's torso, the first securement movable by the user from an upper position, in which the first securement is attached to the upper securement, to a lower position, in which the first securement is attached to the lower securement. The training aid further comprises a second securement adapted to secure a portion of the user's right arm below the elbow to the user's torso, the second securement movable by the user from an upper position, in which the second securement is attached to the upper securement, to a lower position, in which the second securement is attached to the lower securement.

In further aspects of the present invention, an athletic training aid comprises a device adapted to be worn over a user's torso, the device including left patch and a right patch, the left patch and the right patch each including an outward facing surface configured to grab fibers having a hook shape or a loop shape. When the device is worn, the left patch and the right patch are both located over the user's chest or both located below the chest away from user's rectus abdominus muscles.

In other aspects of the present invention, a training method includes positioning a first securement over a portion of the torso, positioning a second securement over a portion of the right arm between the elbow and the fingertips, positioning a third securement over a portion of the left arm between the elbow and the fingertips, attaching the first securement to the second securement and to the third securement, and running or jogging while the first securement is engaged to the second securement and the third securement.

The features and advantages of the invention will be more readily understood from the following detailed description which should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is plan view of a training aid, showing a garment to be worn over the torso of the user, the garment having a multiple securements attached different parts of the garment and multiple strips adapted to wrap around an extremity of the user.

FIG. 2 is a frontal view of a human torso.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the garment of FIG. 1 when worn by a user, showing the user's arm position when strips wrapped around the user's fingers and thumbs are attached to a securement located over the user's abdomen.

FIG. 4 is a front view of the garment of FIG. 1 when worn by a user, showing the user's arm position when strips wrapped around the user's fingers and thumbs are attached to a securement located over the user's chest.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of a training aid, showing a long-sleeved shirt, showing sleeves attached to a torso covering and multiple securements attached to the sleeves and the torso covering, the major dimension of the securements on the torso covering being substantially horizontally oriented.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of a training aid, showing a long-sleeved shirt, showing sleeves attached to a torso covering and multiple securements attached to the sleeves and the torso covering, the major dimension of the securements on the torso covering being vertically oriented to provide the user with maximum flexibility as to where the runner may secure her hands, wrists, forearm, fingers, thumbs, and combinations thereof.

FIG. 7A-H are elevation views of securement fibers.

FIG. 8 is a front view of the garment of when worn by a user, showing the user's arm position when gloves on the user's hand are attached to a securement located over the user's abdomen.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Aspects of the invention relate to an integration of athletic apparel, training aids, training devices, and technology. Referring now in more detail to the exemplary drawings for purposes of illustrating embodiments of the invention, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding or like elements among the several views, there is shown in FIG. 1 an athletic training aid 10. The training aid 10 helps competitive runners, other athletes, and recreational joggers maintain certain postures and arm positions that can conserve metabolic energy, increase athletic performance, reduce fatigue, and minimize force impact and attenuation on the knees, ankles, hip, and lower back while running.

A garment 12 is adapted to be worn by the user. The garment 12 includes a plurality of securement fibers located over an anterior surface of the user's torso when the garment is worn. In the illustrated embodiment, the fibers are located exclusively on discrete pieces 14, 16, 18 of material that are attached to a front, outer surface of the garment 12 corresponding to an anterior surface of the user's torso when in use. In other embodiments, the securement fibers are also located at other parts of the garment 12.

As used herein, “anterior” means a surface or portion of a human body in front of the sagittal plane that runs vertically from the left side to the right side of the human body in a upright, standing position.

As used herein, “securement” means one element or multiple elements adapted to secure or fasten a feature to another feature. The element may, without limitation, be a device, an assembly, a fiber, a clip, a magnet, a button, a snap, or other structure, or an adhesive composition. The securement fiber of the present invention is a fiber adapted to secure or fasten a feature to another feature and is a slender, elongated structure capable of flexing or bending.

In some embodiments, securement fibers are less than one eighth of an inch (3 mm) in length. In other embodiments, securement fibers 15 are up to one quarter of an inch (6 mm) in length 17 (FIGS. 7A, 7B & 7F). Securement fibers may comprise a single flexible filament or may comprise a plurality of flexible filaments and other structural elements. Securement fibers comprising a plurality of filaments may, without limitation, have filaments that are intertwined, interwoven, laminated, or fused to each other. Suitable materials for the securement fibers include without limitation, polyester, polyamides such as NYLON, other synthetic polymers, naturally occurring plant and animal material, and combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, securement fibers are woven into, bonded to, fused or permanently secured by other methods to a flexible fabric substrate 19 (FIGS. 7A, 7B & 7F). The securement fibers may protrude outwardly in a generally perpendicular direction from the plane of the fabric substrate. The fabric substrate may be sewn, bonded, or secured by other methods to selected areas of the garment 12. The areas where the fabric substrates are attached can be selected by the manufacturer of the training aid 10 so that the areas provide guidance to the user of where best to position his or her arms while running or jogging. The selected areas can be made to be visually and/or tactilely distinguishable from other parts of the garment 12 to make it easy for the user to locate the securement fibers.

In some embodiments, the securement fibers have the shape and composition of any of the fibers used in a variety of conventional hook-and-loop fasteners, such as those available under the VELCRO brand.

In some embodiments, securement fibers comprise two counterparts or halves. The first counterpart includes a plurality of generally hook-shaped fibers permanently attached to a fabric substrate. The hook-shaped fibers can be formed from a polymeric filament having a J-shape (FIG. 7A) or can be molded to have an arrow-head shape (FIGS. 7B & 7C) or T-shape (FIGS. 7D & 7E). The second counterpart includes a plurality of loop-shaped fibers permanently attached to another fabric substrate. The loop-shaped fibers can be formed from a pile or matt of extruded polymeric filaments. The loop-shaped fibers may form closed loops (FIGS. 7F & 7G) and/or may form partial or open loops (FIG. 7H) configured to engage the hook-shaped fibers. The second counterpart may include hook-shaped fibers that are identical or similar in shape as the hook-shaped fibers of the first counterpart. It will be appreciated that securement fibers may have shapes other than those shown in FIGS. 7A-7H.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the top piece 14 is located at an area over the user's breast or chest 30, as shown in FIG. 2. Preferably, the top piece 14 is located below the shoulders and at an area over a portion of the pectoralis muscles 36 within the user's chest. In some embodiments, the top piece 14 is located on or around the breast of a female user. In other embodiments, the top piece 14 is located elsewhere over the user's chest 30.

As used herein, “chest” means the part of the male and female human body between the neck 32 and the abdomen 34. As used herein, “over” means located higher than the reference surface as measured along an axis perpendicular to the referenced surface. As used herein, a feature that is “over” a referenced feature may, but not necessarily, be touching the referenced feature.

The bottom piece 18 is located at area below the user's chest and over the user's abdomen 34. Preferably, the bottom piece 18 is located at an area over a portion of the external oblique muscle 38 within the abdomen 34. The bottom piece 18 may extend from the left external oblique muscle to the right external oblique muscle such that it spans across a portion the rectus abdominus muscles 40. The left and right boundaries of the rectus abdominus muscles 40 are depicted between two broken lines 42 in FIG. 2.

The middle pieces 16A, 16B are located on the garment between the top piece 14 and the bottom piece 18. Preferably, the middle pieces 16A, 16B are located below the user's fifth rib. In some embodiments, the middle pieces 16A, 16B are located on opposite sides and space part from the abdominal midline 44. In some embodiments, all or a majority of the surface area of the middle pieces 16A, 16B is located over the left and right external oblique muscles 38, respectively.

The training aid 10 may also include a first band 20 that is adapted to be worn by the user around a first upper extremity. The first band includes a plurality of securement fibers configured to releasably attach to the securement fibers of the garment when pressed on to the securement fibers of the garment. The first band 20 may include a flat, flexible piece of plastic, a fabric, foam, and/or leather to which the securement fibers are permanently attached.

When pressed together, opposing securement fibers may flex slightly away from their original position. A bias or tendency of the fibers to return to their original position allows structural features of a particular fiber to catch or grab structural features of an opposing fiber. The grabbing action occurs as a result of only bringing opposing fibers into contact with each other. The fibers disengage and release each other when forcibly pulled apart during which fibers bend again. Preferably, the fibers disengage with less resistance when forcibly pulled apart in a direction that is parallel or substantially parallel to the axis 21 of the fibers (FIGS. 7A, 7D & 7F) as compared to a direction that is at a non-zero degree angle to the axis of the fibers.

The first band 20 can be a slender, rectangular piece of material 20A having hook-shaped fibers and/or loop-shaped fibers, which can in some embodiments be of a type used in conventional hook-and-loop fasteners.

In some embodiments, the hook-shaped fibers can be located on one surface of the rectangular piece 20A and the loop-shaped fibers can be located on the opposite surface of the rectangular piece 20A. In this way, the rectangular piece 20A can be wrapped around to form a closed loop with overlapping ends at which opposing hook-shaped and loop-shaped fibers interlock with each other.

The rectangular piece of flat material 20A is preferably sized to wrap around one or more fingers and/or a thumb of the user. The minor dimension or width of the rectangular material 20A is preferably of sufficient size to wrap around a user's finger, fingers or thumb without causing undue pressure as may occur if the material is too narrow or slender. In some embodiments, the width is equivalent to or about the same size as the average length of the proximal phalange on an adult human index finger. In some embodiments, the width is from about 0.75 inch (2 cm) to about 3 inches (7.6 cm). The major dimension or length of the rectangular material 20A is preferably of sufficient size to enable the material to wrap completely around any number or combination of fingers and thumb with sufficient material remaining so that opposite ends overlap each other. In some embodiments, the length is from about 4 inches (10 cm) to about 8 inches (20 cm).

As used herein, “major dimension” refers to the greater of two or more dimensions that define a particular shape. For example, in a rectangle having two edges that are longer than two other edges of the rectangle, the major dimension refers to the overall length of the longer edges and the minor dimension refers to the overall length of the shorter edges.

The first band 20 can be a larger rectangular piece of material 20B. Apart from having a larger overall size, it is configured in the same general manner as the slender rectangular material 20A. The minor dimension or width of the larger rectangular material 20B can be sized to wrap completely around the user's palm, wrist or forearm without causing undue pressure as may occur if the material is too narrow. In some embodiments, the width is from about 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) to about 3 inches (7.6 cm). The major dimension or length of the rectangular material 20B can be sized to enable the material to wrap around the user's palm, wrist or forearm and have opposite ends of the material overlap each other. In some embodiments, the length is from about 6 inches (15 cm) to about 12 inches (30 cm).

A second band 22 is adapted to be worn by the user around a second upper extremity of the user. For example, when the first band 20 is worn on the right forearm, wrist, or hand, the second band 22 is worn on the left forearm, wrist, or hand. Like the first band 20, the second band 22 includes a plurality of securement fibers configured to attach to the securement fibers of the garment when pressed on to the securement fibers of the garment. In some embodiments, the second band 22 comes in two sizes 22A, 22B that are identical in configuration and size to the slender rectangular material 20A and the larger rectangular material 20B, respectively.

It will be appreciated that other dimensions may be used for the first and second bands 20, 22 as appropriate for the actual size of the respective body part of the user. In some embodiments the first and second bands 20, 22 include an elastic material that allows the bands to resiliently stretch and contract to accommodate a greater range in body part size and to provide a greater degree of comfort. In some embodiments, the first and second bands 20, 22 are made of material that can be cut to size by the user with a pair of scissors or other tool. In this way, the bands 20, 22 may be provided by a manufacturer in larger dimensions and the purchaser or end user may customize the bands 20, 22 to suit himself or herself by removing any excess width and length. In some embodiments, both the slender rectangular material 20A, 22A and the larger rectangular material 20B, 22B are provided by a manufacturer to the user along with the garment 12 as a single kit.

In use, the user wears the garment 12 over his or her torso and wears the first and second bands 20, 22 on opposite upper extremities. The upper extremities can be any of the forearms, wrists, palms, fingers, and thumbs. Next, the user presses the bands 20, 22 against any of the discrete pieces 14, 16, 18 of material that are attached the garment. This causes the bands 20, 22 and the attached upper body extremity to be temporarily attached in close proximity to selected areas of the torso.

The distance between the attached upper body extremity (e.g., forearms, wrists, palms, fingers, and thumbs) and the torso may vary. Preferably, the attached upper body extremity is kept pressed against the selected area of the torso while running. In some embodiments having a tight fitting garment, the distance may be less than one inch (2.5 cm). In some embodiments having a garment made of a stretchable fabric, the distance may shift intermittently from less than one inch (2.5 cm) to as much as four inches (10 cm) due to pulling and stretching of the fabric while running. In other embodiments having a loose fitting garment, the distance may be from about one inch (2.5 cm) to six inches (15 cm).

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, multiple pieces of slender rectangular bands 20A, 22A, can be wrapped around the thumb and selected fingers of the left and right hands. As shown in FIG. 3, thumbs can be removably secured to the middle pieces 16A, 16B concurrently with the fingers removably secured to the bottom piece 18. In FIG. 3, a pair of bands a wrapped around the thumb and a second pair of bands are wrapped around the middle and ring fingers. As shown in FIG. 4, thumbs can be temporarily secured to the top piece 14 concurrently with the fingers temporarily secured to the middle pieces 16A, 16B, which allows for an arm/hand position higher than that of FIG. 3. In FIG. 4, the second pair of bands are wrapped around three fingers, namely the middle, ring and little fingers. Also, the larger rectangular bands 20B, 22B can be wrapped around the wrist and temporarily attached to any of the top, middle, and bottom pieces. This encourages and trains the user to keep his or her hands close to the torso. Thus, it will be appreciated that the bands can be wrapped around any number or combination of fingers, thumb, and wrist, as desired by a user to customize fit, comfort, height of arm/hand position, and extent to which arm swinging is desired.

The larger rectangular bands 20B, 22B can also be wrapped around any portion of the user's arm below the elbow. As used herein, “below the elbow” refers to a portion of the user's arm located anywhere from immediately adjacent the elbow to a finger tip. In some embodiments, the rectangular bands 20B, 22B are located at a selected distance from the wrist. Preferably, the selected distance is up to sixty percent of the length of the user's forearm. More preferably, the selected distance is between about twenty percent and about sixty percent of the forearm length.

Referring next to FIG. 5, an athletic training aid 50 may comprise a device 52 having arm coverings or sleeves 54 connected to a torso covering 56. The device 52 includes a left patch 58A and a right patch 58B. The left and right patches each include an outward facing surface configured to grab fibers having a hook shape or a loop shape. The left and right patches may include a fabric substrate with protruding fibers having a hook shape or a loop shape. When the device 52 is worn, the left and right patches 58A, 58B are both located over the user's chest. The left and right patches 58A, 58B can be two inches (5 cm) wide, which is the vertical dimension of the patches in FIG. 5. In other embodiments, the left and right patches 58A, 58B are separate pieces of material located below the chest away from and on opposite sides of the user's rectus abdominus muscles.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 5, the device 52 is a shirt including no strap associated with the left and right patches 58A, 58B. There is no strap that is connected to the shirt, that extends outwardly and that terminates with a hook-and-loop fastener, handle, or other device for securing or holding an upper extremity of the user. The shirt may be made of woven natural fibers, synthetic fibers, yarns, or combinations thereof that are adapted to wick moisture and perspiration away from the body of the wearer. Suitable fibers for moisture wicking include without limitation polypropylene fibers. To provide bodily support to the user, the shirt may also include elastic fibers and yarns, including but not limited to the synthetic fiber commonly referred to as spandex and used in LYCRA fabric.

In other embodiments, the device 52 is similar to a harness and may include multiple fabric straps or slender pieces that crisscross the user's torso and provide a means for securing the left and right patches 58A, 58B close to the torso. Large openings in the device 52 between the slender pieces provide ventilation for the user. In other embodiments, the device 52 is a shirt with slender reinforcing elements that wrap around portions of the user's torso to help maintain the position of the left and right patches 58A, 58B relative to the torso. In other embodiments, the device 52 is a garment selected from the group consisting of a shirt without sleeves, a shirt with an exposed midriff area, an athletic bra, and a vest with a vertical closure extending along a vertical length of the vest.

Referring again to FIG. 5, the device 52 optionally includes a second left patch 60A and a second right patch 60B. The second left and right patches 60A, 60B each include an outward facing surface configured to grab fibers having a hook shape or a loop shape. The second left and right patches may include a fabric substrate with protruding fibers having a hook shape or a loop shape. The second left and right patches 60A, 60B can be two inches (5 cm) wide, which is the vertical dimension of the patches in FIG. 5. When the device is worn, the second left and right patches are located below the user's chest.

The device 52 optionally includes a third left patch 62A and a third right patch 62B located between the first and second patches. The third left and right patches 62A, 62B each include an outward facing surface configured to grab fibers having a hook shape or a loop shape. The third left and right patches may include a fabric substrate with protruding fibers having a hook shape or a loop shape. When the device is worn, the third left and right patches 62A, 62B are located on opposite sides of and are spaced away from the user's abdominal midline 44 (FIG. 2). The third left and right patches 62A, 62B can be 2.5 inches (6.3 cm) wide by up to 6 inches (15 cm) long. In some embodiments, the third left and right patches 62A, 62B are located over the user's external oblique muscles 38 but not over the user's rectus abdominus muscles 40 (FIG. 2). In other embodiments, the third left and right patches 62A, 62B are located over the external oblique muscles and the rectus abdominus muscles.

Still referring to FIG. 5, a forearm portion 64 of each of the arm sleeves 54 includes a patch 66 of protruding fibers adapted to be grabbed by the outward facing surface of any of the patches 58, 60, 62 on the torso covering 56. The patch 66 may be located over any portion of the user's forearm. As used herein, a user's “forearm” runs from the elbow to the wrist. The patch 66 may be located on an area of the sleeve 54 located over the user's wrist or over the user's forearm between the wrist and the elbow.

The patch 66 may be located over any portion of the user's arm below the elbow. In some embodiments, the patch 66 is located at a selected distance from the wrist. The selected distance may, in some embodiments, be between about twenty percent and about sixty percent of the length of the user's forearm.

In some embodiments, each of the patches 66A, 66B are 2 inches (5 cm) wide and several inches in length. The length in some embodiments can be in the range of about 6 inches to about 8 inches (about 15 cm to about 20 cm). The length in other embodiments can be in the range of about 4 inches to about 5 inches (about 10 cm to about 13 cm).

In other embodiments, the training aid 50 optionally includes pieces that can be releasably attached and separated from the device 52, including but not limited to wrist straps, gloves, fingerless gloves, any of which may include protruding fibers adapted to be grabbed by the outward facing surface of any of the patches 58, 60, 62 on the torso covering 56. As used herein, “releasably attached” means capable of being attached, detached, and reattached.

In some embodiments, some or all of the patches 58, 60, 62 located on the torso covering 56 are configured to support the weight of a user's arm that is attached to one of the patches. The patches may be permanently attached to the torso covering or moveable to other locations on the torso covering. To support the weight of the user's arm, the patch can be configured to have a sufficient density and number of hook-shaped or loop-shaped securement fibers capable of engaging fibers on a piece of material secured or looped around a portion of the user's arm. The securement fibers covering the torso and the user's arm can all be configured to have molded nylon filaments having hook shapes in the form of arrow-heads or T's. The arrow-head and T-shaped hooks are adapted to interlock with other arrow-head or T-shaped fibers when pressed together.

The patches 58, 60, 62 need not support the full weight of the user's arm to provide a benefit to the user. By supporting some of the weight, muscle tension in the upper body, such as the shoulders and arms, is reduced.

Preferably, the fibers detach from each other with less pulling force when pulled in a direction perpendicular to the attachment surface compared to when pulled in a direction parallel to the attachment surface. In this way, the full weight of the user's arm pulling in a vertical direction parallel to the patches 58, 60, 62 does not disengage the fibers from each other, whereas pulling in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the patches 58, 60, 62 disengages the fibers from each other. This feature allows the user to rapidly detach his or her arms from the torso, such as when preparing to run uphill during which additional arm movement is desired to help propel the body forward. This rapid detach or “break away” function also improves safety, such as when bracing for a fall or a collision.

In other embodiments, some or all of the patches 58, 60, 62 located on the torso covering 56 are not configured to support the full weight of the user's arm. The patches 58, 60, 62 allow for relatively weak attachment of the user's upper extremity. The weak attachment remains perceptible by the user wearing the device 52. When the user inadvertently breaks form by removing his or her arms far away from the torso, detachment from the patches 58, 60, 62 provides a tactile stimulus or feedback which reminds the user to return his or her arms to their original position. Over time, the user may reflexively keep arms close to the torso without the device 52. A runner may also intentionally break form by removing his or her arms away from the torso when sprinting, running uphill or at a slight grade, or in other situations in which a more pronounced arm swing is desirable.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 5, the major dimension of the patches 66A, 66B on the sleeve are parallel or substantially parallel to the width dimension 67 of the sleeve 54.

In other embodiments, the major dimension of the patches 66A, 66B are rotated ninety degrees from the orientation shown in FIG. 5 so as to be parallel or substantially parallel to the length dimension 69 of the sleeve 54. In this way, the user is given greater flexibility to adjust the secured position of his or her arms in relation to the torso. The major dimension of the patches 66A, 66B may extend anywhere from about the elbow area 68 of the sleeves 54 to the free end of the sleeve. The major dimension of the patches 66A, 66B may extend along the entire forearm portion 64 of the sleeves 54.

Referring next to FIG. 6, an athletic training aid 70 may comprise a device 72 having arm coverings or sleeves 74 connected to a torso covering 76. The device 72 includes a left patch 78A and a right patch 78B having a slender, rectangular shape. The left and right patches may include a fabric substrate with protruding fibers having a hook shape or a loop shape. The major dimension of the left and right patches 78A, 78B extend vertically such that, when the device 72 is worn, the patches extend from over the user's pectoralis muscles to the abdomen. The width or minor of the left and right vertical patches 78A, 78B can be two inches (5 cm) wide, which is the horizontal dimension of the patches in FIG. 6. A forearm portion 84 of each of the arm sleeves 74 includes a patch 86 of protruding fibers adapted to be grabbed by the outward facing surface of any of the vertical patches 78A, 78B on the torso covering 76. Each of the patches 86A, 86B has a major dimension which is oriented parallel or substantially parallel to the lengthwise dimension of the sleeves 74. The major dimension of the patches 86A, 86B are oriented about ninety degrees relative to the major dimension of the patches 66A, 66B in FIG. 5. In the illustrated embodiment, the patches 86A, 86B extend from about the elbow to about the wrist.

With the patches 78A, 78B oriented vertically in their major dimension, the user is may secure his or her forearms at any height along the entire length of the vertical patches 78A, 78B to suit the runner's preference. With the major dimension of the patches 86A, 86B oriented as shown in FIG. 6, the user is given even greater flexibility to adjust the secured position of his or her arms in relation to the torso.

In FIG. 8, a garment 90 is configured similarly to the garment 12 of FIG. 3. The garment 90 includes securements 92, 94, 96, 98 attached on the of the garment 12. Used in combination with the garment 90 are a pair of gloves 100A, 100B worn on the hands of the user. In the illustrated embodiment, the hand gloves 100A, 100B are of a type that cover three-quarters of the length of the thumb and fingers. In other embodiments, different types of gloves may be used, including but not limited to fingerless gloves and gloves the cover all parts of the thumb and fingers.

Referring again to FIG. 8, each of the gloves 100A, 100B includes a securement adapted to releasably attach to any one or a combination of the securements 92, 94, 96, 98 on the front torso region of the garment 90. The securement on each glove 100A, 100B includes multiple strips 102 of material adapted to releasably attach to any one or a combination of the securements 92, 94, 96, 98. There are strips 102 that extend from free ends of thumb and finger portions of the glove to points at or about the base knuckles of the user.

In FIG. 8, a strip of material 102A on the thumb portion of each glove is obscured from view and are releasably attached to the middle securement 94, 96 on the torso region of the garment 90. The strips of material 102B on the finger portions of each glove extend from the base knuckles and wrap around with the user's fingers so that a portion of the strips of material 102B face and are releasably attached to the lower securement 98 on the torso region of the garment 90.

In some embodiments, the securement on each of the gloves 100A, 100B includes a strip of material on a region of the glove covering the wrist of the user so as to provide additional modes or positions for the user to secure his upper extremities in relation to his torso while running.

In other embodiments of the present invention, the gloves 100A, 100B are used with the device 52 of FIG. 5. In other embodiments, the gloves 100A, 100b are used with the device 72 of FIG. 6.

It will be appreciated that the present invention can be implemented in some embodiments without the use of handles or structures which the user would grasp in hand to help keep arms in a certain position close to the torso. Without such handles, the user's hand is allowed to remain in a relaxed, natural state while running.

It will also be appreciated that the present invention can be implemented in some embodiments without the use of rigid braces, splints, and similar rigid structures that would help retain the arms bent in a desired angle at the elbow. Without such rigid structures, a natural range of bodily motion is permitted and the weight imbalance arising from such structures is eliminated. Accordingly, safety is increased and the user is allowed to move naturally while running.

It will further be appreciated that the present invention can be implemented in some embodiments without the use of straps, cords, rope, and other flexible tension members that connect an upper extremity of the user to the user's torso, shoulder, back, or neck. Such flexible tension members often allow excessive freedom of movement of the upper extremity relative to the user's torso. Elimination of such flexible tension members encourages the user to keep his or her upper extremities closer to the torso to conserve metabolic energy, reduce impact and attenuation of the lower body while running or jogging, and realize other benefits.

A method in accordance with embodiments of the present invention includes placing a garment or device over the torso of the user. The garment or device may be the same as or have some of the elements of the garment 12 or the device 52 described above. The method further comprises running with the arms releasably attached to securement patches on the other surface of the garment or device.

The user's arms may be releasably attached as close as practicable to the user's torso by pressing securement fibers attached to a piece of fabric wrapped around a portion of the user's forearm, wrist, palm, finger and/or thumb on to securement fibers attached directly to the outer surface of the garment. In this context, “attached directly” means without intervening straps, cords, or rope. The securement fibers over the user's extremity may, in some embodiments, be no longer than half an inch (13 mm) in length. The user's arms may be detached by only pulling the arms away from the outer surface of the garment, and reattached by only pressing the securement fibers together.

It will be appreciated that forms of securement other than securement fibers may be used in other embodiments. For example, tacky coatings or adhesive strips adapted to releasably attach to each other may be substituted or used in combination with securement fibers. As a further example, magnets or other elements coupled by magnetic attraction may also be substituted for or used in combination with other forms of securement to provide a releasable attachment of the user's upper extremity with the torso. To provide support when running and safety in the event of a fall or accident, the magnets and other forms of securement can be oriented or configured in such a way to provide greater resistance to detachment when the user's upper extremity pulls in a vertical, downward direction as compared to when pulling in a horizontal, outward direction.

It will also be appreciated that securements for attaching the user's upper extremity to the torso can, in some embodiments, be part of full glove, work-out glove, fingerless glove, wrist strap, finger strap, and any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises selecting an arm position corresponding to one of among a plurality of securement regions or patches on the garment. In some embodiments, the method further comprises wearing a glove, elastic wrist band, or wrist strap at least partially covered with securement fibers and pressing those fibers against other securement fibers permanently attached to the securement regions or patches.

In some embodiments, the method includes positioning patches of securement fibers over any one or a combination of areas of the human anatomy previous described herein.

While several particular forms of the invention have been illustrated and described, it will also be apparent that various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, patches of securement fibers can be located at locations on the user's torso other than those shown in the figures. As a further example, a greater or lesser number of patches may be used than what is shown in the figures. It is also contemplated that various combinations or subcombinations of the specific features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with or substituted for one another in order to form varying modes of the invention. Accordingly, it is not intended that the invention be limited, except as by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An athletic training aid comprising:

a garment adapted to be worn by a user, the garment including a plurality of securement fibers located over an anterior surface of the user's torso when the garment is worn by the user;

a first band adapted to be worn by the user around a first upper extremity of the user, the first band including a plurality of securement fibers configured to attach to the securement fibers of the garment when pressed on to the securement fibers of the garment; and

a second band adapted to be worn by the user around a second upper extremity of the user, the second band including a plurality of securement fibers configured to attach to the securement fibers of the garment when pressed on to the securement fibers of the garment.

2. The athletic training aid of claim 1, wherein the securement fibers of the garment are located over the user's chest when the garment is worn by the user.

3. The athletic training aid of claim 1, wherein the securement fibers of the garment are located over the user's abdomen when the garment is worn by the user.

4. The athletic training aid of claim 1, wherein the securement fibers of the garment are located only within a plurality of discrete regions of the garment spaced apart from each other, a first of the discrete regions located over the user's chest when the garment is worn by the user, and a second of the discrete regions located below the user's chest when the garment is worn by the user.

5. The athletic training aid of claim 4, wherein a third of the discrete regions is located between the first and second discrete regions.

6. The athletic training aid of claim 1, wherein the garment includes a first sleeve and a second sleeve, the first band located on or forming a part of the first sleeve, the second band located on or forming a part of the second sleeve.

7. The athletic training aid of claim 1, wherein the first band is adapted to be secured around the left wrist or the left hand of the user, and the second band is adapted to be secured around the right wrist or the right hand of the user.

8. The athletic training aid of claim 1, wherein the first band is adapted to be secured around a finger or a thumb on the left hand of the user, and the second band is adapted to be secured around a finger or a thumb on the right hand of the user.

9. The athletic training aid of claim 1, wherein the securement fibers of the garment are polymeric filaments that protrude outwardly and have a hook shape or a loop shape.

10. The athletic training aid of claim 1, wherein:

the securement fibers of the garment form an attachment surface on the garment; and

the securement fibers of the first band are configured such that, when the securement fibers of the first band are attached to the securement fibers of the garment, the securement fibers of the first band detach from the securement fibers of the garment with less pulling force when pulled in a direction perpendicular to the attachment surface compared to when pulled in a direction a direction parallel to the attachment surface.

11. The athletic training aid of claim 1, further comprising a first hand glove and a second hand glove, wherein the first band is attached to the first hand glove and a second band is attached to the second hand glove.

12. An athletic training aid comprising:

a garment adapted to be attached to a user's torso, the garment including an upper securement located on an upper area of the garment over the user's chest when the garment is worn and a lower securement located at a lower area of the garment below the upper area;

a first securement adapted to secure a portion of the user's left arm below the elbow to the user's torso, the first securement movable by the user from an upper position, in which the first securement is attached to the upper securement, to a lower position, in which the first securement is attached to the lower securement; and

a second securement adapted to secure a portion of the user's right arm below the elbow to the user's torso, the second securement movable by the user from an upper position, in which the second securement is attached to the upper securement, to a lower position, in which the second securement is attached to the lower securement.

13. The athletic training aid of claim 12, wherein the upper securement includes a left side portion and a right side portion, the left side portion located on an area of the garment over the user's left pectoralis muscles when the garment is worn, the right side portion located on an area of the garment over the user's right pectoralis muscles when the garment is worn.

14. The athletic training aid of claim 12, wherein the lower securement includes a left side portion and a right side portion, the left side portion located on an area of the garment over the user's left external oblique muscle and spaced away from the user's abdominal midline when the garment is worn, the right side portion located on an area of the garment over the user's right external oblique muscle and spaced away from the user's abdominal midline when the garment is worn.

15. An athletic training aid comprising:

a device adapted to be worn over a user's torso, the device including left patch and a right patch, the left patch and the right patch each including an outward facing surface configured to grab fibers having a hook shape or a loop shape;

wherein when the device is worn, the left patch and the right patch are both located over the user's chest or both located below the chest away from user's rectus abdominus muscles.

16. The athletic training aid of claim 15, wherein the device includes no strap and is a garment selected from the group consisting of a shirt with sleeves, a shirt without sleeves, or a shirt with an exposed midriff area, or a vest.

17. The athletic training aid of claim 15, wherein when the device is worn, the left patch and the right patch are located over the user's chest.

18. The athletic training aid of claim 17, wherein the device further includes a second left patch and a second right patch, the second left patch and the second right patch each including an outward facing surface configured to grab fibers having a hook shape or a loop shape; and wherein when the device is worn, the second left patch and the second right patch are located below the user's chest.

19. The athletic training aid of claim 15, further comprising a second device including a patch of protruding fibers adapted to be grabbed by the outward facing surface of any one or both of the left patch and the right patch, the second device adapted to wrap around a body part selected from the group consisting a forearm, a wrist, a hand, a finger, and a thumb.

20. An athletic training method comprising:

positioning a first securement over a portion of the torso;

positioning a second securement over a portion of the right arm between the elbow and the fingertips;

positioning a third securement over a portion of the left arm between the elbow and the fingertips;

attaching the first securement to the second securement and to the third securement; and

running or jogging while the first securement is engaged to the second securement and the third securement.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein attaching the first securement to the second securement and to the third securement is accomplished by pressing a plurality of fibers over the right arm and the left arm against a plurality of fibers over the torso.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein positioning the second securement includes wrapping first strip of securement material around at least one finger of the right hand of the user and wrapping a second strip of securement material around the thumb of the right hand, wherein positioning the third securement includes wrapping a third strip of securement material around at least one finger of the left hand of the user and wrapping a fourth strip of securement material around the thumb of the right hand, and wherein the first securement includes at least two patches of securement material spaced apart from each other and located at different locations over the torso.