ADJUSTABLE RESISTIVE EXERCISE KIT, APPAREL ITEM AND METHOD OF USING SAME
An exercise kit is disclosed which includes a foundation article of clothing adapted to carry user adjustable resistive means which cooperates with the foundation article of clothing to facilitate the exercise or toning of at least one muscle group of a user.
This application is a non-provisional continuation-in-part utility patent application of non-provisional utility patent application with Ser. No. 12/637,693 filed on Dec. 14, 2009, and entitled “EXERCISE KIT, APPAREL ITEM AND METHOD OF USING SAME.”
TECHNICAL FIELDThis invention generally relates to exercise equipment as well as a method for providing muscle conditioning. The invention more particularly relates to a muscle toning kit and method which includes a foundation apparel item in combination with one or more resistance elements which cooperate together to facilitate the conditioning or development of the muscles of a user by the repetitive or continuous activity of the user.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONExercise equipment for conditioning and toning muscles has existed in a variety of forms. The majority of such equipment for most part has been large, bulky and expensive except for garment type items. For example, reference may be made to U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,559,654; 3,759,510; 4,384,369; 5,033,123; 5,109,546; 5,465,428; 5,708,976; 5,842,859; 5,875,491; 5,897,423; 5,921,945; 5,978,965; 6,258,014; and 6,656,097.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,759,510 describes an exercise garment including a helmet, jacket, armlets, gloves, belt, shorts, thigh leggings, calf leggings and boots with these components being detachably connected together for the use of a total composite garment or for the use separately in various combinations, each component of the total garment having exterior pockets which may be filled or partially filled with a particular weight material of various densities. This exercise garment is cumbersome and should be worn on the outside, not underneath the clothes.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,033,123 relates to a garment that comprises a pair of trousers and optionally a solid upper jacket to form a combination suit. This garment is worn in such activities as lumbering and sporting where considerable body bending is involved. These trousers and jacket are worn on the outside, not as an undergarment.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,109,546 relates to an exercise suit with form fitting pants and pullover top made of stretchable material having reinforcing segments with helically wound leg and arm resistance bands attached integrally to the suit.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,520,893 relates to an inflatable exercise belt for placement around the abdomen of a user includes a substantially belt-shaped body. A selectively inflatable air chamber is disposed at a first end portion of the belt. A backing is disposed adjacent to the inflatable air chamber so that when the inflatable air chamber is inflated, it expands in a direction away from the backing thereby exerting pressure on the abdomen of the user.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,656,097 relates to an exercise kit having a lightweight foundation article of clothing having at least a pair of elongated pockets. An elongated bent elastomeric urethane member is secured within desired ones of the pockets and provides resistance when deformed and no resistance when restored resiliently to its original shape. The method of using the kit includes performing physical activities that includes movement of at least some portion of the body sufficient to cause the urethane member to deform and to provide sufficient resistance to the movement to tone the muscles of the user experiencing such resistance.
While such garments may have been satisfactory for certain situations, it would be highly desirable to have a new and improved exercise garment and kit, which is comfortable to wear and which provides good muscle toning without causing unwanted and undesired muscle strain or soreness.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONA muscle toning kit includes an exercise garment having a first resistance article and a second resistance article. The first resistance article and the second resistance article cooperate to facilitate the exercise of at least one muscle group of a user. The first resistance article is adjustable to provide a range of user selected resistance levels, while second resistance article has another range of user selected resistance levels so that as the user maneuvers the exercise garment, its adjustable pressure opposing structures facilitate the toning and conditioning of the at least one muscle group of the user. The method includes wearing and deforming the exercise garment from its original shape through natural extension and flexing actions of the user to facilitate providing a resistive force to condition the at least one muscle group of the user.
The above mentioned features of the invention and the manner of attaining them will become apparent, and the invention itself will be best understood by reference to the following description of the embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the drawings wherein:
Referring now to the drawings and more particularly to
As will be explained hereinafter in greater detail, the exercise device 10 includes a plurality of dynamically adjustable pressure opposing structures which are arranged so the user can maneuver and adjust the pressure opposing structures either before securing the exercise device 10 to the body of the user or “on the fly” while the user is engaged in an exercise activity. The exercise device 10 therefore provides a plurality of different user selected resistance levels, which facilitate conditioning or developing of one or more one muscle groups of the user U.
The method of using the kit 6 to facilitate the conditioning or developing of one or more muscle groups of the user U, as best seen in
Considering the adjustable exercise device 10 in greater detail with reference to
Considering now the angles of resistance provided by the first resistance article 12 and the second resistance article 14, in one preferred embodiment of the present invention, as best seen in
Although in the preferred embodiment of the present invention the disclosed first angle of resistance θ1 and the disclosed second angle of resistance θ2 have been described as being between about 90 degrees and about 45 degrees respectively, it should be understood by those skilled in the art, that other angles of resistance could be selected based upon the muscle group or groups that are targeted for development. Therefore there is no intention of limiting the scope of the disclosed first angle of resistance θ1 at about 90 degrees as the first angle of resistance θ1 can be selected to be between about 0 degrees and about 90 degrees, but most preferably to be about 90 degrees. Similarly, there is no intention of limiting the scope of the disclosed second angle of resistance θ2 at about 45 degrees as the second angle of resistance θ2 can be selected to be between about 0 degrees and about 90 degrees relative to the first angle of resistance θ1, but most preferably to be about 45 degrees relative to the first angle of resistance θ1.
Considering now the first resistance article 12 in still greater detail with reference to
As will be explained hereinafter in greater detail, a user can increase the opposing structure forces of the exercise kit 6 by overlaying a substantial portion of the first resistance article 12 with the second resistance article 14. The second resistance article 14 as will be explained hereinafter in greater detail, includes a plurality of memory resistant components which provide another range of user selected resistance levels, wherein the user may further maneuver the pressure opposing structures of the second resistance article 12 by simply exerting an operating pressure thereupon, which in turn facilitates conditioning or developing of the one or more muscle groups of the user.
To accommodate the above-mentioned wide variety of different kinds of physical activities, whether they be associated with a professional workout, a home or gym workout, or simply engaging in normal work day activities, the first resistance article 12 generally includes a flexible inside member 20 and a flexible outside member 30, which are shaped as best seen in
In order to control the resistance levels of the exercise device 10, as best seen in
It should be understood by those skilled in the art, that although the first resistance article 12 has been described as having a short pant like configuration, a the first resistance article may be configured in any desired shape not only to wrap around the waist, hips and upper legs of user, but it may also be configured to be wrapped around any extremity of a user, such as an arm, a leg, or other selected muscle areas such as the hips, buttocks, or even the abdomen of the user U. Therefore, there is no intention of limiting the scope of the disclosed first resistance article 12 to a pant like structure, as other types of exercise structures are contemplated within the true scope of the present invention, whether the structure of the exercise device be for an arm, a leg, an elbow area, a knee area, a back area, and abdomen area a neck area, a buttock area, or some combination of muscle areas such as the muscle area covered by the exercise device 10.
In summary then, the first resistance article 12 is a bladder like inflatable apparel article made of a number of component parts, which include: the inside or inner member 20, which is shaped as best seen in
Considering now the first resistance article 12 in still greater detail, the inside member 20 and the outside member 30 are each substantially flat structures where the inside member 20 includes an interior bonding surface area indicated generally at 22 (
When the inside member 20 and the outside member 30 are heat sealed together to form the first resistance article 12, they create a number of important features which facilitate the ease in attaching the first resistance article 12 to the body of the user. These features include: an elongate waist strap feature indicated generally at 80, an elongate right leg strap feature indicated generally at 82 and an elongate left leg strap feature indicated generally at 84. Also formed are strap receiving slots for receiving these straps 80, 82 and 84 respectively, which slots include a waist strap receiving slot indicated generally at 90, a right leg strap receiving slot 92 and a left leg strap receiving slot 94.
To facilitate securing or cinching each strap within its respective slot, the first resistance article 12 is also provided with a plurality of hook and pile pad groups which includes a waist hook pad 81 disposed on the waist strap 80, a waist pile pad 91 disposed adjacent to the waist strap receiving slot 90, a right leg hook pad 83 disposed on the right leg strap 82, a right leg pile pad 93 disposed adjacent to the right leg receiving slot 92, a left leg hook pad 85 disposed on the left leg strap 84, and a left leg pile pad 95 disposed adjacent to the left leg receiving slot 94, which pads 81, 83, 85, 91, 93, and 95 are adhesively secured to the appropriate surfaces of the first resistance article 12 as indicated to enable respective hook and pile groups to engage for securing the first resistance article 12 to the body of the user at the waist and legs respectively as best seen in
As the inside member 20 and the outside member 30 are co-extensive with one another, each of the members 20 and 30 contribute to the formation of the straps 80, 82, and 84, as well as to the strap receiving slots 90, 92, and 94. In this regard, the inside member 20 includes corresponding strap portions 80′, 82′ and 84′ and corresponding slot portions 90′, 92′ and 94′ as best seen in
As will be explained hereinafter in greater detail, the inside member 20 has a plurality of die alignment marks, such as for example, a die alignment mark 24 and a die alignment mark 26 as best seen in
The die alignment marks on the inside member 20 are arranged so that when the interior surface of the front member is heat sealed to the interior surface of the outside member 30 the first resistance article 12 is formed and configured into a plurality of inflatable, inter connected air chambers AC. When the front member 20 and the back member 30 are heat sealed together, they also form two separate inflatable sections, an inflatable right side group of air chambers, indicated generally at 42 (
As best seen in
As best seen in
As will be explained hereinafter in greater detail, the inlet 51 on the bottom right side of the first resistance article 12 is configured for receiving therein a portion of the air pressure adjustment mechanism 40 so that the right side group 42 of air chambers AC may be filled with air or alternately be deflated if already filled with air. The inlet 53 provided on the bottom left side of the first resistance article 12, provides another air passageway which is in fluid communication with the air chambers AC in the left side group 52. The inlet 53 is configured for receiving therein a portion of the other air pressure adjustment mechanism 50 so that the left side group 42 of air chambers AC may be filled with air or alternately be deflated if already filled with air. In this regard, the air pressure in the right side group 42 of air chambers AC can be controlled independently of the air pressure in the left side group 52 of air chambers AC. Alternately, the air pressure in the left side group 52 of air chambers AC can be controlled independently of the air pressure in the right side group 42 of air chambers AC.
From the foregoing, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that the inside member 20 and outside member 30 may be configured to form any number of air chambers, such as the air chambers AC. In this regard, there could be a single air chamber on the right side and a single air chamber on the left side; alternatively, there could be a plurality of air chambers on the right side and a plurality of air chambers on the left side. Therefore there is no intention of limiting the number of air chambers that may be formed by heat sealing the inside member 20 to the outside member 30 since one or more air chambers are contemplated within the true scope and spirit of the present invention.
More specifically, it should be understood by those skilled in the art, that the number of air chambers formed during the construction of the foundation article 12 is determined to be that number of air chambers which are necessary for facilitating the exercising of any selected muscle group or groups of a user. For example, there could be a single air chamber or there could be a plurality of air chambers. Alternately, there could be a plurality of inflatable, interconnect air chambers on a right-side of the body to facilitate right-side muscle toning, and a plurality of inflatable, interconnect air chambers on a left-side of the body to facilitate left-side muscle toning. The right side and left side air chambers could also be inter-connected through a turn valve (not shown) that would direct air from the left side of the first resistance article 12 to the right side of the first resistance article 12 or from the right side of the first resistance article 12 to the left side of the first resistance article 12. Therefore there is no intention of limiting the scope of the present invention to a specific number of air chambers or their interconnections as different configurations of air chambers and interconnections are contemplated within the scope of the present invention.
As already noted earlier, in order to facilitate the inflating of the right side group 42 of air chambers AC independently of the left side group 52 of air chambers AC; the right side group 42 of air chambers AC is in fluid communication with the air pressure adjustment mechanism 40. In a similar manner in order to facilitate the inflating of the left side group 52 of air chambers AC independently of the right side group 42 of air chambers, the left side group 52 of air chambers AC is in fluid communication with the air pressure adjustment mechanism 50. As the air pressure adjustment mechanisms 40 and 50 are substantially similar, only the air pressure adjustment mechanism 40 will be described hereinafter in greater detail.
Considering now the right side air pressure adjustment mechanism 40 in greater detail with reference to
Considering now the inflating mechanism 60 in greater detail with reference to
A small hole or aperture 43 is formed in the top of the bulb 61 which hole 43 functions as first one way valve. That is, by using a small hole 43 in the top of the bulb 61, air is not permitted to escape to the atmosphere when the bulb 61 is depressed because the thumb or finger of the user covers the hole as best seen in
The inflate valve 63 is a second one way valve, which is in fluid communication with the interior area of the bulb 61 and the air chambers AC in the right side section 42. The second one way valve or inflate valve 63 includes a pair of irregularly shaped sheet member 63′ and 63″ each having cutout areas indicated generally at 64′ and 64″ respectively, and cut out areas indicated generally at 65′ and 65″. Inflate valve member 63′ differs from inflate member 63″ in that inflate sheet member 63′ has a centrally disposed hole 66′ and inflate sheet member 63″ does not have a centrally disposed hole.
The two irregularly shaped sheet members 63′ and 63″ are heat sealed together except at about the cut out areas 65′ and 65″. The outside face area of the inflate valve 63′ is heat sealed to the back side of bulb pump 66, after the bulb pump 66 has been heat sealed to the outside sheet 30. In this regard, the bulb pump 66 is heat sealed to the outside sheet 30 by first passing the bulb 61 and the sectional stop 68 through their respective outside sheet inlet or mounting holes 51 and 51′ respectively in the direction indicated in
In operation, the bulb 61 of the inflating mechanism 60 is depressed. The user typically will use a thumb to depress the bulb 61 therefore the hole 43 is covered and air is forced out of the bulb 61 into the second air valve 63 in the right section 42. As air is forced out of the body portion 60 under pressure of the thumb of the user, the sheets forming the one way valve 63 are forced open allowing the air to pass into the air chambers AC in the right section 42 along the air passageways indicated generally at 45-49. After the bulb 61 is released by the thumb of the user, the second one way valve 63 is closed so that air may now passes through the hole 43 to fill the interior space of the bulb 61. By repeating this process, the air chambers AC in the right section 42 may be filled to a desired air pressure by the user.
To release air from the air chambers (AC) in the right section, the first resistance article 12 is provided with the deflating mechanism or release valve 70. The release valve 70 is in fluid communication with the air chambers AC in the right section 42. A portion of the release valve 70 is mounted through a hole 51′ in the outside member 30 which provides fluid communication with the right side group 42 of air chambers AC. As mounted the release valve 70 is located adjacent to the stop 68 where it can be conveniently activated by the user U. The release valve 70 as best seen in
While a particular type of release valve has been described in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, it should be understood by those skilled in the art, that there may be a number of different types of release valves which are suitable for practicing the invention. Therefore there is no intention of limiting the scope of the present invention to the disclosed release valve as other types of release valves are contemplated within the true scope of the present invention.
Considering now the second resistance article 14 in greater detail with reference to
To further facilitate the conditioning or development of a muscle group of the user, the exercise garment 10 is configured to be provided with a plurality of resistance elements, such as the resistance elements 72-74 and 76-78 (
The utilization of a shape memory alloys in the resistance elements of the exercise garment 10 is an important feature of the present invention. In this regard, the shape memory alloy, which is also sometimes called a smart metal, a muscle wire, a smart alloy or a memory alloy, is a lightweight alloy that “remembers” its original, cold, forged shape, and which returns to that shape after being deformed by applying heat. In this case, the individual memory shape elements are configured and composed of muscle wire which deforms at or about the body temperature of the user, so it deforms to provide dynamic tensioning and compressing when the exercise garment 10 (memory shape element within the garment) is deformed from an original shape through the natural extension and flexing actions of a user wearing the exercise garment 10. In this regard, each of the resistance elements 72-74 and 76-78 are original flat substantially 2-dimensional articles which can be easily inserted into their respective pockets or covers, such as the covers 33-35 and 37-39 respectively, when the first resistance article 12 is in its 2-dimensional configuration as best seen in
It should be understood by those skilled in the art, the user U, prior to mounting the exercise device 10 to his or her person, selects the resistance level of the second resistance article 12 but selecting one or more of the resistance elements, such as the resistance element 72, for use with the first resistance article 12. The resistance elements are inserted from the back of the first resistance article 12 and insert to a position in the front of the article 12 only when the article 12 is wrapped around the body of the user U. In this regard, the resistance elements are inserted only when the article 12 is not being worn by the user U. In this regard, the user U can adjust the resistance level of the second resistance article 12 before securing the exercise device 10 to his or her body. The resistance elements 72 and 78 have similar shapes and radii. In order to allow the user U to have a selection of resistance elements with different resistance levels, the resistance elements are configured differently from one another where resistance elements 73 and 77 have first shapes and first radii; where resistance elements 74 and 76 have shapes and second radii; and where resistance elements 72 and 78 have third shapes and third radii. Although the resistance elements have different shapes and radii, they all are configured to provide a second angle of resistance θ2 where the second angle of resistance θ2 can be selected to be between about 0 degrees and about 90 degrees relative to the first angle of resistance θ1, but most preferably to be about 45 degrees relative to the first angle of resistance θ1. In short, the resistance elements 72-74 and 76-79 are configured when worn by a user U, to wrap from the rear of the user U to the front of the user so resistance is experienced by the back leg muscles of the user, the buttock area muscles of the user, and the front leg muscles of the user in a simultaneous manner so that 360 degrees of resistive forces are provided.
Once the device 10 has been secured to the body of the user U, the user U, can “on the fly”, while the user is engaged in an exercise active, easily and conveniently adjust the resistance level of the first resistance article 12 using one or both of the pressure adjustment mechanisms 40 and 50 respectively. From the foregoing, it should be understood that the plurality of dynamically adjustable pressure opposing structures of the exercise device 10 are arranged so the user can maneuver and adjust them either before securing the exercise device 10 to the body of the user or “on the fly” while the user is engaged in an exercise activity. Such adjustments can be made “on-the-fly” to both the first article of resistance 12 and the second article of resistance 14. The exercise device 10 therefore provides a plurality of different user selected resistance levels, which facilitate conditioning or developing of one or more one muscle groups of the user U.
Although in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the plurality resistance elements 72-74 and 76-78 have been described as being composed of a memory alloy, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that they may also be composed of other acceptable materials such as steel springs, nylon, fiberglass rods, a combination of laminated materials as listed herein, spring steel coated in a PVC material, Kevlar, polyurethane rubbers, plastics with memory and carbon fiber materials where all such materials provide a sufficient dynamic tensioning and compressing action when the resistance element or the memory shape element is deformed from an original shape through the natural extension and flexing actions of the user wearing the exercise garment 10.
Also, although in the preferred embodiment of the present invention the plurality of resistance elements 72-74 and 76-78 of the second resistance article 14 have been described as having an irregular 2-dimensional shape when seen in a plane view, and an irregular 3-dimensional shape when mounted on the user U (using the first resistance article 12 as a mounting structure), it should be understood by those skilled in the art that each resistance element used in the second resistance article 14 may be configured as a unitary structure having a general U-shape so that one resistance element may be disposed between two covers or two pockets simultaneously, such as a single resistance element disposed between the pockets or covers 33 and 39 respectively.
Considering now the method of using the exercise kit 6 in greater detail, the method of using the exercise kit 6 includes the following steps:
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- 1. selecting a substantially flat wrap-around exercise device or garment 10 with a specific shape and function to help facilitate the exercise of at least one muscle group of the user U;
- 2. providing the user U with the selected exercise device or garment 10 which exercise device or garment 10 is adapted to be worn over an article of clothing worn by the user, like a pair of exercise shorts 8;
- 3. determining that the selected exercise device or garment 10 includes a first resistance article 12 and a second resistance article 14, where the first resistance article 12 facilitates the exercise of at least one muscle group of the user and includes a plurality of pressure opposing structures or air chambers AC to provide a range of user selected resistance levels wherein the user U can further maneuver the pressure opposing structure (AC) of the first resistance article 12 by exerting an operating pressure thereupon to facilitate conditioning or developing of the at least one muscle group of the user U; and where the second resistance article 14 is configured to cooperate with and overlay the first resistance article 12 to further facilitate the exercise of the at least one muscle group of the user; and where the second resistance article 12 includes at least one resistance element selected from another plurality of pressure opposing structures or resistance elements 72-74 and 76-78 to provide another range of user selected resistance levels, wherein the user can further maneuver the pressure opposing structure of the second resistance article 14 by exerting an operating pressure thereupon to facilitate conditioning or developing of the at least one muscle group of the user;
- 4. mounting the exercise device or garment 10 on the user U, transforming its shape from a substantially flat 2-dimensional wrap-around garment 10 into a substantially 3-dimensional wrap-around garment 10 conforming to the shape of the user U and overlaying the at least one muscle group of the user U; and
- 5. deforming the wrap-around exercise garment from its original shape through natural extension and flexing actions of the user to facilitate providing a resistive force to condition or develop the at least one muscle group of the user U; and
- 6. adjusting on the fly, the resistance level of the first resistance article 12 and or the second resistance article 14 to facilitate the conditioning of the at least one muscle group of the user U.
While this invention has been shown and described with respect to one or more detailed embodiment thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that changes in form and detail thereof may be made without departing from the scope of the claims of the invention. For example, from the above-detailed description, one skilled in the art should understand that the first resistance article 12 and the second resistance article 14 function as an expandable exercise system; that is the exercise kit 6 can be utilized in the following configurations: (1) in a first configuration with adjustable air pressure opposing structures alone as provided by the first resistance article 12, which when mounted by the user U, is transformed from a substantially flat 2-dimensional device as seen in a plane view such as
Referring now to the drawings and more particularly to
Considering now the exercise kit 1506 in greater detail with reference to
Referring now to the drawings and more particularly to
As will be explained hereinafter in greater detail, the exercise device 210 includes a plurality of dynamically adjustable pressure opposing structures which are arranged so the user can maneuver and adjust the pressure opposing structures either before securing the exercise device 210 to the body of the user or “on the fly” while the user is engaged in an exercise activity. The exercise device 210 therefore provides a plurality of different user selected resistance levels, which facilitate conditioning or developing of one or more one muscle groups of the user U.
The method of using the kit 206 to facilitate the conditioning or developing of one or more muscle groups of the user U, includes wrapping and overlaying the adjustable exercise device 210 around a selected body part of the user, such as around the waist, hips, buttocks and upper legs of the user; securing the adjustable exercise device 210 to the selected body part of the user U; adjusting the resistance levels of the exercise device 210 so the user can maneuver the pressure opposing structures of the exercise device 210 to provide a plurality of different user selected resistance levels which facilitate conditioning or developing of one or more one muscle groups of the user U; and engaging in any type of physical activity that will move the muscle group or groups covered by the exercise device 210 such as a professional workout activity, a gym or home exercise activity, or even normal work day activities that includes walking, reaching, climbing, turning and running.
Considering the adjustable exercise device 210 in greater detail with reference to
Considering now the angles of resistance provided by the first resistance article 212 and the second resistance article 214, in one preferred embodiment of the present invention, as best seen in
Although in the preferred embodiment of the present invention the disclosed first angle of resistance θ1 and the disclosed second angle of resistance θ2 have been described as being between about 90 degrees and about 45 degrees respectively, it should be understood by those skilled in the art, that other angles of resistance could be selected based upon the muscle group or groups that are targeted for development. Therefore there is no intention of limiting the scope of the disclosed first angle of resistance θ1 at about 90 degrees as the first angle of resistance θ1 can be selected to be between about 0 degrees and about 90 degrees, but most preferably to be about 90 degrees. Similarly, there is no intention of limiting the scope of the disclosed second angle of resistance θ2 at about 45 degrees as the second angle of resistance θ2 can be selected to be between about 0 degrees and about 90 degrees relative to the first angle of resistance θ1 but most preferably to be about 45 degrees relative to the first angle of resistance θ1.
As the first resistance article 212 is substantially similar to the first resistance article 12 as previously described relative to
Considering now the second resistance article 214 in greater detail with reference to
Considering now the resistive elements in greater detail, the resistance elements 272-274 and 276-278, are resilient memory members. The resistance elements in one preferred embodiment are elongated muscle wires where each muscle wire is composed of a shape memory alloy, such as steel alloys and titanium alloys. Each resistance element, such as the resistance element 272, is selected from a group of shape memory alloys that includes copper-zinc-aluminum-nickel, copper-aluminum-nickel, nickel-titanium, and copper-nickel titanium.
The utilization of a shape memory alloys in the resistance elements of the exercise garment 210 is an important feature of the present invention. In this regard, the shape memory alloy, which is also sometimes called a smart metal, a muscle wire, a smart alloy or a memory alloy, is a lightweight alloy that “remembers” its original, cold, forged shape, and which returns to that shape after being deformed by applying heat. In this case, the individual memory shape elements are configured and composed of muscle wire which deforms at or about the body temperature of the user, so it deforms to provide dynamic tensioning and compressing when the exercise garment 210 (memory shape element within the garment) is deformed from an original shape through the natural extension and flexing actions of a user wearing the exercise garment 210. In this regard, each of the resistance elements 272-274 and 276-278 are original flat substantially 2-dimensional articles which can be easily attached or secured to their respective mounts M. Once the resistance elements 272-274 and 276-278 have been secured within their respective mounts M, the first resistance article 212 and the second resistance article 214 as best seen in
Once the exercise device 210 is so mounted to the body of the user U, it is transformed from its substantially flat 2-dimensional configuration as shown in
It should be understood by those skilled in the art, the user U, prior to mounting the exercise device 210 to his or her person, selects the resistance level of the second resistance article 212 by selecting one or more of the resistance elements, such as the resistance element 272, for use with the first resistance article 212. The resistance elements are attached from the back of the first resistance article 212 and mounted to a position in the front of the article 212 only when the article 212 is wrapped around the body of the user U. In this regard, the resistance elements are mounted on their respective mounts M only when the article 212 is not being worn by the user U. In this regard, the user U can adjust the resistance level of the second resistance article 212 before securing the exercise device 210 to his or her body. The resistance elements 272 and 278 have similar shapes and radii. In order to allow the user U to have a selection of resistance elements with different resistance levels, the resistance elements are configured differently from one another where resistance elements 273 and 277 have first shapes and first radii; where resistance elements 274 and 276 have shapes and second radii; and where resistance elements 272 and 278 have third shapes and third radii. Although the resistance elements have different shapes and radii, they all are configured to provide a second angle of resistance θ2 where the second angle of resistance θ2 can be selected to be between about 0 degrees and about 90 degrees relative to the first angle of resistance θ1, but most preferably to be about 45 degrees relative to the first angle of resistance θ1. In short, the resistance elements 272-274 and 276-279 are configured when worn by a user U, to wrap from the rear of the user U to the front of the user so resistance is experienced by the back leg muscles of the user, the buttock area muscles of the user, and the front leg muscles of the user in a simultaneous manner so that 360 degrees of resistive forces are provided.
Once the device 210 has been secured to the body of the user U, the user U, can “on the fly”, while the user is engaged in an exercise active, easily and conveniently adjust the resistance level of the first resistance article 212 using one or both of the pressure adjustment mechanisms, for example, the mechanisms 240 and 250 respectively. From the foregoing, it should be understood that the plurality of dynamically adjustable pressure opposing structures of the exercise device 210 are arranged so the user can maneuver and adjust them either before securing the exercise device 210 to the body of the user or “on the fly” while the user is engaged in an exercise activity. Such adjustments can be made “on-the-fly” to both the first article of resistance 212 and the second article of resistance 214. The exercise device 210 therefore provides a plurality of different user selected resistance levels, which facilitate conditioning or developing of one or more one muscle groups of the user U.
Although in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the plurality resistance elements 272-274 and 276-278 have been described as being composed of a memory alloy, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that they may also be composed of other acceptable materials such as steel springs, nylon, fiberglass rods, a combination of laminated materials as listed herein, spring steel coated in a PVC material, Kevlar, polyurethane rubbers, plastics with memory, carbon fiber materials, or even elastomeric urethane materials where all such materials provide a sufficient dynamic tensioning and compressing action when the resistance element or the memory shape element is deformed from an original shape through the natural extension and flexing actions of the user wearing the exercise garment 210. For example, in another preferred embodiment the resistance elements are bands of elastomeric urethane, which bands may be stretched and attached to the mounts M. In this regard, the resistance element bands 272-274 and 276-278 are constructed from resistant yet flexible material and are strategically secured at precise points along their respective channels to provide a snug fit against the body of the user. The bands create resistance which is designed to help tone and strengthen at least one muscle group of the user.
Also, although in the preferred embodiment of the present invention the plurality of resistance elements 272-274 and 276-278 of the second resistance article 214 have been described as having an irregular 2-dimensional shape when seen in a plane view, and an irregular 3-dimensional shape when mounted on the user U (using the first resistance article 212 as a mounting structure), it should be understood by those skilled in the art that each resistance element used in the second resistance article 214 may be configured as a unitary structure having a general U-shape so that one resistance element may be disposed between two opposing channels and mounts, such as the channels 233 and 237 and the mounts M within these respective channels.
As noted earlier, the channels 233-235 and 237-239 are resistive channels. In this regard, the channels may be composed of the same materials as described for the resistance elements 272-274 and 276-278. In this regard, the materials utilized for construction of the channels 233-235 and 237 and 239 will not be further described hereinafter in greater detail.
Considering now the mounts (M) in greater detail with reference to
Considering now the first part 260 in greater detail with reference to
Considering now the detent post 261 in greater detail with reference to
Considering now the method of using the exercise kit 206 in greater detail, the method of using the exercise kit 206 is substantially similar to the method of using exercise kit 6 and will not be described hereinafter in greater detail.
Referring now to the drawings and more specifically to
Considering now the exercise garments 1908 and 2008 in greater detail with reference to
In a broad sense then, each channel member, such as the channel member 2021, is a resilient memory member, that is composed of a pattern of shape memory alloy threads that imparts flexibility and resistance to the base garment along the channel defined by the pattern of shape memory alloy. The shape memory alloy pattern provides a fixed resistance. In one preferred embodiment the memory alloy threads are composed of a shape memory alloy, such as steel alloys and titanium alloys. Each resistance element pattern or channel therefore is a resistance element, such as a resistance element 2021, which is selected from a group of shape memory alloys that includes copper-zinc-aluminum-nickel, copper-aluminum-nickel, nickel-titanium, and copper-nickel titanium.
The utilization of a shape memory alloys in the resistance elements of the exercise garments 1908 and 2008 is an important feature of the present invention. In this regard, the shape memory alloy, which is also sometimes called a smart metal, a muscle wire, a smart alloy or a memory alloy, is a lightweight alloy that “remembers” its original, cold, forged shape, and which returns to that shape after being deformed by applying heat. In this case, the individual memory shape elements are configured and composed of muscle wire or thread wire which deforms at or about the body temperature of the user, so it deforms to provide dynamic tensioning and compressing when the exercise garment 1908 (memory shape element within the garment) is deformed from an original shape through the natural extension and flexing actions of a user wearing the exercise garment 1908.
Considering now the exercise garments 1908 and 2008 in still greater detail with reference to
While this invention has been shown and described with respect to one or more detailed embodiment thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that changes in form and detail thereof may be made without departing from the scope of the claims of the invention. For example, different types of end mounts EM are possible for securing a resistance element within its associated channel. For example, referring to
Another type of end mount EM2 is illustrated in
6 An Exercise Kit 6
8 A Pair of Exercise Shorts 8
10 An Adjustable Exercise Device 10
12 A First Resistance Article 12
14 A Second Resistance Article 14
20 A Flexible Polyvinylchloride (PVC) Inside Member 20
22 An Inside Member Interior or Bonding Surface 22
24 Die Alignment Mark
26 Die Alignment Mark
29 A Right Side Group of Resistance Element Covers
30 A Flexible Polyvinylchloride (PVC) Outside Member 30
31 A Left Side Group of Resistance Element Covers
32 An Outside Member Interior or Bonding Surface 32
33 Cover 33
34 Cover 34
35 Cover 35
36 An Outside Member Exterior Surface 36
37 Cover 37
38 Cover 38
39 Cover 39
40 An Air Pressure Adjustment Mechanism 40
42 An Inflatable Right Side Group of Air Chambers 42
43 Air Hole
45 Air Passageway 45
46 Air Passageway 46
47 Air Passageway 47
48 Air Passageway 48
49 Air Passageway 49
50 An Air Pressure Adjustment Mechanism 50
51 A Right Side Inlet
52 An Inflatable Left Side Group of Air Chambers 52
53 A Left Side Inlet
54 A Left Side Air Pump or Inflating Mechanism 54
55 Air Passageway 55
56 Air Passageway 56
57 Air Passageway 57
58 Air Passageway 58
59 Air Passageway 59
60 A Deflating Mechanism 60
61 Flexible Bulb 61
62 Flat Body Portion 62
63 Inflate Valve Outlet
63′ Front Inflate Valve Member
63″ Rear Inflate Valve Member
64′ Front Inflate Valve Right Side Cutout
64″ Rear Inflate Valve Right Side Cutout
65′ Front Inflate Valve Left Side Cutout
65″ Rear Inflate Valve Left Side Cutout
66 Bulb Pump
67 Right Ear Portion
68 Upstanding Stop
70 A Deflating Mechanism or Release Valve 70
72 Resistance Element 72
73 Resistance Element 73
74 Resistance Element 74
75 Closure Flap 75
76 Resistance Element 76
77 Resistance Element 77
78 Resistance Element 78
80 A Waist Strap 80
80′ An Inside Member Wrist Strap Portion 80′
80″ An Outside Member Wrist Strap Portion 80″
81 A Waist Hook Pad 81
82 A Right Leg Strap 82
82′ An Inside Right Leg Strap Portion 82′
82″ An Outside Right Leg Strap Portion 82″
83 A Right Leg Hook Pad 83
84 A Left Leg Strap 84
84′ An Inside Left Leg Strap Portion 84′
84″ An Outside Left Leg Strap Portion 84″
85 A Left Leg Hook Pad 85
86 Deflate Valve Button or Plunger 86
87 Deflate Valve spring 87
88 Deflate Valve Base 88
89 Deflate Valve Base Flange 89
90 A Waist Strap Receiving Slot 90
90′ An Inside Waist Strap Receiving Slot Portion 90′
90″ An Outside Waist Strap Receiving Slot Portion 90″
91 A Waist Pile Pad 91
92 A Right Leg Strap Receiving Slot 92
92′ An Inside Right Leg Strap Receiving Slot Portion 92′
92″ An Outside Right Leg Strap Receiving Slot Portion 92″
93 A Right Leg Pile Pad 93
94 A Left Leg Strap Receiving Slot 94
94′ An Inside Right Leg Strap Receiving Slot Portion 94′
94″ An Outside Left Leg Strap Receiving Slot Portion 94″
95 A Left Leg Pile Pad 95 [0166] 99 a Barrier 99
206 An Exercise Kit 206
210 An Adjustable Exercise Device 210
212 A First Resistance Article 212
214 A Second Resistance Article 214
227 A Right Group 227 of Resistive Channels
228 A Left Group 228 of Resistive Channels
233 A Resistive Channel 233
234 A Resistive Channel 234
235 A Resistive Channel 235
237 A Resistive Channel 237
238 A Resistive Channel 238
239 A Resistive Channel 239
240 A Right Side Pressure Adjustment Mechanism 240
250 A Left Side Pressure Adjustment Mechanism 250
260 A First Part (a grommet) 260
261 A Second Part (a detent post) 261
262 An Opening 262
263 A Base Member 263
265 A Mounting Post 265
267 A Release Button 267
272 A Resistance Element 272
273 A Resistance Element 273
274 A Resistance Element 274
275 A Closure Flap 275
276 A Resistance Element 276
277 A Resistance Element 277
278 A Resistance Element 278
280 A Waist Strap 280
281 A Waist Strap Mount 281
282 A Leg Strap 282
283 A Strap Mount 283
284 A Leg Strap 284
285 A Strap Mount 285
290 A Securing Aperture 290
291 A Waist Base Mount 291
292 A Securing Aperture 292
293 A Leg Base Mount 293
294 A Securing Aperture 294
295 A Leg Base Mount 295
1506 An Exercise Kit 1506
1508 A Foundation Exercise Garment (exercise shorts) 1508
1510 An Adjustable Exercise Device 1510
1906 An Exercise Kit 1906
1908 A Lower Exercise Garment (a short-legged exercise pants) 1908
1910 A Lower Exercise Device 1910
1970 A Right Group of Channel Members 1970
1971 A Resistance Element 1971
1977 A Resistance Element 1977
1979 A Resistance Channel 1979
1980 A Left Group of Channel Members 1980
1981 A Resistance Element 1981
1987 A Resistance Element 1987
1989 A Resistance Channel 1989
2008 An Exercise Top (an upper exercise garment) 2008
2021 A Channel Member 2021
2022 A Channel Member 2022
2108 An Exercise Suit 2108
2308 Long-Legged Exercise Pants 2308
2535 A Channel 2535
2560 A First Part 2560
2561 A Second part 2561
2562 An Opening or Aperture 2562
2563 A Base Member 2563
2565 An Upstanding Post Member 2565
2566 A Tapered End Mount 2566
2572 A Resistance Element 2572
2635 A Channel 2635
2660 A First Part 2660
2661 A Second Part 2661
2662 An Opening or Aperture 2662
2663 A Base Member 2663
2665 An Upstanding Post Member 2665
2666 A Rounded End Mount 2666
2672 A Resistance Element 2672
C A Cutout C
D A Detent D
EM An End Mount EM
EM1 An End Mount EM1
EM2 An End Mount EM2
L A Longitudinal Line L
M A Mount M
U A User U
While particular embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed, it is to be understood that various different modifications are possible and are contemplated within the true spirit and scope of the appended claims. Therefore, there is no intention, of limitations to the exact abstract or disclosure herein presented. I claim:
Claims
1. An exercise kit, comprising:
- a foundation article of clothing; and
- user adjustable resistive means cooperating with said foundation article of clothing to facilitate the exercise of at least one muscle group of a user.
2. The exercise kit according to claim 1, wherein said user adjustable resistive means provides a range of user selected resistance levels to customize the exercise resistance level exerted against said at least one muscle group of the user.
3. The exercise kit according to claim 2, wherein said foundation article of clothing is a exercise shorts or pants.
4. The exercise kit according to claim 2, wherein the foundation article of clothing is an exercise suit.
5. The exercise kit according to claim 2, wherein the foundation article of clothing is an exercise shirt.
6. An exercise kit, comprising:
- a foundation article of clothing; and
- a plurality of user adjustable resistive means arranged to cooperate with one another to facilitate the exercise of at least one muscle group of a user.
7. The exercise kit according to claim 6, wherein said plurality of user adjustable resistive means each provide a range of user selected resistance levels to customize the exercise resistance level exerted against said at least one muscle group of the user.
8. The exercise kit according to claim 7, wherein said foundation article of clothing is formed from a fabric structure that cooperates with said plurality of user adjustable resistive means to further facilitate the exercise of least one muscle group of the user.
9. The exercise kit according to claim 8, wherein said plurality of user adjustable resistive means includes first resistance means having a user adjustable pressure opposing structure for operating against said at least one muscle group of the user; and
- wherein the user maneuvers the pressure opposing structure of said first resistance means to provide a user selected operating pressure to facilitate a desired conditioning force for exercise said at least one muscle group of the user.
10. The exercise kit according to claim 9, wherein said plurality of user adjustable resistive means includes second resistance means having another user adjustable pressure opposing structure for operating against said at least one muscle group of the user; and
- wherein the user maneuvers the pressure opposing structure of said second resistance means to provide another user selected operating pressure to facilitate another desired conditioning force for exercise said at least one muscle group of the user.
11.. The exercise kit according to claim 10, wherein said first resistance means and said second resistance means are arranged in an overlaid configuration.
12. The exercise kit according to claim 10, wherein said first resistance means and said second resistance means are arranged in a side-by-side configuration.
13. The exercise kit according to claim 10, wherein said first resistance means and said second resistance means are arranged integral to one another.
14. The exercise kit according to claim 10, wherein foundation article of clothing is exercise shorts or pants.
15. The exercise kit according to claim 10, wherein the foundation article of clothing is an exercise suit.
16. The exercise kit according to claim 10, wherein the foundation article of clothing is an exercise shirt.
17. The exercise kit according to claim 10, wherein said first resistance means includes a plurality of air pockets, wherein each individual one of said plurality of air pockets is adjustable over a range of user selected air pressures to provide said user selected operating pressure to facilitate a desired conditioning force for exercise of said at least one muscle group of the user.
18. The exercise kit according to claim 17, wherein said second resistance means includes a plurality of stretchable straps, wherein the individual ones of said plurality of stretchable straps have different lengths to provide said another user selected operating pressure to facilitate another desired conditioning force for exercise of said at least one muscle group of the user.
19. The exercise kit according to claim 18, wherein the individual ones of said plurality of stretchable straps are attachable to said foundation article of clothing.
20. The exercise kit according to claim 18, wherein the individual ones of said plurality of stretchable straps are composed of polyurethane having elastomeric properties.
21. The exercise kit according to claim 17, wherein said second resistance means includes a plurality of elongated muscle wires.
22. The exercise kit according to claim 21, wherein each individual one of said plurality of elongated muscle wires is a steel spring; and
- wherein each individual one of the steel springs provides a different resistive force to facilitate providing the desired conditioning force for exercise of said at least one muscle group of the user.
23. The exercise kit according to claim 17, wherein second resistance means includes a plurality of resilient memory members.
24. The exercise kit according to claim 23, wherein each individual one of said plurality of resilient memory members is selected from a group of shape memory alloys composed of: steel alloys and titanium alloys.
25. The exercise kit according to claim 24, wherein said titanium alloys include: nickel titanium and copper nickel titanium.
26. The exercise kit according to claim 8, wherein said foundation article of clothing is formed of a fabric structure composed of a steel alloy or a titanium alloy.
27. The exercise kit according to claim 26, wherein said titanium alloy includes: nickel titanium and copper nickel titanium.
Type: Application
Filed: Dec 20, 2011
Publication Date: Apr 19, 2012
Inventor: LINDA KARECKI (Solana Beach, CA)
Application Number: 13/331,997
International Classification: A63B 21/02 (20060101);