MUSCLE STRENGTHENING SYSTEM AND METHOD

Abstract

Embodiments described herein provide weighted garments for training athletic motions. Weights can be strategically placed to limit stress on joints and not interfere with the natural mechanics of the athletic motion when the garment is used. Garments can be configured for training various athletic motions. One embodiment includes a weighted garment for training a pitching motion. The garment can comprise, a flexible form fitting sleeve having an upper portion, a lower portion and a joint portion, a flexible first weight coupled to the upper portion and a flexible second weight coupled to the lower portion. The weighted garment can be configured so that the weighted garment does not interfere with a wearer's natural mechanics for performing the athletic motion.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/176,506, entitled “Muscle Strengthening System and Method”, filed May 8, 2009 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/287,289, entitled “Muscle Strengthening System and Method”, filed Dec. 17, 2009, each of which is hereby fully incorporated by reference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments described herein relate to strengthening systems and methods. More particularly, embodiments described herein relate to weighted garments for actively strengthening select athletic motions without interfering with the natural mechanics of the athletic motion.

BACKGROUND

Athletes strive for consistent, accurate and powerful performance. Both recreational and professional athletes seek effective and rapid training/strengthening techniques to enhance their play and put them at the top of their competition. Many training methods, however, may be unsafe or adversely affect body mechanics.

In the baseball industry, for example, the following have been used to try to increase throwing strength: 1) weighted balls that are heavier than the normal baseballs used in everyday play; 2) performance enhancing drugs; 3) therabands; 4) Jobe exercises and 5) weightlifting. While all seem plausible practices to increase muscle strength, a closer examination shows the limitations of these techniques. In particular, these training methods may cause more harm than good or may not directly translate to effectively strengthening the correct muscles.

Weighted balls are becoming rapidly more popular. However, the use of weighted balls poses the threat of injury and may adversely affect pitching mechanics. In the throwing motion, one leads with the elbow. Adding weight to the ball increases the stress placed on the Ulnar Collateral Ligament (UCL) and labrum. This added stress can cause or accelerate failure of the UCL and/or labrum and can cause strains or tears in one or both of the ligaments. Also, weighted balls can confuse the autonomic nervous system (ANS). Consequently, when a player switches back to a normally weighted ball, the player may no longer have a consistent release point. Another insufficiency is the fact that weighted balls only add resistance to the accelerating portion of the throwing motion. Once the ball leaves the hand, there is no added resistance to help strengthen the muscles used in the deceleration portion of the throwing motion, which can also be important in gaining velocity.

Thereabands, Jobe exercises, and weightlifting are all good ways to increase an athlete's strength or assist in keeping an athlete healthier. However, none of these directly transition to functional strengthening the muscles used during the sport-specific activity (e.g., throwing a ball in baseball). While these techniques may be good in the basic prevention of injury and general strengthening of certain muscles, they do not tend to directly add the strength needed to throw a ball faster. Weight lifting can be somewhat effective, but muscles often become tight and tense because they are not actively strengthened. For sport-specific training (e.g., throwing for a baseball player), incorrect weight lifting can actually inhibit effective play.

“Performance enhancing” drugs and supplements (often illegal) are used by athletes in to attempt to enhance their performance during competition. Some of the potential risks associated with these drugs are liver damage, increased risk of heart disease and heart attack, among others. Furthermore, these drugs and supplements tend to enhance the muscle strengthening regimen the athlete is using, thus sometimes reinforcing ineffective strengthening programs.

SUMMARY

Embodiments described herein provide weighted garments for training athletic motions. Weights can be strategically placed to limit stress on joints and not interfere with the natural mechanics of the athletic motion when the garment is used. Garments can be configured for training various athletic motions. One embodiment includes a weighted garment for training a selected athletic motion, such as a baseball throwing motion. The garment can comprise a flexible form fitting sleeve having an upper portion, a lower portion and a joint portion, a flexible first weight coupled to the upper portion so that the first weight is positioned on the back of a wearer's arm and proximate to the wearer's shoulder when the garment is worn and a flexible second weight coupled to the lower portion so that the second weight is positioned on the back of the wearer's forearm proximate to the elbow when the garment is worn. The weighted garment can be configured so that the weighted garment does not interfere with the wearer's natural mechanics when performing the selected athletic motion.

Another embodiment can include an athletic training kit for training a selected athletic motion. The athletic training kit can comprise a flexible form fitting sleeve and a set of flexible weights with incremental masses. The form fitting sleeve can include a first pocket disposed on the upper portion to hold an upper arm weight a second pocket disposed on the lower portion to hold a lower arm weight. The first pocket and second pocket are positioned to hold weights in positions that do not interfere with the wearer's natural mechanics for performing the athletic motion.

Embodiments described herein provide advantages over existing training systems and methods by allowing for active training of specific motions without interfering with the natural mechanics of the motion.

Embodiments described herein provide another advantage by providing active training of athletic motions without undue stress on joints.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the embodiments and the advantages thereof may be acquired by referring to the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like reference numbers indicate like features and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic representation of placing weights for a selected athletic motion;

FIGS. 2A-C are diagrammatic representations of one embodiment of a weighted garment;

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic representation of another embodiment of a weighted arm sleeve;

FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic representation of an embodiment of a lower arm sleeve;

FIGS. 5A-B are diagrammatic representations of views of another embodiment of a weighted arm sleeve;

FIGS. 6A-C are diagrammatic representations of views of yet another embodiment of a weighted arm sleeve;

FIG. 7A-C are diagrammatic representations of yet another embodiment of a weighted arm sleeve;

FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic representation of yet another embodiment of a weighted sleeve;

FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic representation of another embodiment of a weighted garment;

FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic representation of an embodiment of a weighted leg sleeve;

FIG. 11 is a diagrammatic representation of another embodiment of a weighted leg sleeve;

FIG. 12 is a diagrammatic representation of yet another embodiment of a weighted leg sleeve; and

FIGS. 13-15 are diagrammatic representations of embodiments of weights.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Muscles are adapted to control and move the natural weight of one's body. When added weight is introduced, the muscles must overcome this added weight to achieve the same result as when the weight was not there. Active strengthening is defined as putting the muscles under stress while performing the motion of the physical activity (such as throwing a baseball). The muscles are broken down and then, when repaired, are naturally stronger, thus producing higher quality and more powerful athletic movements.

When adding weights to strengthen a motion, the mechanics (i.e., form) of the motion can change based on the placement of the weights, amount of weight, geometry of the weights or other factors. Embodiments described herein provide weighted garment systems to actively strengthen muscles for a selected athletic motion without interfering with the mechanics of the motion. Example motions include, but are not limited to, throwing a baseball, throwing a football, shooting a basketball, spiking or setting a volleyball, hitting a tennis ball, hitting a golf ball, running sprints, jumping hurdles, doing the long jump, punching, kicking or other motions. Various training programs can be implemented in which the user optionally adds or removes weight as needed or desired.

The muscles are strengthened by placing the muscles under a small, but strategically located stress while the muscles are executing the user's desired motion. The weights are positioned to create a safe, yet effective level of stress on muscles so that the muscles can be actively strengthened without placing an undue amount of stress on ligaments and joints.

In one embodiment of the weighted garment, the weight is placed on the arm/leg in a natural allocation for the body and such that the weight is placed proximate to the large muscle groups of an area of the body (e.g., the large muscle group of the upper arm, lower arm, calf, thigh). Weights can be placed so that the user is able to go through the “natural” motions of the desired physical activity. That is, the weighted garment does not restrict the athlete's natural mechanics when performing the motion. The added weight strengthens the specific muscles used during the activity because the user will be able to train in a manner identical to or very similar to how they otherwise perform the activity. Since the weighted garments can be designed to be, in essence, an extension of the body, natural motions are possible—thus, it is not necessary to change body movement to compensate for the weight. Consequently, the athlete will not have to change running form, golf swing, throwing motion, etc. to compensate for the weighted garment.

Weights can be positioned so that training does not place undue stress on joints. The amount of stress on a joint is proportional to the distance at which a force is applied. Thus, the further away a weight is from a joint, the more stress the joint will undergo moving the weight. Weighted garments can be configured with the weights positioned proximate to the joints to reduce stress on the joints. Additionally, the amount of weight can be selected so that the weights do not unduly stress joints or disturb the mechanics of the athletic motion.

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic representation of an embodiment of placing weight for active training of throwing a baseball. Weights can be placed on the upper arm and the forearm, only on the upper arm or only on the forearm. With respect to the forearm, weight 10 can be placed so that the weight targets the flexor muscles. In this example, weight 10 can be placed on the posterior portion of the forearm. The weight can be centered on the back of the forearm or may be positioned to the medial or lateral side. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, weights are not placed on the anterior of the forearm as such placement may inhibit bending of the arm.

To reduce stress on the elbow, weight 10 can be placed so that the center of mass of the weight 10 (or multiple weights 10) falls at the upper ½ of the forearm and more preferably at the upper ⅓ of the forearm. According to one embodiment, weight is not placed in the lower ⅓ of the forearm near the wrist because the benefits of placing weight here do not outweigh the risks or possible bad habits that may occur. For example, weight on the wrist area may be detrimental to the mechanics of some athletic motions such as throwing a baseball. For baseball in particular, the body can confuse itself in redefining a release point (when the ball leaves the hand) to account for the added weight. Not only are the throwing mechanics potentially compromised, but the added stress on the elbow and shoulder joints can be increased (because weights on the wrist area correlate to more force applied a greater distance away from the joints). However, in other cases, weight may be placed proximate to the wrist.

Weight 12 can be placed on the upper arm to target the shoulder (anterior and posterior deltoids) and arm muscles (biceps and triceps). According to one embodiment, weight 12 can be placed on the posterior of the upper arm and can be centered on the back of the upper arm or can be placed to the lateral or medial side. Additionally, in one embodiment, weight can be placed on the anterior of the upper arm to the lateral side. It may be desirable, however, to avoid placing weights too far forward on the medial side of the upper arm (e.g., on the inside of the bicep) for a pitching motion because, as the arm rotates, the weights may come in contact with the body, thus altering athletic motion. To reduce stress on the shoulder, weight 12 can be placed so that the center of mass of weight 12 (or multiple weights 12) falls at the upper ½ of the upper arm and more preferably at the upper ⅓ of the upper arm.

In general, any amount of weight can be used. However, weights that are too heavy may disrupt the mechanics of the athletic motion being trained. For example, a total weight of greater than 2 lbs may disrupt the mechanics of a baseball throwing motion. Therefore, according to one embodiment, the weighted garment includes 2 lbs or less of weights. In a particular embodiment, the weighted garment includes approximately 1 lbs of weights. The weight can be equally distributed between weight 10 and weight 12 or one of weight 10 or weight 12 may be heavier. For other motions, such as kicking, or for higher performance athletes, a greater amount of weight can be used.

Weights 10 and 12 can be placed in other locations including the anterior portion and medial sides of the arm. Regardless of placement, the weights can be positioned and the amount of weight selected so that the weights do not interfere with the natural motion of the body when performing the athletic motion being trained. That is, the weights can be selected and placed so that the athlete does not have to change the form his or her pitch (or other motion).

Weights 10 and 12 can be held in place by a garment, such as a sleeve. The garment can be secured to the user with straps, by being part of a larger garment, using a gripping material or otherwise secured so that the garment does not slip when experiencing expected loads during an athletic motion. The garment can be made for use with the left hand or the right hand and can be sized in a variety of sizes. Various nonlimiting example embodiments of weighted garments for actively training a baseball throwing motion are discussed in conjunction with FIGS. 2-9 below. The embodiments of FIGS. 2-9 can also be used for training a variety of other swinging or throwing motions without interfering with the natural mechanics of the motions.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are diagrammatic representations of one embodiment of a weighted garment 100 for training a baseball pitching motion. In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the weighted garment comprises a sleeve 102 sized to fit over an arm and hold upper arm weight 12 and lower arm weight 10. Sleeve 102 can include an upper arm portion 104, lower arm portion 106 and joint portion 108 (e.g., an elbow portion 108). Upper arm portion 104 extends from above the elbow to proximate to the shoulder. Lower arm portion 106 extends from below the elbow to the wrist. Elbow portion 108 spans the wearer's elbow joint between upper arm portion 104 and lower arm portion 106.

The body of sleeve 102 can be formed of a single panel of material or can be formed from multiple panels of material stitched, adhered or otherwise coupled together. Upper arm portion 104, lower arm portion 106 and joint portion 108 can be portions of a sleeve body that is made of a unitary piece of material or the portions of the sleeve can be separate sections of material that are joined together. In yet another embodiment, the upper portion 104, lower portion 106 and joint portion 108 do not necessarily correspond to the sections of material used to form the sleeve (e.g., a section of material may be part of the joint portion and the lower portion, multiple sections of material can form a particular portion, etc).

According to one embodiment, sleeve 102 is formed of a flexible material that is form fitting. By way of example, but not limitation, sleeve 102 can be formed from a compression material (such as compression materials provided by Under Armour Inc. of Baltimore, Md., neoprene or other compression material) or other material. One example of a compression material is Under Armour's compression material which is approximately 63% Nylon, 23% Polyester and 14% Elastine. One example of neoprene is 2 mm L-foam neoprene. Compression materials such as neoprene can provide compression while allowing fluid motion during use. Additionally, these materials provide the added benefits by keeping the muscles warm, reducing fatigue and preventing or reducing delayed onset muscle soreness.

Various areas of the sleeve can have different thicknesses or material properties. As a non-limiting example, elbow portion 108 can be formed of a thinner neoprene as compared to the rest of sleeve 102 or can be made of a more flexible form of neoprene in order to facilitate movement of the area of the sleeve. For example, upper portion 104 and lower portion 106 can be L-foam neoprene, while elbow portion 108 can be a stretch-flex neoprene. Those of ordinary skill in the art would understand that other compression materials or other materials can be used and the material thicknesses and properties can be selected as needed or desired.

In one embodiment, the sleeve 102 can incorporate a beneficial and advantageous material such as magnetized titanium or other magnetic material. On example of such a material is Phiten from Phiten USA, Inc. of Torrence, Calif. (Phiten is a trademark of Phiten USA, Inc.). In various embodiments, the Phiten material can be sewn throughout the length of the sleeve 102 and because Phiten's unobtrusive characteristics, the material will not interfere with any of the weighted garment's uses. In an alternative embodiment, only a portion of the weighted sleeve incorporates Phiten or other material. For example, in one embodiment, only joint portion 108 incorporates Phiten. The sleeve 102 can also incorporate magnetized discs or other magnetized materials.

Garment 100 can include weight pockets 110 dispersed around sleeve 102 to hold weights. According to one embodiment, pockets 110 can allow for insertion and removal of weights. Pockets 110 can include fastening mechanism such as buttons, hook and loop fasteners (e.g., such as available from Velcro USA Inc. of Manchester, N.H.) or other fastening mechanism to close pockets 110 to hold a weight. In other embodiments, pockets 110 can be made of a stretchable material that hold weights based on constriction of the pockets 110. Pockets 110 can be formed of neoprene or other compression material and can be formed of the same material as other portions of the sleeve or may be formed of a different material. The pockets 110 can all have the same size so that upper and lower arm weights are interchangeable or may have different sizes to accommodate different size weights. Preferably, pockets 110 are sized to prevent movement of weights in pockets 110. In other embodiments, pockets 110 can be formed or lined with a material to prevent or reduce movement of weights.

During use, sleeve 102 may have a tendency to slip due to the momentum of the weights. Therefore, sleeve 102 can incorporate retention straps or a layer of gripping material to prevent sleeve 102 from slipping. For example, the weighted arm sleeve 102 can include a rubber adhesive material, such as, but not limited to, a self adhering technology material to prevent it from sliding down the arm during exercise. According to one embodiment, a circular band 112 of a gripping material around the top of the sleeve is incorporated. The material can have any desired size, but according to one embodiment is approximately 0.5 inches or greater wide at the top of the sleeve and fully or partially spans the diameter of the sleeve.

One embodiment of a gripping material is a rubber adhesive material such as Unobtainium by Oakley, Inc. of Foothill Ranch Calif. This material can become more effective when wet. This optional material can be particularly effective because as the body sweats, the liquid sweat may promote the “gripping” of the Unobtanium material. In one embodiment, Unobtanium material is disposed around the top of the weighted arm sleeve (e.g., as band 112) as well as along the weight pockets acting as a tight, secure point of contact between the skin and weighted arm sleeve 102 to prevent the sleeve from sliding down the arm. In other embodiments, patches of Unobtanium (or other gripping material) can be disposed at various point on the inside and/or ends of the sleeve to prevent slipping.

Preferably, the gripping material, straps or other mechanism selected to prevent sleeve 102 from slipping is selected so that the sleeve does not slip during high speed pitches of greater than 80 mph and, in some embodiments, greater than 100 mph. In other embodiments, sleeves can be configured not to slip for lower speed pitches or throws prevalent in little league, high school or recreational baseball.

As described above, gripping material can also be disposed proximate to the pockets 110. Turning briefly to FIG. 2C, FIG. 2C is a diagrammatic representation illustrating that the gripping material can be integrated at the weight locations. FIG. 2C illustrates a cross-section of an embodiment of pocket 110 on lower arm portion 106. A layer of gripping material 114 can be disposed between the weight 12 and the arm. Layer of gripping material 114 can be in a band that surrounds the arm, a strip of material applied to the inside of sleeve 102 or be otherwise disposed in sleeve 102 between the weight and the wearer's arm.

Sleeve 102 can include other features for comfort or ease of use. By way of example, but not limitation, sleeve 102 can include openings for breathability, zippers, a comfortable lining or other features. Additionally, straps can be placed at various points on the sleeve to allow the sleeve to be further tightened in those areas. For example, straps can be placed near the tops of pockets help prevent slipping. Straps can also be used to tighten a sleeve if the sleeve is too large for a wearer. Straps can further be positioned so that the straps place pressure on tendons or ligaments when tightened. The added pressure can help prevent tendonitis.

While FIGS. 2A and 2B above illustrate a particular embodiment of a weighted garment 100 for training a baseball throw, other embodiments of weighted garments can be used. FIG. 3, for example, is a diagrammatic representation of another embodiment of a weighted sleeve 150 that can be similar to weighted sleeve 102. Weighted sleeve 150, however, includes adjustable straps 152 and 154 that cross the weight pockets 156 on the upper and lower portions of sleeve 150. Straps 152 and 154 can be used to prevent sleeve 150 from slipping. Additionally, according to one embodiment, the straps can be placed so that a desired amount of pressure can be added to tendons or ligaments. For example, strap 152 can be placed to put pressure on the short and/or long head of biceps tendons while strap 154 can be positioned to place pressure on the lateral and/or medial epicondyl or other tendons. The straps can be adjustable straps that secure using buttons, hook and loop fasteners or other fastening mechanism. The sleeve can also include a gripping material or other mechanism to help prevent slipping.

In the embodiments of FIGS. 2A, 2B and 3, a sleeve holds both upper and lower arm weights. According to another embodiment, a sleeve may be configured for just upper arm or just lower arm weights. FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic representation of an embodiment of a forearm sleeve 160 that fits over a wearer's forearm. Sleeve 160 includes a pocket 162 for holding a weight in a desired location (in this case, primarily on the posterior/lateral portion of the forearm). Straps 164 and 165 can help secure sleeve 160. Strap 164 can be positioned to place pressure on tendons when secured and strap 165 can be placed to help hold a weight in place. The straps can be adjustable straps that secure using buttons, hook and loop fasteners or other fastening mechanism. The sleeve can also include a gripping material or other mechanism to help prevent slipping.

In the foregoing examples, a single upper arm or forearm weight is used. In other embodiments, however, multiple weights can be used on the upper arm and/or forearm. FIG. 5A, for example, is a diagrammatic representation of an embodiment of a left arm sleeve 200 having pockets 202 for holding upper arm weights 12 and lower arm weights 10. As with the embodiment of FIGS. 2A, 2B and 3, sleeve 200 holds the weights in positions that provide functional strengthening during a pitching motion without interfering with the motion. Sleeve 200 can include a layer of gripping material 203 disposed at the top of the sleeve 200 or otherwise disposed to prevent sleeve 200 from slipping. In another embodiment, sleeve 200 can include straps that prevent sleeve 200 from slipping, help hold weights in place or put pressure on tendons.

FIG. 5B is a diagrammatic representation of cross-sectional view A-A of sleeve 200 illustrating pockets 202 for holding weights 12. A gripping material 204 can be sewn or otherwise attached to the bottom of pockets 202 so that the material comes in contact with athlete's skin. As illustrated in FIG. 5B, the pockets are distributed so that the weights are primarily on the posterior/lateral portion of the arm (i.e., to the back and outside of the arm). While one pocket 202 is partially on the medial side of the arm, this weight pocket is not so far forward on the medial side that it will contact the athlete's torso and interfere with a natural pitching motion.

FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C are diagrammatic representations of views of another embodiment of left arm sleeve 210 having pockets 212 for four weights. In FIG. 6A, longer more widely spaced pockets 212 are used when compared to FIG. 5A. Sleeve 210 can include a layer of gripping material disposed at the top of the sleeve 210 or otherwise disposed to prevent sleeve 210 from slipping. In another embodiment, sleeve 210 can include straps that prevent sleeve 210 from slipping, help hold weights in place or put pressure on tendons.

FIG. 6B illustrates that upper arm weight pockets 212a and 212b can be positioned to the posterior/medial side and anterior/lateral side of the upper arm respectively. Again, the pockets are positioned so that they do not interfere with the natural motion of the body during a pitch. FIG. 6C illustrates that lower arm weight pockets 212c and 212d placed on the posterior/lateral and posterior/medial portions of the sleeve. Again, pockets 212c and 212d are placed so that they do not interfere with the mechanics of an athlete's natural pitching or other throwing motion.

As can be understood from the foregoing, various configurations of pockets can be used. Pockets on the same sleeve can be sized and placed as needed or desired and various pockets on the same sleeve can accommodate different sizes of weights. The upper and lower portions of the sleeve can have the same number or a different number of pockets.

FIGS. 7A-C are diagrammatic representations of another embodiment of a weighted sleeve 250. In FIGS. 7A-C, a series of smaller weights 252 are disposed on the upper portion 254 and lower 256 of sleeve 250. On upper portion 254, weights 252 are disposed on the back of the triceps and top of the bicep. On lower section 256, weights 252 are disposed on the lateral side of the forearm. In the embodiment of FIGS. 7A-C, weights 252 are small sacks of ball bearings sewn to sleeve 250. In other embodiments, pockets can be used to hold ball bearings or other weights. In the embodiments of FIG. 7A-C, weights 252 are generally disposed so as to not inhibit throwing of a baseball.

Weighted garments may include additional features for ease of use. FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic representation of one embodiment of a sleeve 220 that includes zippers 222 and 224 on upper and lower portions that allow sleeve 220 to be more easily put on and taken off. Fold over hook and loop straps 226 and 228, buttons or other attachment feature can be used to secure the ends of the zipper when the zippers are fully zipped. While multiple zippers are shown in FIG. 8, a single zipper can run the length of the sleeve or a portion of the length of sleeve 220. Other closure mechanisms can also be used including, strips of hook and loop fasteners, buttons, ties or other mechanism to open and close the sleeve along the length of the sleeve or a portion of the length. Sleeves may also include a liner that makes it easier for an athlete to slip the sleeve on and off.

FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic representation of another embodiment of a weighted garment 300 that comprises full-shirt design with a weighted sleeve 302. The full-shirt design prevents the sleeve from slipping during use without the need for gripping material or straps. The body 304 of garment 300 can be made of any suitable material including, but not limited to, compression materials, materials that wick moisture, or other materials. While only one sleeve is illustrated as being weighted, both sleeves can be weighted or include pockets for weights to allow the same shirt to be used for left or right-handed actions.

Thus, embodiments described herein can include a garment for training a baseball throwing motion that can include a flexible form fitting sleeve. Weights can be coupled to the sleeve by being held in pockets, being adhered to the sleeve, or otherwise being held in place on or in the sleeve. The weighted garment can be configured so that the weighted garment does not interfere with the natural pitching motion of the wearer. The weighted garments described above can also be used to train a variety of other throwing and swinging motions without interfering with the wearer's natural mechanics when performing the motions.

While the above embodiments have primarily been discussed in terms of placing weight on the arm, weight can also be strategically placed elsewhere on the body to actively strengthen a variety of other athletic motions. FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic representation of one embodiment of a weighted leg sleeve 400 sized to fit over a leg. Leg sleeve 400 can include pockets 410 to hold lower leg weights and upper leg weights in place. Sleeve 400 can include an upper leg portion 404, lower leg portion 406 and joint portion 408 (e.g., a knee portion 408). Upper leg portion 404 extends from above the knee and over the thigh. Lower leg portion 406 extends from below the knee to the angle. Knee portion 408 spans the wearer's knee between upper leg portion 404 and lower leg portion 406.

Sleeve 400 can be formed of a single panel of material or can be formed from multiple panels of material stitched, adhered or otherwise coupled together. Additionally, sleeve 400 can include openings for breathability or other features. According to one embodiment, sleeve 400 is formed of a flexible material that is form fitting. By way of example, but not limitation, sleeve 400 can be formed from a compression material (such as compression materials provided by Under Armour Inc. of Baltimore, Md., neoprene or other compression material) or other material. One example of a compression material is Under Armour's compression material which is approximately 63% Nylon, 23% Polyester and 14% Elastine. One example of neoprene is 2 mm L-foam neoprene. Compression materials such as neoprene can provide compression while allowing fluid motion during use. Additionally, these materials provide the added benefit by keeping the muscles warm.

Various areas of the sleeve can have different thicknesses or material properties. As a non-limiting example, knee portion 408 can be formed of a thinner neoprene as compared to the rest of sleeve 400 or can be made of a more flexible form of neoprene in order to facilitate movement of the area of the sleeve. For example, knee portion 408 can be formed of stretch-flex neoprene. Those of ordinary skill in the art would understand that other compression materials or other materials can be used and the material thicknesses and properties can be selected as needed or desired.

In one embodiment, the sleeve 400 can incorporate a beneficial and advantageous material such as a magnetized material (e.g., Phiten or other material). In various embodiments, the Phiten material could be sewn throughout the length of the sleeve 400 and because Phiten's unobtrusive characteristics, the material would not interfere with any of the weighted garment's uses. In an alternative embodiment, only a portion of the weighted sleeve is incorporates Phiten or other such material.

Sleeve 400 can include weight pockets 410 dispersed around sleeve 400 to hold weights. According to one embodiment, pockets 410 can allow for insertion and removal of weights. Pockets 410 can include fastening mechanism such as buttons, hook and loop fasteners or other fastening mechanism to close pockets 410 to hold a weight. In other embodiments, pockets 410 can be made of a stretchable material that hold weights based on constriction of the pockets 410. According to one embodiment, pockets 410 can be formed of neoprene or a compression material. Pockets 410 can be placed so that weights are proximate to the hip joint and knee and do not interfere with the natural motion of an athletic motion being trained, such as kicking a soccer ball.

During use, the sleeve 400 may have a tendency to slip due to the momentum of the weights. Therefore, sleeve 400 can incorporate retention straps or a layer of gripping material to prevent sleeve 400 from slipping. For example, the weighted sleeve 400 can include a rubber adhesive material, such as, but not limited to, a self adhering technology material to prevent it from sliding down the arm during exercise. According to one embodiment, a circular “band” of a gripping material around the top of the sleeve is incorporated. The material can have any desired size, but according to one embodiment is approximately 0.5 inches or greater wide at the top of the sleeve and fully or partially spans the diameter of the sleeve. In one embodiment, this Unobtanium material is disposed around the top of the weighted sleeve as well as along the weight pockets acting as a tight, secure point of contact between the skin and weighted sleeve 400 to prevent the sleeve from sliding down the leg. Other materials can also be used to prevent slipping. Preferably, the gripping material or straps are selected to prevent sleeve 400 from slipping during expected loads of kicking or other selected movement. Straps can also be positioned to help hold weights in place or to place pressure on tendons.

FIGS. 11 and 12 are diagrammatic representations of weighted sleeves 420 and 430 that target the calf and thigh respectively. Weighted sleeves 420 and 430 can hold weights in desired locations to actively train a selected motion without inhibiting the natural mechanics of the motion. Sleeves 420 and 430 can include straps, gripping material or other material to prevent sleeve 420 and 430 from slipping during use. In other embodiments, sleeves 400, 420 and 430 can be integrated in a pair of pants.

Various sizes and materials of weights can be used. By way of example, but not limitation, weights can comprise ball-bearings, weighted gels, solid metal weights or other weights. FIGS. 13-15 are diagrammatic representations of various examples of weights that can be used with a weighted garment. According to the embodiment of FIG. 13, a weight 500 can be made in any desired shape. Preferably, weight 500 is formed of a flexible material 502 infused with granulated metal 504 to achieve a desired weight with flexibility. According to one embodiment, weight 500 can be formed with iron powder mixed with a silicone gel. In other embodiments, other flexible materials and metals can be used. The metal can be evenly distributed or can be distributed so that weight 500 has a desired weight distribution profile. One example of forming flexible weights is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,005,041, which is hereby fully incorporated by reference herein. Weight 500 can be covered with a coating or other layer of material to allow the weight to be more easily slipped into a pocket of weighted garment. For example, in one embodiment, weight 500 can surrounded by Lycra or other smooth material to make weight 500 easier to insert in a pocket.

The size of weight 500 can be selected so that weight 500 lies relatively flat on the arm or leg. According to one embodiment, weight 500 can be approximately ¼ of an inch or less. For example, in one specific embodiment, weight 500 can be approximately 4-4.5 inches wide, 4-4.5 inches high and ¼ thick. In other embodiments, however, weight 500 can have any desired form factor. Preferably, the form factor is selected so that the weight does not interfere with the natural mechanics of an athletic motion.

FIG. 14 is a diagrammatic representation of another embodiment of a flexible weight 510 that includes a gel 512 in a durable polymer bag 514. The mass of weight 510 can depend primarily on the mass of gel 512. Gel 512 can be infused with a heavier metal powder, ball bearings or other material to add mass.

FIG. 15 is a diagrammatic representation of another embodiment of a flexible weight 520 that includes ball bearings 522 disposed in a flexible cloth or polymer bag 524. The weight 520 can be placed in a pocket of a weighted garment or sewn or adhered directly to the weighted garment.

As can be understood from the foreign, embodiments described herein can include a weighted garment in which weights are selected and positioned so that the garment does not interfere with the natural mechanics of an athletic motion, such as throwing a baseball. In operation, such a weighted garment can be used to actively train a selected athletic motion. Using the example of sleeve 102 of FIG. 1, sleeve 102 can be used for training a baseball pitch. The selected motion (e.g., pitching) is repeated any number of times to increase the speed or power of the pitch. The pitch can be performed as it would be performed in competition (e.g., using a regulation size baseball having a circumference of 9-9.25 inches and a weight of 5 to 5.25 ounces avoirdupois). As the power of the pitch increases, the weight of the sleeve can be increased. The amount of weight, number of repetitions and training schedule can depend on the athlete. To facilitate incremental increases in weight, weighted garments can be provided as a kit that includes the garment and weights having a variety of masses.

In addition to training healthy athletes, weighted garments can be used in programs for muscle rehabilitation, strengthening and recovery. Many rehabilitation programs use functional exercises, such as throwing a ball or other functional exercises to help patients recover from injuries or disease. Such exercises can aid in reducing or reversing muscle atrophy and can increase bone density. Weighted garments can be used during the rehabilitation program when performing functional exercises. Because the weighted garments can be configured so that they do not interfere with the natural mechanics of the functional exercises, the weighted garments can allow more stress to be applied to the muscles without compromising the form of rehabilitation exercises. This allows the exercises to be performed with proper form, but with increased stress that makes the exercises more effective.

By way of example, but not limitation, a throwing motion can be repeated using a weighted arm sleeve to strengthen the shoulder. The activity can be performed with or without the additional weight of a ball in the user's hand. The repetitive activity, done with a therapeutically effective weight and number of repetitions, can aid in recovering strength in an injured shoulder.

As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” “including,” “has,” “having” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, product, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, article, or apparatus. Further, unless expressly stated to the contrary, “or” refers to an inclusive or and not to an exclusive or. For example, a condition A or B is satisfied by any one of the following: A is true (or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or not present) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (or present).

Additionally, any examples or illustrations given herein are not to be regarded in any way as restrictions on, limits to, or express definitions of, any term or terms with which they are utilized. Instead these examples or illustrations are to be regarded as being described with respect to one particular embodiment and as illustrative only. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that any term or terms with which these examples or illustrations are utilized encompass other embodiments as well as implementations and adaptations thereof which may or may not be given therewith or elsewhere in the specification and all such embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of that term or terms. Language designating such non-limiting examples and illustrations includes, but is not limited to: “for example,” “for instance,” “e.g.,” “in one embodiment,” and the like.

Further modifications and alternative embodiments of various aspects of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of this description. Accordingly, this description is to be construed as illustrative only and is for the purpose of teaching those skilled in the art the general manner of carrying out the disclosure. It is to be understood that the forms of the disclosure shown and described herein are to be taken as the presently preferred embodiments.

Elements and materials may be substituted for those illustrated and described herein, parts and processes may be reversed, and certain features of the disclosure may be utilized independently, all as would be apparent to one skilled in the art after having the benefit of this description of the disclosure. Any dimensions provided are provided by way of example only and not limitation. Furthermore, embodiments of support structures can include other geometric or arbitrary shapes. Changes may be made in the elements described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

Claims

1. A weighted garment for training a selected athletic motion, the garment comprising:

a flexible form fitting sleeve having an upper portion, a lower portion and a joint portion;

a flexible first weight coupled to the upper portion so that the first weight is positioned on the back of a wearer's arm and proximate to the wearer's shoulder when the garment is worn; and

a flexible second weight coupled to the lower portion so that the second weight is positioned on the back of the wearer's forearm proximate to the elbow when the garment is worn; and

wherein the weighted garment is configured so that, when worn, the weighted garment does not interfere with a wearer's natural mechanics for performing the selected athletic motion.

2. The weighted garment of claim 1, wherein the weighted garment comprises a single weight coupled the upper portion and a single weight coupled to the lower portion.

3. The weighted garment of claim 2, wherein the selected athletic motion is a baseball throwing motion.

4. The weighted garment of claim 3, wherein the first weight is positioned so that the center of mass of the first weight is at the upper ⅓ of the wearer's upper arm when the garment is worn and the second weight is at the upper ⅓ of the wearer's forearm when the garment is worn.

5. The weighted garment of claim 4, wherein the first weight is located so that the first weight is on the back of the wearer's upper arm and at least partially to the lateral side of the wearer's upper arm when the garment is worn.

6. The weighted garment of claim 5, wherein the second weight is located so that the second weight is on the back of the wearer's forearm and at least partially to the lateral side of the wearer's forearm when the garment is worn.

7. The weighted garment of claim 3, wherein the sleeve comprises an upper pocket to retain the first weight and a lower pocket to retain the second weight.

8. The weighted garment of claim 3, wherein the weighted garment is not weighted on the anterior portion of the garment.

9. The weighted garment of claim 3, wherein the sleeve is formed of one or more panels of a compression material.

10. The weighted garment of claim 3, further comprising multiple additional weights disposed on the upper portion and multiple additional weights disposed on the lower portion.

11. The weighted garment of claim 1, wherein the sleeve comprises and layer of gripping material disposed to be in contact with a wearer's arm when the garment is worn and selected to prevent slipping of the weighted garment during a pitch.

12. The weighted garment of claim 1, wherein the first weight and the second weight comprise flexible polymer weights.

13. The weighted garment of claim 12, wherein the first weight and the second weight are approximately ¼ inch thick.

14. The weighted garment of claim 1, wherein the sleeve comprises one or more straps adapted to prevent the sleeve from slipping during use.

15. The weighted garment of claim 14, wherein at least one of the straps is positioned to place pressure on tendons in the wearer's arm when tightened.

16. An athletic training kit for training a selected athletic motion comprising:

a flexible form fitting sleeve comprising:

an upper portion to fit over an upper arm, a lower portion to fit over a lower arm and a joint portion to span a wearer's elbow;

a first pocket disposed on the upper portion to hold an upper arm weight, wherein the first pocket is positioned to hold the upper arm weight proximate to the wearer's shoulder and on the posterior of the wearer's arm in a position so that a weight in the first pocket does not interfere with a wearer's natural mechanics for performing the selected athletic motion when the sleeve is worn; and

a second pocket disposed on the lower portion to hold a lower arm weight, wherein the second pocket is positioned to hold the lower arm weight proximate to the wearer's elbow and on the posterior of the wearer's forearm in a position so that a weight in the second pocket does not interfere with the a wearer's natural mechanics for performing the selected athletic motion when the sleeve is worn;

a set of flexible weights having incremental masses, wherein each flexible weight is sized to fit in one of the first pocket or the second pocket.

17. The training kit of claim 16, wherein the selected athletic motion is a baseball throwing motion.

18. The training kit of claim 17, wherein the sleeve comprises a single pocket on the upper portion and a single pocket on the lower portion.

19. The training kit of claim 17, wherein the sleeve comprises one or more adjustable straps coupled adapted to prevent slipping of the weighted garment during a pitch.

20. The training kit of claim 19, wherein at least one of the adjustable straps is positioned to place pressure on a tendon when tightened.

21. The training kit of claim 16, wherein the sleeve comprises multiple additional pockets to hold weights, wherein each of the multiple additional pockets is positioned so that the sleeve does not interfere with the wearer's natural mechanics when performing the selected athletic motion.

22. A method of actively strengthening an athletic motion, the method comprising: repeatedly performing the athletic motion while wearing the heavier weights.

repeatedly performing a selected athletic motion while wearing a weighted garment having weights positioned not to interfere with a wearer's natural mechanics when performing the motion, the weighted garment comprising:

a flexible form fitting sleeve having an upper portion, a lower portion and a joint portion;

a flexible first weight coupled to the upper portion so that the first weight is positioned on the back of a wearer's arm and proximate to the wearer's shoulder when the garment is worn; and

a flexible second weight coupled to the lower portion so that the second weight is positioned on the back of the wearer's forearm proximate to the elbow when the garment is worn;

replacing the flexible first weight and the flexible second weight with heavier weights;

23. The method of claim 22, wherein the athletic motion is a pitch and wherein the athletic motion is repeated with a regulation weight baseball.

24. The method of claim 22, wherein the athletic motion is performed as part of a rehabilitation program.