SPORTS TRAINING BELT

Abstract

A training belt for wearing around a waist of a user is disclosed. The belt comprises a flexible strap that terminates at a first end in a first adjustment strap that has an attachment means fixed therewith. A second end of the flexible strap includes a second adjustment strap terminating with a loop. An outside surface of the training belt includes at least one pocket that extends substantially along the length of the flexible strap. Each pocket includes a closure means extending substantially therealong for retaining one or more weighted tubes. An inside surface of the flexible strap may include a cushioning pad, made of a memory-foam type material, for example, extending substantially around the length and height of the flexible strap.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application 61/358,758, filed on Jun. 25, 2010, and incorporated herein by reference.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to exercise equipment, and more particularly to an improved sports training belt.

DISCUSSION OF RELATED ART

Weighted training belts of the prior art suffer from the drawback that weights attached to the belt are not evenly distributed around the waist of the user, which concentrates the weight only in certain places around the user's waist, resulting in fatigue and sore spots around the user's waist, and even injury. Such weights are often not easy to replace or exchange with other weights of a different weight. Further, such weighted training belts of the prior art do not have adequate cushioning on the inside surface thereof, typically only providing a small cushion in one or two areas.

U.S. Patent Application No. 2005/0137063 A1 to Abdo, on Jun. 23, 2005, describes a flexible exercise device filled with a particulate material of a desired weight that can be comfortably worn as a belt, or wrapped around other body parts. The outer portion is made of a stretchable material, allowing the weighted material to shift and compress when pressure is applied. This device is intended to be versatile and comfortable, but does not allow the user to change the desired weight and does not provide additional cushioning or distribution of weight.

U.S. Patent Application No. 2008/0070760 A1 to Daniel, on Mar. 20, 2008, describes a weighted sleeve intended for use on a limb having an inner fleece portion and an outer stretchable polyester material with a pocket. The weighted portion, being filled with a plurality of metallic beads, is slidably insertable and removable from the pocket. This device is intended for use with a limb, and as such, does not include the appropriate cushioning and distribution of weight for a device used around the waist.

U.S. Patent Application No. 2007/0039086 A1 to Moore, on Feb. 22, 2007, describes a soft belt intended for use with garments or carrying bags or luggage, or as a work belt. The soft belt comprises nylon tubular webbing and is filled with polystyrene pellets, memory foam, shredded polyurethane foam, whole foam, or other soft material. The soft belt is fully adjustable and is made for comfort. This device does not include particulate weighted material, interchangeable weights, or a means of distributing weight comfortably around the waist of the user.

U.S. Patent Application No. 2007/0099774 A1 to Bruback, on May 3, 2007, describes a weighted belt having a spine, strap, securing ring, and weighted source. The weighted portions are interchangeable and are located on the spine and/or within pockets located on the spine. Weight can be distributed along the belt for stabilization, growth, and/or memory of the user's muscles. This device does not include particulate weighted material for versatility, nor does it include additional cushioning that may aide in long term use.

Therefore, there is a need for a device that allows for quick replacement of different weight configurations on such a weighted training belt. Such weight would be spread substantially evenly around the length of the belt, and such a belt would include adequate padding substantially around the entire inside surface of the belt. Further, such a device would be relatively inexpensive to manufacture and easy to use and wash. The present invention accomplishes these objectives.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present device is a training belt for wearing around a waist of a user. The belt comprises a flexible strap that has a first end, a second end, an inside surface, and an outside surface. The first end of the flexible strap terminates in a first adjustment strap that has an attachment means fixed therewith. The second end of the flexible strap includes a second adjustment strap terminating with a loop. A flexible loop of a suitable strapping material may be included extending from proximate the center of the flexible strap and adapted to retain a wire therethrough, such as a wire for headphones or the like.

The outside surface includes at least one pocket that extends substantially along the length of the flexible strap. Each pocket includes a closure means, such as a zipper, extending substantially therealong. Preferably the training belt includes two such pockets, designated an upper pocket and a lower pocket.

The inside surface of the flexible strap may further include a cushioning pad, made of a memory-foam type material, for example. Such a cushioning pad preferably extends substantially around the length and height of the flexible strap, so as to provide cushioning for the user around generally the entire length of the training belt.

A plurality of weighted tubes are included, each tube including a weighted filler material therein and each tube being sealed at each end thereof.

In use, the weighted tubes may be selected by the user for insertion into the at least one pocket. Each pocket is closed with the closure means, and the flexible strap is fastened around the user's waist and fastened with the attachment means through the loop. In this way the weight of the tubes are evenly distributed around the waist of the user.

The present invention is a device that allows for quick replacement of different weight configurations on a weighted training belt. Such user-selected weight is spread substantially evenly around the length of the belt. Further, the belt of the present invention includes adequate padding substantially around the entire inside surface of the belt. The present invention is also relatively inexpensive to manufacture and easy to use and wash. Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exercise belt of the invention being attached by a user;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the invention, illustrating the closure thereof by directing a strap through a belt loop and securing with hook and loop material;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an inside surface of the invention, partially cut-away to expose a foam material inside a cushioning pad;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of two weighted tubes;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of a weighted tube, partially cut-away to illustrate weighted filler material contained therein, the enlargement taken generally along lines 5-5 of FIG. 4; and

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the invention with weighted tubes shown partially inside two pockets of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Illustrative embodiments of the invention are described below. The following explanation provides specific details for a thorough understanding of and enabling description for these embodiments. One skilled in the art will understand that the invention may be practiced without such details. In other instances, well-known structures and functions have not been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of the embodiments.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words “comprise,” “comprising,” and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to.” Words using the singular or plural number also include the plural or singular number respectively. Additionally, the words “herein,” “above,” “below” and words of similar import, when used in this application, shall refer to this application as a whole and not to any particular portions of this application. When the claims use the word “or” in reference to a list of two or more items, that word covers all of the following interpretations of the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list and any combination of the items in the list.

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a training belt 10 for wearing around a waist 25 of a user 20. The belt 10 comprises a flexible strap 30 that has a first end 32, a second end 38, an inside surface 34, and an outside surface 36. Such a flexible strap 30 is made from a nylon strap material, for example. The first end 32 of the flexible strap 30 terminates in a first adjustment strap 50 that has an attachment means 60, such as a two-part hook-and-loop type fastener 110 (FIG. 3), fixed therewith. The second end 38 of the flexible strap 30 includes a second adjustment strap 51 terminating with a loop 65. In an alternate embodiment of the invention, the attachment means 60 may include a two-part mechanical buckle or mechanical snap (not shown). A plastic ring 170 (FIG. 2), or flexible loop 172 (FIG. 6) of a suitable strapping material, such as nylon or other flexible ribbon-type material, may be included extending from proximate the center 180 of the flexible strap 30 and adapted to retain a wire 190 (FIG. 2) therethrough, such as a wire 190 for headphones or the like.

The outside surface 36 includes at least one pocket 80 that extends substantially along the length of the flexible strap 30. Each pocket 80 includes a closure means 40, such as a zipper 90 with a zipper pull 95, or the two-part hook-and-loop type fastener 110, extending substantially therealong. Preferably the training belt 10 includes two such pockets 80, designated an upper pocket 82 and a lower pocket 81 (FIG. 6). A cover 200 (FIG. 6, shown partially broken-away) may also be included fixed around the second end 38 of the flexible strap 30, such as by sewing or ultrasonic bonding, the cover 200 preferably made of a loop-material such as one part of a hook-and-loop type fastening material. Such a cover 200 secures zipper pulls 95 in place when the pockets 80,82 are closed, and also provides an attachment point for a hook-side (not shown) of the hook-and-loop type fastener which may be secured to an electronic media player, keys, or similar objects.

The inside surface 34 of the flexible strap 30 may further include a cushioning pad 150 (FIG. 3), made with a memory-foam type material 160, or other resilient material, for example. Such a cushioning pad 150 preferably extends substantially around the length and height of the flexible strap 30, so as to provide cushioning for the user 20 around generally the entire length of the training belt 10.

A plurality of weighted tubes 70 are included (FIGS. 4-6), each tube 70 including a weighted filler material 80 therein and each tube 70 being sealed at each end 75 thereof. Such a weighted filler material 80 may be, for example, copper-plated lead pellets 140, or the like. Preferably the plurality of weighted tubes 70 include at least one each of a two pound, four pound and a six pound weighted tube 70, or other weight designations as desired.

In use, the weighted tubes 70 may be selected by the user 20 for insertion into the at least one pocket 70. Each pocket 70 is closed with the closure means 40, and the flexible strap 30 is fastened around the user's waist 25 and fastened with the attachment means 60 through the loop 65. In this way, the weight of the tubes 70 is evenly distributed around the waist 25 of the user 20.

While a particular form of the invention has been illustrated and described, it will be apparent that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, various types of filler material 80 may be used as appropriate for the desired weight of a given tube 70. Accordingly, it is not intended that the invention be limited, except as by the appended claims.

The teachings provided herein can be applied to other systems, not necessarily the system described herein. The elements and acts of the various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. All of the above patents and applications and other references, including any that may be listed in accompanying filing papers, are incorporated herein by reference. Aspects of the invention can be modified, if necessary, to employ the systems, functions, and concepts of the various references described above to provide yet further embodiments of the invention.

These and other changes can be made to the invention in light of the above Detailed Description. While the above description details certain embodiments of the invention and describes the best mode contemplated, no matter how detailed the above appears in text, the invention can be practiced in many ways. Details of the system may vary considerably in its implementation details, while still being encompassed by the invention disclosed herein.

Particular terminology used when describing certain features or aspects of the invention should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics, features, or aspects of the invention with which that terminology is associated. In general, the terms used in the following claims should not be construed to limit the invention to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification, unless the above Detailed Description section explicitly defines such terms. Accordingly, the actual scope of the invention encompasses not only the disclosed embodiments, but also all equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the invention.

The above detailed description of the embodiments of the invention is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed above or to the particular field of usage mentioned in this disclosure. While specific embodiments of, and examples for, the invention are described above for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the invention, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. Also, the teachings of the invention provided herein can be applied to other systems, not necessarily the system described above. The elements and acts of the various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments.

All of the above patents and applications and other references, including any that may be listed in accompanying filing papers, are incorporated herein by reference. Aspects of the invention can be modified, if necessary, to employ the systems, functions, and concepts of the various references described above to provide yet further embodiments of the invention.

Changes can be made to the invention in light of the above “Detailed Description.” While the above description details certain embodiments of the invention and describes the best mode contemplated, no matter how detailed the above appears in text, the invention can be practiced in many ways. Therefore, implementation details may vary considerably while still being encompassed by the invention disclosed herein. As noted above, particular terminology used when describing certain features or aspects of the invention should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics, features, or aspects of the invention with which that terminology is associated.

In general, the terms used in the following claims should not be construed to limit the invention to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification, unless the above Detailed Description section explicitly defines such terms. Accordingly, the actual scope of the invention encompasses not only the disclosed embodiments, but also all equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the invention under the claims.

While certain aspects of the invention are presented below in certain claim forms, the inventor contemplates the various aspects of the invention in any number of claim forms. Accordingly, the inventor reserves the right to add additional claims after filing the application to pursue such additional claim forms for other aspects of the invention.

Claims

1. An training belt for wearing around a user's waist, comprising:

a flexible strap having a first end and a second end, an inside surface and an outside surface, the outside surface including at least one pocket extending substantially the length of the flexible strap, the at least one pocket including a closure means extending substantially therealong, the first end of the flexible strap terminating in a first adjustment strap having an attachment means fixed therewith, the second end of the flexible strap including a second adjustment strap terminating with a loop; and

a plurality of weighted tubes, each tube including a weighted filler material and being sealed at each end thereof;

whereby the weighted tubes may be selected by the user for insertion into the at least one pocket, the pocket closed with the closure means, the flexible strap fastened around the user's waist and fastened with the attachment means through the loop.

2. The training belt of claim 1 wherein the at least one pocket includes two pockets, designated an upper pocket and a lower pocket.

3. The training belt of claim 1 wherein the closure means of each pocket includes a zipper.

4. The training belt of claim 1 wherein the closure means of each pocket includes a two-part hook-and-loop type fastener.

5. The training belt of claim 1 wherein the attachment means includes a two-part hook-and-loop type fastener.

6. The training belt of claim 1 wherein the attachment means includes a two-part mechanical buckle.

7. The training belt of claim 1 wherein the attachment means includes a two-part mechanical snap.

8. The training belt of claim 1 wherein the weighted filler material of at least one of the plurality of weighted tubes includes copper-plated lead pellets.

9. The training belt of claim 1 wherein the plurality of weighted tubes includes at least one each of a two pound, four pound, and six pound weighted tube.

10. The training belt of claim 1 wherein the inside surface of the flexible strap includes a cushioning pad.

11. The training belt of claim 10 wherein the cushioning pad extends substantially the length of the flexible strap.

12. The training belt of claim 10 wherein the cushioning pad includes a memory-foam type material.

13. The training belt of claim 12 wherein the cushioning pad extends substantially the height and length of the flexible strap.

14. The training belt of claim 1 further including a flexible loop extending from proximate the center of the flexible strap and adapted to secure a wire therethrough.