EXERCISE GARMENT

Abstract

An exercise garment includes pockets for carrying weights in a non-conspicuous manner. The pockets are strategically located on the exercise garments in order to enhance concealment of the weight when the garment is worn by an individual. One such strategic location of a weight pocket is the waistband portion of the garment. In order to improve the concealment of the weight, the weights may be formed as generally flat slabs that are flexible. As such the weight can be shaped to conform to the user's waist. Weight pockets are also strategically located in other areas of the garments selected to conceal the weights when the user is wearing the garment. Also disclosed are wrist cuffs which include weight pockets for carrying weights that are concealed.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an exercise garment and wrist cuffs and more particularly to an exercise garment and wrist cuffs that include a number of concealed pockets for receiving flexible weights which can be formed to the curvature of the body that are strategically located to conceal the weights while avoiding interference during exercising.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Exercise has become extremely important in maintaining or improving a person's health. More people than ever before are exercising either on their own or in supervised facilities, such as health clubs. In order to intensify the exercise, individuals are known to incorporate free weights into their exercise regimen or use some other form of weights. So called dumbbells are known to be used as free weights. Such dumbbells normally consist of a relatively short length of a metal rod with weights at each end. Normally, 5 pound and 10 pound weights are used in conjunction with an exercise regimen. For example, a user may hold a 5 pound weight in each hand during all or part of an exercise regimen, such as calisthenics.

There are several problems with the use of dumbbells as a method of intensifying all or part of an exercise regime. First, dumbbells are generally only appropriate in certain exercises that are done in place, such as calisthenics. Second, due to the space requirements many health clubs, only several sets of the 5 and 10 pound weight dumbbells are available, which may leave some users wishing to intensify their exercise without dumbbells. Thirdly, dumbbells are generally used for strength building and are not appropriate for cardiovascular type exercises.

In order to solve this problem, users have turned to using their own weights to intensify their exercise. In particular, various exercise related articles have been developed that enable users to carry weights while exercising. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,490,766 discloses a wrist strap which carries a flexible weight. This article enables a user to intensify exercise of arm related exercises. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2003/0130070 A1 discloses an adjustable weight training belt. The belt is intended to be wrapped around a baseball bat. U.S. Pat. No. 5,078,964 discloses flexible weights that are configured as an elongated tube that can be wrapped around different body parts, such as an arm, wrist or ankle. Although the various articles mentioned above satisfy their intended purpose to intensify exercise, their purpose is relatively limited to specific exercises. In general, such articles are used for strength building and are really not appropriate for cardiovascular type exercises.

Exercise programs over the last few decades have developed way beyond simple exercise programs, such as calisthenics. Indeed, modern exercise programs include a myriad of both individual and group exercise regimens. Many Individual exercise regimens are now more focused on improving cardiovascular health. Such cardiovascular exercise programs are intended to raise an individual's heart rate to a certain level for a certain amount of time. Cardiovascular exercises are known to incorporate various types of machines, such as, tread mills, ellipticals, rowing machines, stationary bikes and others. Walking, jogging and running are also known to be used as part of an individual cardiovascular fitness program. Group exercise programs such as, aerobics, step aerobics, spinning and others are now offered at various health clubs-all designed to improve cardiovascular health.

Such cardiovascular exercise programs are generally not intended to build muscle strength but rather to improve cardiovascular health. In order to intensify cardiovascular exercise and also increase muscle strength, exercise garments have been developed which include pockets for carrying weights. In general, the weight pockets are located on the garment to target certain muscle groups.

Examples of such exercise garments are disclosed in US Patent Nos.: 5,176,600; 5,937,441; 5,978,964; 7,376,979; as well as U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos.: US 2003/0092544 A1; US 2009/0139005 A1; US 2011/0167533 A1 and US 2011/0247127 A1, all hereby incorporated by reference. The garments are divided into three categories. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,176, 600; 5,937,441; 5,978,964 and U.S. patent application Nos.: US 2003/0092544 A1 disclose one piece garments. U.S. Pat. No. 7,376,979 and U.S. patent application No. US 2009/0139005 A1 disclose two piece garments. US Patent Application Publication No. US 2011/0167533 A1 discloses a vest with weight pockets while US Patent Application Publication No. US 2011/0247127 A1 discloses a pair of shorts with weight pockets.

The exercise garments disclosed above are all configured such that the weights are conspicuously visible on the outside of the garment. While such garments may be appropriate for use at health clubs, some individuals may prefer to wear their exercise garment outside of a health club without the weights being noticeable. For example, various individuals are known to be style conscious and may prefer to wear exercise garments both in and out of a health club without the weights being noticeable.

Thus, there is a need for exercise garments which carry weights in a non-conspicuous manner for individuals that prefer that the weights not be noticeable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly, the present invention relates to exercise garments and wrist cuffs which include pockets for carrying weights in a non-conspicuous manner. The pockets are strategically located on the exercise garments in order to enhance concealment of the weight when the garment and wrist cuffs are worn by an individual. One such strategic location of a weight pocket is the waistband portion of the garment. In order to improve the concealment of the weight, the weights may be formed as generally flat slabs that are flexible. As such the weight can be shaped to conform to the user's waist. Weight pockets are also strategically located in other areas of the garments selected to conceal the weights when the user is wearing the garment.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

These and other advantages of the present invention will be readily understood with reference to the following specification and attached drawing wherein:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an exemplary design of an exercise garment in accordance with the present invention, worn by an individual shown in phantom with concealed weights also shown in phantom.

FIG. 2 is a partial isometric view of an exemplary sports top in accordance with the present invention illustrating a weight pocket with a weight removed in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view along line 3-3 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a partial isometric view of a portion of an exemplary trouser in accordance with the present invention shown with an optional ankle zipper illustrating weight pockets in an ankle portion of the trousers, shown with the weights removed.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view along line 5-5 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a partial isometric view of an exemplary waist band in accordance with the present invention illustrating the location of the weight pockets, shown with the weights removed.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view along line 7-7 of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate a method for bending the flexible weights in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a plan view of an exemplary wrist cuff in accordance with the present invention, shown in an unfolded condition with a weight removed.

FIG. 11 is similar to FIG. 10, but shown with the wrist cuff in a folded condition.

FIG. 12 illustrates the wrist cuff on the wrist of a user illustrating a concealed weight in phantom.

FIG. 13 is a partial sectional view in plan of a wrist cuff illustrated in FIGS. 10-12 showing two weights installed in opposing weight pockets.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to exercise garments and wrist cuffs which include pockets for carrying weights in a non-conspicuous manner. The pockets are strategically located on the exercise garments in order to enhance concealment of the weight when the garment and wrist cuffs are worn by an individual. One such strategic location of a weight pocket is the waistband portion of the garment. In order to improve the concealment of the weight, the weights may be formed as generally flat slabs that are flexible. As such the weight can be shaped to conform to the user's waist. Weight pockets are also strategically located in other areas of the garments selected to conceal the weights when the user is wearing the garment.

A key aspect of the invention is the ability to conceal the weights in a garment and wrist cuff so that fashion conscious users can wear the garments and wrist cuffs with weights disposed in the various pockets on the garments that are inconspicuous. As such, the principles of the present invention are applicable to various types of garments and are not limited to the garments illustrated or described herein. More specifically, the exercise garments illustrated and described relate to a two piece exercise garment having a sports top with an integral sports bra and a pair of trousers. The principles of the present invention are related to one piece garments as well as one and two piece garments not intended to be used for exercise. For example, the principles of the present invention can be incorporated into casual and dress clothes to enable additional intensity while a user is engaged in routine activities—not related to exercise. In addition, the principles of the present invention relate to various styles of tops, both men and women's tops including women's tops with and without integrated sports bras (hereinafter “tops”). The principles of the invention are applicable to various types and styles of trousers including shorts and the like (hereinafter “bottoms”).

Referring to FIG. 1, an exemplary two piece exercise garment in accordance with the present invention is shown which includes bottoms 20 and a top 22. As shown, the bottoms 20 include one or more weights 24 disposed in the waistband 26 of the bottoms 20. In an embodiment which utilizes stretchable material for the bottoms 20, the waistband 26 may be formed by doubling over a free end (not shown) of the material used for used for the bottoms 20 and stitching the free end of the material along a stich line 28. By doubling over the material used for the bottoms 20 to form the waist band 26, a two ply waist band 26 is formed. The top of the waistband 26 may also be stitched forming a second stitch line 30. As best seen in FIG. 6 an opening, generally identified with the reference numeral 36, is formed on the top edges of the two ply waist band 26. The opening 36 defines a front wall 38 (FIG. 7) and a rear wall 40 of the waist band 26.

The weight pocket 34 may be formed in a generally rectangular shape. The bottom of the weight pocket 34 may be secured within the inside of the waist band 26 by way of the stitches forming the stitch line 28. One wall 42 of the weight pocket 34 is secured at the top to the rear wall 40 of the waistband 26 by the stitches 30. The opposing wall 44 of the weight pocket 34 is secured to the front wall 38 of the waistband 26 by way of the stitching 46. As such, the opening 36, defined above, formed on the top edge of the waist band 26, enables a weight 24 to be readily inserted and removed with respect to the weight pocket 34.

In the embodiment illustrated, the optional two ply waistband acts to minimize discomfort to the user. In order to conceal the weight so that it is inconspicuous when the bottoms 20 are worn by a user, the weights 24 are formed to be relatively thin, for example, ¼″-⅜″. Moreover, the weights 24 are formed from relatively flexible material so that the weights 24 can be individually made to conform to the user's waist.

Other methods for forming the weight pockets 3 are considered to be within the broad scope of the invention. For example, the weight pockets 34 can simply be attached to the inside, i.e. surface of the waist band 26 closest to the user. Other than stitching, other methods for attaching the weight pockets 36 to the waist band 26. For example, adhesives could be used.

The angular location of the weights 24 along the waist band 26 as well as the number of weights is merely exemplary. More or fewer weights than shown could be used and the relative location of the weights 24 can be varied.

One or more weights 48 can be located in an ankle or lower portion 50 of the bottoms 20. As shown in FIG. 4, one or more weight pockets 52 may be attached to the inside of the pant leg just above the bottom hem 54, As shown, the weight pocket 52 may be formed from a single piece of material 56 attached to the inside of the pant leg on the bottom by the hem 54 and the sides, for example, by way of the stitches 56 and 58, as shown in FIG. 4, to form a pocket.

In order to facilitate placement and removal of the weights 48, an ankle zipper 60 may optionally be provided. As shown best in FIG. 4, the ankle zipper 60 provides easy access to the weight pockets 52. Without the ankle zipper 60, the lower portion of the bottoms would have to be turned inside out in order to access the weight pockets 52.

The location of the weight pockets 52 adjacent the hem of the bottoms 20 and adjacent a seam 62 (FIG. 1) or ankle zipper 60 contributes to the concealment of the weights 48. In addition relatively thin weights 48 are disposed in the weight pockets 52.

The top 22 of the exercise garment is illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3. As mentioned above, the top 22 may optionally include an integrated inner bra for support. In such an embodiment, the top 22 may include back portion 62 that is attached to the top 22, for example, by stitching or other conventional means for attachment. The back portion 62 is formed from a mesh for ventilation. As used herein, the back portion 62 of the top 22 is that portion that is in contact with a user's back. As shown in FIG. 3, a weight pocket 64 is formed on the back portion 62 of the bra. The weight pocket 63 is formed by attaching a generally rectangular piece of material to the back portion 62 of the top 22, for example, by stitching, as generally identified with the reference numeral 67, on three sides, as shown in FIG. 2. A weight 66 is disposed in the weight pocket 64. Similar to the other weight locations, strategic location of the weight pocket and the use of a relative thin weight on the inside of the exercise garment help conceal the weights.

FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate one method of bending the weights 24, 48 and 66. In particular, the weights are formed in a generally rectangular shape. In order to bend the weights 24, 48 and 66, a user grasps the ends of the weights and bends the weight 24, 48 and 66 to the desired curvature to conform to the user's body part adjacent the intended location of the weight 24, 48 and 66.

FIGS. 10-13 illustrate an exemplary wrist cuff, generally identified with the reference numeral 70, in accordance with the present invention. The wrist cuff 70 is configured in a generally hollow cylindrical shape, formed from a stretchable material configured to enable a user to slip the wrist cuff over their wrist, as generally shown in FIG. 12. FIG. 10 illustrates the wrist cuff 70 in an elongated configuration while FIG. 12 illustrates the wrist cuff 70 in a work out configuration.

Referring first to FIG. 10, the wrist cuff 70 is initially in an initial mode. As shown, one portion, identified with the reference numeral 72, of the wrist cuff 70 includes one or more weight pockets 74. An opposing portion, generally identified with the reference numeral 76, is used as a fold over portion which folds over the weight pocket portion 72. A weight 77 is inserted into each of the weight pockets 74.

After the weight 77 is inserted into the weight pocket 74, an edge 78 of the fold over portion 76 is folded over the weight pocket portion 72 in the direction of the arrows 80 and 82. The fold over portion 76 may be folded over until the edge 78 on the fold over portion 76 is generally aligned with an edge 84 on the weight pocket portion 72, thus covering up and concealing the weight pocket 74 and installed weight 77, as generally shown in FIG. 12.

The weight pocket 74 used in the wrist cuff 70 may be formed as a generally rectangular mesh or other type of material , attached on three sides, for example, by stitching, generally identified with the reference numeral 86, to the weight pocket portion 72 of the wrist cuff 70, defining an open end 86. As shown in FIG. 12, a weight 77 is inserted in the direction of the arrow 88 into the open end 86.

As shown in FIG. 13, a wrist cuff 70 with two weights 77 is shown. More or fewer weights 77 are contemplated. Notwithstanding the number of weights used in the wrist cuff 70, the weights 77 are concealed when the fold over portion 76 is folded over the weight pocket portion 72, as generally shown in FIG. 12.

The weights 24, 48, 66 and 77 may be formed from various pliable materials. For example, the weights 24, 48, 66 and 77 may be formed from lead that is powder coated black. The powder coating is used to protect a user from contact with the lead.

The weights 24, 48, 66 and 77 can be formed in various sizes and shapes. For example, the weights 24, 48, 66 and 77 can all be formed in a rectangular shape varying in thickness, for example from ¼″ to ⅜ inches. Depending on the desired weight, the size of the weights can be varied. For example, the weights 24 and 77 used in the waist band 26 and wrist cuffs 70, respectively, can be formed to be 2″×3.5″×¼″, which, if made from lead, will weigh 8 ounces. The weights 48 and 66 may be formed to be ¼″×3×⅜″, which if made from lead will weigh 4 ounces. Other materials, dimensions and weights are contemplated.

In accordance with the present invention, all of the weights are disposed on the inside of the exercise garment. In addition, relatively thin weights are used, for example, ¼″ to ⅜″. These factors help conceal the weights when a user is wearing the exercise garment. In addition, the use of flexible weights that can be conformed to the shape of the user's body parts enhances the ability to conceal the weights. Finally, strategically locating the weights adjacent seams or in a back portion of a sports top or within a two ply waist band further helps to conceal the weights.

Various types of materials can be used for the exercise garment. The exercise garment 20 may be made from various stretchable materials, such as, a tactel material, for example, 88% nylon and 12% Lycra®¹. The back portion 62 of the top 22 may also be made from a stretchable material, such as the power mesh. The inner bra (not shown) may be formed from the tactel material. ¹ Lycra is a registered trademark of Invista, a wholly owned subsidiary of Koch Industries, Inc.

The weight pockets 34, 52, 64 and 74 may be formed in a generally rectangular shape. These weight pockets 34, 52, 64 and 74 are formed to have the same shape as the weights 24, 48, 66 and 77 that they carry. The weight pockets 34, 52, 64 and 74 may be made from a various stretchable materials, such as a power mesh which is 90% nylon and 10% spandex. In order to avoid having the weights dislodge during exercise, the weight pockets 34, 52, 64 and 74 are stretchable and are formed to provide a relatively tight fit with respect to the weights 24, 48, 66 and 77.

Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. Thus, it is to be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described above.

What is claimed and desired to be secured by a Letters Patent of the United States is:

Claims

1. An exercise garment comprising:

a top;

a bottom; and

one or more weights located on the inside of the top or the bottom which are concealed when a user is wearing the exercise garment.

2. A wrist cuff comprising:

a stretchable material formed in an elongated hollow cylindrical defining a weight pocket portion and a fold over portion;

at least one weight pocket configured to receive a weight, said at least one weight pocket attached to said weight pocket portion; and

a weight configured to be received in each of said at least one weight pockets;

wherein said fold over portion is configured to fold over said weight pocket portion to conceal said weights.