PROTECTIVE GARMENT FOR WEIGHTLIFTING

Abstract

A garment for protection of a weightlifter from impact from or contact with a weight bar or barbell is provided. The garment may include one or more padding strip members on the anterior, dorsal, and/or top surfaces and positioned over those areas of a wearer's body contacted by a weight bar or barbell when performing certain lifts. A padding strip member may comprise a hollow member into which is placed a cushioning member configured to absorb or dissipate an impact. The outer surface of a padding strip member may be configured to prevent slippage while the bar or barbell is held in contact with the outer surface. The garment may be manufactured from one or more stretchable materials such that the garment fits snuggly against a wearer's body, and the one or more padding strip members are configured to allow for unimpeded movement while performing weightlifting or other exercise activities.

Description

FIELD

The invention relates generally to a protective garment for weightlifting activities and, more particularly, to a protective sports bra for protecting certain areas of a wearer's body from injuries sustained from contact with a weightlifting bar or other such equipment.

BACKGROUND

Over the past several decades, weight training activities have evolved to include more and faster repetitions as well as more complex movements and lifts. While traditional weight lifting techniques and lifts are still widely performed by both amateurs and professionals, the evolution of weight training has seen the introduction of more movement, complexity, and a greater emphasis on cross-training that require lifters to exhibit a greater range of motion and flexibility than traditional techniques.

For example, in modern Olympic weightlifting, participants attempt a maximum-weight single lift of a barbell loaded with weight plates with a clean and jerk lift. Execution of a clean and jerk lift generally requires two distinct movements. First, the lifter moves a barbell from the floor to a racked position across his or her deltoids and clavicles (the “clean”). Next, the lifter lifts the weight above his or her head until the arms are straight and the bar is stationary (the “jerk”). Because Olympic weightlifting tests a lifter's ballistic limits (i.e., “explosive” strength), rather than simply testing the lifter's limit strength, it is executed at a faster pace than other strength sports, and requires more mobility and a greater range of motion.

Other modern exercise routines emphasize cross-training and may combine elements of aerobics, gymnastics, and weight training. For example, the CrossFit® program by CrossFit, Inc., is a strength and conditioning program focused on muscle strength, cardiopulmonary endurance, and flexibility and features a hybrid of aerobic exercise, gymnastics, and Olympic weightlifting. Several of the weightlifting activities include movements and lifts wherein the equipment makes contact, which at times may be frequent or severely impactful, with the participant's body, such as:

• • Clean lift (the barbell(s) is/are lifted from the ground to a “rack position” across the lifter's deltoids and/or clavicles);
  • Press lift (“jerk”) (the barbell(s) is/are moved from the “rack position” to the overhead position. In some variants, the bar is “jumped” off the body with a dipping and diving motion);
  • Bench Press (while lying in a horizontal position, the weight is lowered to the chest, then pushed upwards until the arms are straight);
  • Back Squat or Front Squat (with the barbell supported on the upper back or in rack position across the deltoids/clavicles, the lifter bends the knees until the hips are below the knees); and
  • Thruster (a combination of a front squat and a push press wherein the lifter begins with the barbell in the rack position, squats, then stands, driving the barbell overhead).
  • Other lifts with the potential for injury may include the power clean, the push (or “military”) press, and the split jerk.

As the evolution of weight training introduces new and increasingly complex lifts coupled with a wide variety of other activities, the potential for injury also increases, particularly from sudden, prolonged, and/or repetitive contact with weightlifting equipment, such as bars and barbells. In addition to superficial injuries, such as abrasions, cuts, and bruises, such activities can also result in other injuries, such as nerve injuries, muscle bruises, chipped, calloused, or bruised bones, and repetitive motion injuries. As the popularity of weightlifting and other exercise programs incorporating weightlifting elements increases, there is therefore a compelling need to protect participants from such injuries, as existing garments lack cushioning in the appropriate locations or, due to technological and/or design limitations, do not allow for the range of motion that modern weight training demands. For example, some participants in weight training or cross training may elect to wear “football” shirts in an attempt to protect themselves from injuries resulting from sudden, prolonged, or repeated contact with weightlifting bars/equipment. However, such garments provide inadequate coverage and are designed for use underneath football pads. Other currently available products include jackets or other such loose-fitting garments that include pads covering large portions of the chest and/or upper back. However, such garments are configured to prevent surface injuries only, and the loose-fitting nature of the product coupled with the bulkiness of the padding makes them ill-suited for modern weightlifting and cross-training activities, and may actually result in additional injuries if used in such activities. Additionally, such currently available products include gaps or other such spaces between paddings in which weight bars or barbells may become caught or lodged, thereby increasing the risk of injury.

Additionally, the late twentieth and early twenty-first centuries have seen a substantial increase in female participation in both collegiate and professional sports, including weight-training activities. As the competitive nature and popularity of such weightlifting and other exercise programs incorporating aerobic and wright training continues to grow, there is a particular need to protect female participants from the aforementioned injuries, since existing sports bras and other such garments lack cushioning in the appropriate locations or, due to technological and/or design limitations, do not allow for the range of motion demanded by modern wright training. To compensate for such limitations, some women engaging in weight training elect to wear sweatchirts or other such garments in an attempt to cushion themselves from sudden, prolonged, or repeated contact with weightlifting bars/equipment. However, such garments provide inadequate cushioning and could result in overheating/heat-related illnesses. Other products currently available that include cushion components are not specifically designed for women and/or are ill-suited for modern weightlifting and/or cross-training activities.

Therefore, it is desirable to have a garment for weightlifting that not only allows the wearer to exhibit the requisite range of motion and flexibility demanded by modern weightlifting and cross-training exercises, but also provides adequate cushioning and protection as to prevent injury resulting from sudden, prolonged, and/or repeated contact with weightlifting equipment. More particularly, it is desirable to have a sports-bra for weightlifting that is specifically configured for female lifters that allows the uninhibited range of motion and flexibility required by modern weightlifting and cross-training activities and also includes adequate cushioning and protection to prevent injury to the upper body of the lifter from sudden, prolonged, and/or repeated contact with weightlifting equipment.

SUMMARY

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a garment is provided for protection of a weightlifter from sudden, prolonged, or repetitive contact with a weight bar or barbell while performing certain lifts, which may include a power clean lift, a front squat, a front push press, a bench press, a split jerk, a press lift, a thruster, a back squat, a back push press, and a back split jerk, or other such lifts. The garment may include one or more padding strip members on the anterior, dorsal, and/or top surfaces of the garment positioned as to cover the areas of a wearer's body that may be contacted by a weight bar or barbell when performing the aforementioned lifts, or other such lifts. A padding strip member may be a hollow member that includes a cushioning member placed inside thereof. The cushioning member may include a foam, a gel, a rubber, or any other such material configured to absorb or otherwise dissipate an impact. The outer surface of the padding strip member may be a material selected to create sufficient friction upon contact with a weight bar or barbell to prevent slippage or other such movement when the bar or barbell is held in contact with the padding strip member. The garment may be made of one or more stretchable materials to allow for a snug fit against a wearer's body, and the width and thickness of each of the one or more padding strip members may be selected as to allow for unimpeded movement while the wearer is performing weightlifting, aerobic, gymnastic, cross-training, or other such activities. According to certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the garment may be a sports bra configured to protect a female weightlifter from sudden, prolonged, or repetitive contact with a weight boar or barbell while performing certain lifts.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an anterior view of the human muscular system showing points of impact of a weight bar when performing certain weightlifting lifts.

FIG. 2 is an anterior abdominal view of the human skeletal system showing points of impact of a weight bar when performing certain weightlifting lifts.

FIG. 3 is an anterior view of a human shoulder joint showing points of impact of a weight bar when performing certain weightlifting lifts.

FIG. 4 is an anterior abdominal view of certain portions of the human nervous and circulatory systems showing points of impact of a weight bar when performing certain weightlifting lifts.

FIGS. 5 and 5a are dorsal views of the human muscular system and a human shoulder joint, respectively, showing points of impact of a weight bar when performing certain weightlifting lifts.

FIG. 6 is a dorsal view of the human skeletal system showing points of impact of a weight bar when performing certain weightlifting lifts.

FIG. 7 is a side view of the human spinal column showing points of impact of a weight bar when performing certain weightlifting lifts.

FIG. 8 is an anterior view of a protective garment for weightlifting according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a dorsal view of a protective garment for weightlifting according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a top view of a protective garment for weightlifting according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is an anterior view of a protective garment for weightlifting according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a dorsal view of a protective garment for weightlifting according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a top view of a protective garment for weightlifting according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is an anterior view of a protective bra for weightlifting according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a dorsal view of a protective bra for weightlifting according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a top view of a protective bra for weightlifting according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A protective garment for weightlifting is provided that protects a wearer from injuries resulting from contact with a weight bar or barbell while the wearer is performing weightlifting lifts. The garment may provide the desired protection without affecting the range of motion of the wearer required by modern weightlifting and cross training routines. Also, the garment may be configured to prevent slippage or other such movement of a weight bar or barbell when held in contact with the garment when the wearer is performing weightlifting lifts or other exercise activities.

Referring now to the drawings, and in particular to FIG. 1, there is shown an anterior view of the human muscular system 100 showing impact areas 105 where a weight bar or barbell may impact a weightlifter while performing certain lifts, which may include a power clean lift, a front squat, a front push press, a bench press, a split jerk, a press lift, and a thruster. In addition to superficial injuries, such as cuts, abrasions, and bruises, sudden, prolonged, and/or repetitive impacts by a weight bar or barbell at impact areas 105 may result in muscle bruises in the impact areas 105. Even if certain lifts are not particularly impactful, such as a front squat, they may nevertheless may result in muscle bruising due to the pressure of the weight bar or barbell on impact areas 105. Muscle bruises may negatively affect muscle growth therefore increasing the likelihood of muscle tears. As illustrated in FIG. 1, impact areas 105 may impact the following muscles: the trapezius, the cervical fascia, the sternocleidomastoid, the pectoralis major (sternal head), the pectoralis major (clavicular head), the deltoid, and the deltopectoral triangle.

FIG. 2 shows an anterior abdominal view of the human skeletal system 200 showing impact areas 205 where a weight bar or barbell may impact a weightlifter while performing certain lifts, which may include a power clean lift, a front squat, a front push press, a bench press, a split jerk, a press lift, a thruster, and other similar lifts. Sudden, prolonged, and/or repetitive impacts by a weight bar or barbell at impact areas 205 may result in chipped, calloused, bruised, or fractured bones. As illustrated in FIG. 2, impact areas 205 may affect the following bones: the clavicle, the coracoid, and the humeral head. Certain lifts, such as a bench press, may affect the sternum and surrounding areas. Even lower impact lifts, such as the front squat, may cause excessive pressure to the bones of impact areas 205.

FIG. 3 shows an anterior view of a human shoulder joint 300 showing impact areas 305 where a weight bar or barbell may impact a weightlifter while performing certain lifts, which may include a power clean lift, a front squat, a front push press, a bench press, a split jerk, a press lift, a thruster, and other similar lifts. As illustrated in FIG. 3, sudden, prolonged, and/or repetitive impacts by a weight bar or barbell at impact areas 305 may result in injury to the following structures: the acromion, the acromioclavicular joint, the clavicle, the bursa, the deltopectoral triangle, the deltoid muscle, and the deltoid branch of the thoracoacromial artery. A power clean lift may present a particular risk of damage to the acromioclavicular joint and the bursa.

FIG. 4 shows an anterior abdominal view of certain portions of the human nervous and circulatory systems 400 showing impact areas 405 where a weight bar or barbell may impact a weightlifter while performing certain lifts, which may include a power clean lift, a front squat, a front push press, a bench press, a split jerk, a press lift, a thruster, and other similar lifts. As illustrate in FIG. 4, sudden, prolonged, and/or repetitive impacts by a weight bar or barbell at impact areas 405 may result in injury to the following structures: the cephalic vein, the axillary vein and artery, the supraclavicular nerves, the suprascapular nerve, the medial and lateral pectoral nerves, the lateral, posterior, and the medial cords of the brachial plexus. During certain lifts, such as the front squat, the additional pressure from the weight bar or barbell to the impact areas 405 can potentially damage the aforementioned structures.

FIGS. 5 and 5a are dorsal views of the human muscular system and a dorsal view of a human shoulder joint, respectively, showing points of impact 505 of a weight bar when performing certain weightlifting lifts behind the neck, which may include a back squat, a back push press, a back split jerk, and other similar lifts. While, certain lifts, such as a back squat, are not as impactful as other lifts, the prolonged weight of the bar resting on impact areas 505 puts a great amount of pressure upon the underlying anatomical structures, and may result in injury. In addition to superficial injuries, such as cuts, abrasions, and bruises, sudden, prolonged, and/or repetitive impacts by a weight bar or barbell at impact areas 505 may result in muscle bruises in the impact areas 505. Muscle bruises may affect muscle growth therefore increasing the likelihood of muscle tears. As illustrated in FIG. 5, impact areas 505 may impact the following muscles: the trapezius, the posterior head, the levator scapulae, the rhomboideus minor, the rhomboideus major, the supraspinatus, and portions of the deltoid muscles. Further, as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 5a, impact areas 505 may further affect the acromion, the subacromial bursa, and the circumflex nerve.

FIG. 6 is a dorsal view of the human skeletal system showing points of impact 605 while performing certain weightlifting lifts, which may include a back squat, a back push press, a back split jerk, and other similar lifts. As illustrated in FIG. 6, sudden or prolonged impact to areas 605 may result in injuries, such as chips, bruises, and fractures, to the underlying skeletal structures, which may include the clavicle, the scapula, portions of the cervical vertebrae, and portions of the thoracic vertebrae. Sudden or prolonged impact to areas 605 may further result in injuries to the acromion (visible in FIG. 2).

FIG. 7 is a side view of the human spinal column showing points of impact 705 while performing certain weightlifting lifts, which may include a back squat, a back push press, a back split jerk, and other similar lifts. As illustrated in FIG. 7, sudden or prolonged impact to areas 705 may result in injuries, such as chips, bruises, fractures, and vertebral disc damage, to the underlying spinal structures, which may include portions of the cervical vertebrae and portions of the thoracic vertebrae.

FIG. 8 illustrates an anterior view of a protective garment 800 for weightlifting, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In certain embodiments, garment 800 may include an upper portion 805 and a lower portion 810 joined together at seam 815, while certain other embodiments of garment 800 may be formed of a single seamless portion. In some embodiments, upper portion 805 may be constructed from nylon, spandex, or any other such tight-fitting, stretchable fabric, while lower portion 810 may be constructed from tempra-fiber, merino, polyester, bamboo fiber, or any other such material or combination thereof for facilitating the extraction of heat from the wearer's body to regulate body temperature. Garment 800 may further include one or more padding strip members 830 positioned on the surface of garment 800 such that padding strip members 830 protect a wearer from injury while performing certain weightlifting lifts. According to certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention, one or more padding strip members 830 may be positioned on an anterior surface of garment 800 such that padding strip members 830 and are positioned over one or more of impact areas 105, 205, 305, and 405 as illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. Garment 800 may be further configured to fit snuggly against a wearer's body such that wearer is unimpeded when performing weightlifting, cross-training, aerobics, gymnastics, or other such activities.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a padding strip member may include a hollow member configured to receive a cushioning material within the space defined by the inner surface of the hollow member. The cushioning material may include a foam—such as a closed cell foam, a rebond foam, and a polyurethane foam—a gel—such as a neoprene gel and a polyurethane gel—a rubber—such as a lycra rubber—or any other such material or combination thereof such that the padding strip member is configured to absorb an impact, such as from a weight bar, such that the impact is distributed throughout at least a portion of the volume of the padding strip member and the cushioning material therein, thereby protecting the underlying area from some or all of the force of the impact. The width of a padding strip member may be selected such as to provide sufficient width to accommodate the full width of a barbell or a weight bar, while remaining narrow enough such that a wearer's movement is unimpeded while performing weightlifting, cross-training, aerobics, gymnastics, or other such activities. In certain embodiments of the present invention, the width of a padding strip member may be from about 2 cm to about 17 cm, while in other embodiments the width of a padding strip member may be selected according to the size, needs, or desires of the wearer. Similarly, the thickness of a padding strip member may be selected to provide sufficient cushioning without garment 800 becoming cumbersome or otherwise impeding the movements of a wearer. In certain embodiments of the present invention, the thickness of a padding strip member may be from about 0.5 cm to about 6.0 cm.

In certain embodiments, the outer surface of the hollow member of a padding strip member may be manufactured from or coated with a material configured to create sufficient friction with a weight bar or barbell in contact with the outer surface such that the bar or barbell does not easily slip or otherwise suddenly alter position when held against a padding strip member 830. Such materials may include a polyvinyl chloride coated fabric, an anti-slip rubber treated fabric, a silicon gel dotted fabric, a rubber patched fabric, and other such materials. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a padding strip member 830 may be attached to an outer surface of garment 800 via stitching, adhesive, or any other such method or material suitable of permanently attaching the padding strip member 830, and/or the hollow member thereof, to garment 800. Further, in certain embodiments the padding strip member 830 is completely formed, that is, the cushioning member is placed within the hollow member, prior to attachment of padding strip member 830 to garment 800 such that the cushioning member is permanently sealed within the hollow member.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention as illustrated in FIG. 8, garment 800 may have one or more padding strip members positioned about neck opening 825 to protect the upper chest area of a wearer while performing such weightlifting lifts as a power clean lift, a front squat, a front push press, a bench press, a split jerk, a press lift, a thruster, or any other such lift that would cause a weight bar or barbell to impact or otherwise contact impact areas 105, 205, 305, and 405, thereby risking injury to the wearer's upper chest and underlying muscles, bones, nerves, and vascular structures, as indicated in FIGS. 1 to 4. Garment 800 may further include one or more additional padding strip members 835 positioned about the outer edges of arm openings 820 such that the padding strip member 835 is positioned over such impact areas 105, 205, 305, and 405 as relating to the bones, muscles, nerves, and other areas of a wearer's shoulder, as indicated in FIGS. 1 to 4.

FIG. 9 is a dorsal view of a garment 800 for weightlifting according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In some embodiments, padding strip member 830 may extend from the anterior surface of garment 800 onto the dorsal surface of garment 800 to either side of neck opening 825 to protect the upper back, neck, and shoulder areas of a wearer while performing such weightlifting lifts as a back squat or any other such lift that would cause a weight bar or barbell to impact or otherwise contact impact areas 505 and 605, thereby risking injury to the wearer's upper back and the underlying muscles, bones, nerves, and vascular structures as indicated in FIGS. 5 and 6. Garment 800 may further include one or more additional padding strip members 840 positioned adjacent to the central dorsal edge of neck opening 825 such that the padding strip member 840 is positioned over such impact areas 605 and 705 as relating to portions of a wearer's cervical and thoracic vertebrae, as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7. In some embodiments, padding strip member 840 may have an upper portion and a lower portion wherein the lower portion may be attached to the dorsal surface of garment 800 adjacent to neck opening 825 and centered about the centerline of neck opening 825. In such embodiments, the upper portion of padding strip member 840 may, when in use, be folded up above the edge of neck hole 825 to offer additional protection for a wearer, particularly to the cervical and/or thoracic vertebrae. When not in use, an upper portion of padding strip member 840 may be folded down either inside or outside of neck opening 825. According to certain embodiments of the present invention, the width of padding strip member 830, 835, or 840 need not be a uniform width, but may vary along the width of the padding strip member 830, 835, or 840 as necessary to protect the underlying anatomical structures or to conform with the contours of a wearer's body to provide comfort and unimpeded motion as the wearer performs weightlifting, cross-training, aerobic, gymnastic, or other such activities.

FIG. 10 shows a top view of a garment 800 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In certain embodiments of the present invention, each of padding strip members 830 may be a continuous strip that extends from the anterior surface of garment 800 to the dorsal surface of garment 800 such that each of padding strip members 830 passes over the top of a wearer's upper shoulders and/or neck area. Similarly, in certain embodiments each of padding strip members 835 may be a continuous strip that extends from the anterior surface of garment 800 to the dorsal surface of garment 800 about the upper circumference of arm openings 825 such that padding strip members 835 passes over the top of a wearers shoulders. Thus, certain embodiments of the present invention may be configured to protect a wearer's upper shoulders, upper back, and neck area and the underlying anatomical structures, from injuries caused by sudden or prolonged impact or other contact with a weight bar or barbell. In other embodiments, each of padding strip members 830 on the anterior surface of garment 800 may be separate and distinct from each of padding strip members 830 on the dorsal surface of garment 800.

FIG. 11 shows an anterior view of a protective garment 900 for weightlifting according to an alternative exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In certain embodiments, garment 900 may include an upper portion 905 and a lower portion 910 joined together at seam 915, while certain other embodiments of garment 900 may be formed of a single seamless portion. In some embodiments, upper portion 905 may be constructed from a 2-way stretch fabric, a 4-way stretch fabric, nylon, spandex, or any other such tight-fitting, stretchable fabric, while lower portion 910 may be constructed from tempra-fiber, merino, polyester, bamboo fiber, a synthetic fiber having a high permeability and/or having at least one moisture wicking component, or any other such material or combination thereof for facilitating the extraction of heat from the wearer's body to regulate body temperature. Garment 900 may further include one or more padding strip members 930 positioned on the surface of garment 900 such that padding strip members 930 protect a wearer from injury while performing certain weightlifting lifts. According to certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention, one or more padding strip members 930 may be positioned on an anterior surface of garment 900 such that padding strip member 930 is positioned over one or more of impact areas 105, 205, 305, and 405 as illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. In some embodiments, the one or more padding strip members 930 may be positioned over a portion of a wearer's sternum in order to provide protection when performing certain lifts, such as a bench press. Garment 900 may be further configured to fit snuggly against a wearer's body such that wearer is unimpeded when performing weightlifting, cross-training, aerobics, gymnastics, or other such activities.

FIG. 12 is a dorsal view of a garment 900 for weightlifting according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In some embodiments, one or more padding strip members 930 may extend from the anterior surface of garment 900 onto the dorsal surface of garment 900 to either side of neck opening 925 to protect the upper back, shoulders, and neck areas of a wearer while performing such weightlifting lifts as a back squat or any other such lift that would cause a weight bar or barbell to impact or otherwise contact impact areas 505 and 605, thereby risking injury to the wearer's upper back and the underlying muscles, bones, nerves, and vascular structures as indicated in FIGS. 5 and 6. Garment 900 may further include one or more additional padding strip members 935 positioned adjacent to the central dorsal edge of neck opening 925 such that the padding strip member 935 is positioned over such impact areas 605 and 705 as relating to portions of a wearer's cervical and thoracic vertebrae, as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7. In some embodiments, padding strip member 935 may, when in use, be folded up above the edge of neck hole 925 to offer additional protection for a wearer, particularly to the cervical and/or thoracic vertebrae. When not in use, padding strip member 935 may be folded down either inside or outside of neck opening 925. According to certain embodiments of the present invention, the width of padding strip member 930, or 935 need not be a uniform width, but may vary along the width of the padding strip member 930 or 935 as necessary to protect the underlying anatomical structures or to conform with the contours of a wearer's body to provide comfort and unimpeded motion as the wearer performs weightlifting, cross-training, aerobic, gymnastic, or other such activities. Further, embodiments of the present invention need not be limited to protecting impact areas 105, 205, 305, 405, 505, 605, and 705 as illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 7, respectively, but may be configured such that one or more padding strip member is positioned to protect any desired area of a wearer's body. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 12, padding strip member 930 is configured to protect the majority of a wearer's spinal column, extending down over the user's lumbar vertebrae.

FIG. 13 shows a top view of a garment 900 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In certain embodiments of the present invention, padding strip member 930 may be a continuous strip that extends from the anterior surface of garment 900 to the dorsal surface of garment 900 such that padding strip member 930 passes over the top of a wearer's upper shoulders and/or neck area. Thus, certain embodiments of the present invention may be configured to protect a wearer's upper shoulders, upper back, and neck area and the underlying anatomical structures, from injuries caused by sudden or prolonged impact or other contact with a weight bar or barbell. In other embodiments, padding strip member 930 on the anterior surface of garment 900 may be separate and distinct from padding strip member 930 on the dorsal surface of garment 900.

According to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a protective bra for weightlifting is provided that protects a wearer from injuries resulting from contact with a weight bar or barbell while the wearing is performing weightlifting lifts. The bra may provide the desired protection without affecting the range of motion of the wearer required by modern weightlifting and cross training routines. Also, the bra may be configured to prevent slippage or other such movement of a weight bar or barbell when held in contact with the bra when the wearer is performing weightlifting lifts or other exercise activities.

FIG. 14 illustrates an anterior view of a protective bra 1400 for weightlifting, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In certain embodiments, bra 1400 may be formed of a single seamless portion. In some embodiments, bra 1400 may be constructed from nylon, spandex, or any other such tight-fitting, stretchable fabric, or from tempra-fiber, merino, polyester, bamboo fiber, or any other such material or combination thereof for facilitating the extraction of heat from the wearer's body to regulate body temperature. Bra 1400 may further include one or more padding strip members 1405 positioned on the surface of bra 1400 such that padding strip members 1405 protect a wearer from injury while performing certain weightlifting lifts. According to certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention, one or more padding strip members 1405 may be positioned on an anterior surface of bra 1400 such that padding strip members 1405 and are positioned over one or more of impact areas 105, 205, 305, and 405 as illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. Bra 1400 may be further configured to fit snuggly against a wearer's body such that wearer is unimpeded when performing weightlifting, cross-training, aerobics, gymnastics, or other such activities. Accordingly, the thickness of padding strip members 1405 may be selected to provide sufficient cushioning without bra 1400 becoming cumbersome or otherwise impeding the movements of a wearer. In certain embodiments of the present invention, the thickness of padding strip members 1405 may be from about 0.5 cm to about 6.0 cm. In certain embodiments, the outer surface of the hollow member of a padding strip member may be manufactured from or coated with a material configured to create sufficient friction with a weight bar or barbell in contact with the outer surface such that the bar or barbell does not easily slip or otherwise suddenly alter position when held against a padding strip member 1405. Such materials may include a polyvinyl chloride coated fabric, an anti-slip rubber treated fabric, a silicon gel dotted fabric, a rubber patched fabric, and other such materials. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a padding strip member 1405 may be attached to an outer surface of bra 1400 via stitching, adhesive, or any other such method or material suitable of permanently attaching the padding strip member 1405, and/or the hollow member thereof, to bra 1400. Further, in certain embodiments the padding strip member 1405 is completely formed, that is, the cushioning member is placed within the hollow member, prior to attachment of padding strip member 1405 to bra 1400 such that the cushioning member is permanently sealed within the hollow member. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention as illustrated in FIG. 14, bra 1400 may have one or more padding strip members 1405 positioned about neck opening 1410 to protect the upper chest area of a wearer while performing such weightlifting lifts as a power clean lift, a front squat, a front push press, a bench press, a split jerk, a press lift, a thruster, or any other such lift that would cause a weight bar or barbell to impact or otherwise contact impact areas 105, 205, 305, and 405, thereby risking injury to the wearer's upper chest and underlying muscles, bones, nerves, and vascular structures, as indicated in FIGS. 1 to 4.

FIG. 15 is a dorsal view of a bra 1400 for weightlifting according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In some embodiments, padding strip member 1405 may extend from the anterior surface of bra 1400 onto the dorsal surface of bra 1400 to either side of neck opening 1410 to protect the upper back, neck, and shoulder areas of a wearer while performing such weightlifting lifts as a back squat or any other such lift that would cause a weight bar or barbell to impact or otherwise contact impact areas 505 and 605, thereby risking injury to the wearer's upper back and the underlying muscles, bones, nerves, and vascular structures as indicated in FIGS. 5 and 6. Bra 1400 may further include one or more additional padding strip members 1415 positioned adjacent to the central dorsal edge of neck opening 1410 such that the padding strip member 1415 is positioned over such impact areas 605 and 705 as relating to portions of a wearer's cervical and thoracic vertebrae, as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7. In some embodiments, padding strip member 1415 may have an upper portion and a lower portion wherein the lower portion may be attached to the dorsal surface of bra 1400 adjacent to neck opening 1410 and centered about the centerline of neck opening 1410. In such embodiments, the upper portion of padding strip member 1415 may, when in use, be folded up above the edge of neck opening 1410 to offer additional protection for a wearer, particularly to the cervical and/or thoracic vertebrae. When not in use, an upper portion of padding strip member 1415 may be folded down either inside or outside of neck opening 1410. According to certain embodiments of the present invention, the width of padding strip member 1405 or 1415 need not be a uniform width, but may vary along the width of the padding strip member 1405 or 1415 as necessary to protect the underlying anatomical structures or to conform with the contours of a wearer's body to provide comfort and unimpeded motion as the wearer performs weightlifting, cross-training, aerobic, gymnastic, or other such activities.

FIG. 16 shows a top view of a bra 1400 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In certain embodiments of the present invention, each of padding strip members 1405 may be a continuous strip that extends from the anterior surface of bra 1400 to the dorsal surface of bra 1400 such that each of padding strip members 1405 passes over the top of a wearer's upper shoulders and/or neck area. Thus, certain embodiments of the present invention may be configured to protect a wearer's upper shoulders, upper back, and neck area and the underlying anatomical structures, from injuries caused by sudden or prolonged impact or other contact with a weight bar or barbell. In other embodiments, each of padding strip members 1405 on the anterior surface of bra 1400 may be separate and distinct from each of padding strip members 1405 on the dorsal surface of bra 1400.

The protective garments for weightlifting presented herein as well as its attendant advantages will be understood from the foregoing description. It will be apparent that various changes may be made in the form, construction and arrangement of the parts thereof without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention or sacrificing all of its material advantages, the forms described herein being merely example embodiments of the invention. For example, certain embodiments of the present invention may include sleeves, while others may be sleeveless. Further, in some embodiments the one or more padding strip members may be permanently attached to a surface of the garment, while in other embodiments the padding strip members, or the cushioning members contained therein, may be configured to be removable, such as to allow for easier cleaning of the garment. Additionally, embodiments of the present invention may be configured for users of differing skills and/or levels of experience. For example, certain embodiments of the present invention, such as those illustrated in FIGS. 11 to 13, may include additional padding strip members to accommodate novice users requiring extra protection due to lack of experience, lack of form, etc. Other embodiments of the present invention, such as those illustrated in FIGS. 8 to 10, may feature reduced padding strip members while still protecting a more experienced user from injury.

Claims

1. A garment, comprising:

a bra member having an anterior surface, a dorsal surface, a neck opening, a first arm opening, and a second arm opening, and;

a first padding strip member having a first width, a first thickness, and a first volume,

wherein the first padding strip member is configured to absorb a first impact having a first force such that the first force is distributed throughout at least a portion of the first volume,

wherein the first padding strip member is attached to the shirt member such that it covers an area of the dorsal surface, and

wherein the garment is configured to fit snuggly against a user's body such that no loose portion thereof impedes the user's motion.

2. A garment according to claim 1, wherein the first padding strip member comprises:

a first hollow member having an outer surface and an inner surface defining a space; and

a first cushioning material,

wherein the first cushioning material is at least one of: a first foam, a first gel, and a first rubber, and

wherein the first hollow member is configured to receive the first cushioning material within the space defined by the inner surface of the first hollow member.

3. A garment according to claim 2, wherein the first foam is at least one of: a closed cell foam, a rebond foam, and a polyurethane foam,

wherein the first gel is at least one of: a neoprene gel and a polyurethane gel, and

wherein the first rubber is a lycra rubber.

4. A garment according to claim 3, wherein the first width is from about 2 cm to about 17 cm.

5. A garment according to claim 4, wherein the first thickness is from about 0.5 cm to about 6.0 cm.

6. A garment according to claim 5, wherein first padding strip member is configured such that when the garment is worn by the user, the first padding strip member is positioned over a portion of at least one of: the user's cervical vertebrae at at least one of levels C4 to C7, the user's occipital vertebrae at at least one of levels C2 to C7, and the user's thoracic vertebrae at at least one of levels T1 to T3.

7. A garment according to claim 5, wherein the first padding strip member is configured such that when the garment is worn by the user, the first padding strip member is positioned to absorb an impact from a barbell as the user performs a weightlifting lift.

8. A garment according to claim 7, wherein the weightlifting lift is at least one of: a back squat, a back push press, and a back split jerk.

9. A garment according to claim 5, further comprising: a second padding strip member having a second width, a second thickness, and a second volume,

wherein the first padding strip member is attached to the shirt member such that it covers a first area of the anterior surface, and

wherein the second padding strip member is attached to the shirt member such that it covers a second area of the anterior surface.

10. A garment according to claim 9, wherein the second padding strip member comprises:

a second hollow member having an outer surface and an inner surface defining a space; and

a cushioning material,

wherein the second cushioning material is at least one of: a second foam, a second gel, and a second rubber, and

wherein the second hollow member is configured to receive the second cushioning material within the space defined by the inner surface of the second hollow member.

11. A garment according to claim 10, wherein the second foam is at least one of: a closed cell foam, a rebond foam, and a polyurethane foam,

wherein the second gel is at least one of: a neoprene gel and a polyurethane gel, and

wherein the second rubber is a lycra rubber.

12. A garment according to claim 11, wherein the second width is from about 2 cm to about 17 cm.

13. A garment according to claim 12, wherein the second thickness is from about 0.5 cm to about 6.0 cm.

14. A garment according to claim 13, wherein the first padding strip member is configured such that when the garment is worn by the user, the first padding strip member is positioned over a portion of at least one of: the user's left trapezius muscle, the user's left cervical fascia muscle, the user's left pectoralis major (sternal head) muscle, the user's left pectoralis major (clavicular head) muscle, the user's left clavicle, the user's left cephalic vein, the user's left supraclavicular nerves, and

wherein the second padding strip member is configured such that when the garment is worn by the user, the second padding strip member is positioned over a portion of at least one of: the user's right trapezius muscle, the user's right cervical fascia muscle, the user's right pectoralis major (sternal head) muscle, the user's right pectoralis major (clavicular head) muscle, the user's right clavicle, the user's right cephalic vein, and the user's right supraclavicular nerves.

15. A garment according to claim 13, wherein the first padding strip member and the second padding strip member are positioned to absorb a first impact and a second impact from a barbell as the user performs a weightlifting lift.

16. A garment according to claim 15, wherein the weightlifting lift is at least one of: a front squat, a front push press, a split jerk, a press lift, and a thruster.

17. A garment, comprising:

a bra member having an anterior surface and a dorsal surface,

a hollow member, and

a cushioning material,

wherein the hollow member is configured to receive the cushioning material,

wherein the garment is skin-tight when worn by a user, and

wherein the hollow member is attached to the anterior surface such that the cushioning material absorbs an impact from a barbell as the user performs a weightlifting lift.

18. A garment according to claim 17, wherein the weightlifting lift is at least one of: a power clean lift, a front squat, a front push press, a split jerk, a press lift, and a thruster.

19. A garment according to claim 18, wherein the garment is made from at least one of: a 2-way stretch fabric and a 4-way stretch fabric, a tempra-fiber, merino, polyester, bamboo fiber, and a synthetic fiber having at least one moisture wicking component.

20. A garment according to claim 19, wherein the hollow member is attached to the dorsal surface such that the cushioning member absorbs an impact from a barbell as the user performs a weightlifting lift.

21. A garment according to claim 20, wherein the weightlifting lift is at least one of: a back squat, a back push press, and a back split jerk.

22. A garment according to claim 21, wherein the garment is made from at least one of: a 2-way stretch fabric and a 4-way stretch fabric, a tempra-fiber, merino, polyester, bamboo fiber, and a synthetic fiber having at least one moisture wicking component.