Weighted Training Apparel
A training apparel or arrangement for weight training including a main body extending from a first end to a second end, at least one attachment portion provided on the main body and configured to secure the main body to an individual's limb, at least one pocket provided on the main body, and at least one insert at least partially insertable into the at least one pocket of the main body and shaped to form around the individual's limb. The at least one insert may provide added weight to the training apparel to assist in dynamic weight training activities performed by the individual. A method of using a training apparel for dynamic weight training is also disclosed.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/151,237, filed Apr. 22, 2015, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Field of the Invention
This disclosure relates generally to training apparel typically used in sports-related activities and, more particularly, to weight training apparel used to strengthen an individual's musculature during dynamic sports-related activities.
2. Description of Related Art
Several different apparatuses and arrangements are currently used for strengthening musculature in an individual's arms, legs, and torso. Typically, weight and resistance training is used to increase an individual's strength and endurance, and represents a common type of strength training for developing the strength and size of skeletal muscles. This training method uses the weight force of gravity (in the form of weighted bars, dumbbells, and/or weight stacks) to oppose the force generated by muscle through concentric and eccentric contraction. Weight training uses a variety of specialized equipment to target specific muscle groups and types of movement. During weight and resistance training, an individual often remains stationary while lifting the weights with each specific limb or muscle, and the weights are repetitively lifted to increase the concentric and eccentric contraction of the individual's muscles to increase the muscle mass of each particular limb.
Coaches, trainers, and athletes are continually looking for methods to build speed, strength, and muscular endurance to improve performance in a particular target sport. Weight and resistance training, however, is not adapted to fit into the dynamic movements and activities that are typically a part of training sessions for a sport that requires running long distances at different speeds, such as soccer, baseball, lacrosse, and the like. Based on the individual's stationary position during weight and resistance training, particular muscles in an individual's body are not always strengthened as desired by coaches, trainers, and athletes. The more dynamic sports-related activities are not well adapted for this type of training.
Therefore, there is a current need in the art for weighted, wearable training apparel designed to be worn during contact and/or non-contact training activities specific to each target sport that provides weight and resistance training during the dynamic exercises of the training activities.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONGenerally, provided is an improved weighted, wearable training apparel. Preferably, provided is a weighted, wearable training apparel that assists in dynamic weight training during sports-related activities. Preferably, provided is a weighted, wearable training apparel that promotes speed, strength, and endurance development over the course of a long-term training program that includes dynamic sports-related activities. Preferably, provided is a weighted, wearable training apparel that is easily portable to a wide variety of training environments and programs.
According to one preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect of the present invention, provided is a training apparel or arrangement for weight training including a main body extending from a first end to a second end, at least one attachment portion provided on the main body and configured to secure the main body to an individual's limb, at least one pocket provided on the main body, and at least one insert at least partially insertable into the at least one pocket of the main body. The at least one insert may provide added weight to the training apparel to assist in dynamic weight training activities performed by the individual. The at least one insert may include a substantially concave rear surface configured to fit around or adjacent the individual's limb.
In another preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the at least one attachment portion may include at least one attachment portion provided on each end of the main body. The attachment portions may be configured to be secured to one another. Each attachment portion may include a fastening portion to secure the attachment portions to one another. At least one insert may be made of metal, steel, a synthetic material, a weighted material, a coated material, and/or the like. At least one insert may be removably inserted in the at least one pocket. At least one insert may be substantially rectangular in shape and may substantially correspond to a shape of the at least one pocket. The at least one pocket may include an elastic material to accommodate a varying number or sizes of inserts. The main body and the at least one attachment portion may be provided as a single, integral member.
In another preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, a training apparel or arrangement for weight training including a main body extending from a first end to a second end, at least one attachment portion provided on the main body and configured to secure the main body to an individual's limb, at least one pocket provided on the main body, and at least one insert at least partially insertable into the at least one pocket of the main body. The at least one insert may provide added weight to the training apparel to assist in dynamic weight training activities performed by the individual. The at least one insert may include a plurality of spherical members.
In another preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the spherical members may be arranged in a string to be inserted into the at least one pocket. The at least one attachment portion may include at least one attachment portion provided on each end of the main body. The attachment portions may be configured to be secured to one another. Each attachment portion may include a fastening portion to secure the attachment portions to one another. At least one insert may be made of metal, steel, a synthetic material, a weighted material, a coated material, and/or the like. At least one insert may be removably inserted in the at least one pocket.
In another preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, a method of using a training apparel for dynamic weight training includes providing a training apparel including a main body and at least one pocket provided on the main body; securing the training apparel to an individual's limb; and inserting at least one insert into the at least one pocket of the main body to provide added weight to the training apparel to assist in dynamic weight training activities performed by the individual. The method may also include adjusting a number of inserts provided in the at least one pocket. At least one insert may include metal and may be substantially rectangular in shape. At least one insert may include a plurality of spherical members provided in a string.
Further preferred and non-limiting embodiments or aspects will now be described in the following numbered clauses:
Clause 1: A training apparel or arrangement for weight training, comprising: a main body extending from a first end to a second end; at least one attachment portion provided on the main body and configured to secure the main body to an individual's limb; at least one pocket provided on the main body; and at least one insert at least partially insertable into the at least one pocket of the main body and shaped to form around the individual's limb, wherein the at least one insert provides added weight to the training apparel to assist in dynamic weight training activities performed by the individual.
Clause 2: The training apparel of clause 1, wherein the at least one attachment portion comprises at least one attachment portion provided on each end of the main body, wherein the attachment portions are configured to be secured to one another.
Clause 3: The training apparel of clause 1 or 2, wherein the at least one insert comprises a substantially concave rear surface configured to fit around or adjacent the individual's limb.
Clause 4: The training apparel of any of clauses 1-3, wherein the at least one insert is at least partially comprised of at least one of the following: a metal, a synthetic material, a weighted material, a coated material, or any combination thereof.
Clause 5: The training apparel of any of clauses 1-4, wherein the at least one insert is at least partially comprised of steel.
Clause 6: The training apparel of any of clauses 1-5, wherein the at least one insert is removably insertable in the at least one pocket.
Clause 7: The training apparel of any of clauses 1-6, wherein the at least one insert is substantially rectangular in shape and substantially corresponds to a shape of the at least one pocket.
Clause 8: The training apparel of any of clauses 1-7, wherein the at least one pocket is comprised of an elastic material to accommodate a varying number or sizes of inserts.
Clause 9: The training apparel of any of clauses 1-8, wherein the main body and the at least one attachment portion are provided as a single, integral member.
Clause 10: A training apparel or arrangement for weight training, comprising: a main body extending from a first end to a second end; at least one attachment portion provided on the main body and configured to secure the main body to an individual's limb; at least one pocket provided on the main body; and at least one insert at least partially insertable into the at least one pocket of the main body, wherein the at least one insert provides added weight to the training apparel to assist in dynamic weight training activities performed by the individual, and wherein the at least one insert comprises a plurality of weighted members.
Clause 11: The training apparel of clause 10, wherein the weighted members are connected to one another on a string to be inserted into the at least one pocket or are directly attached to one another.
Clause 12: The training apparel of clause 10 or 11, wherein the at least one attachment portion comprises at least one attachment portion provided on each end of the main body, wherein the attachment portions are configured to be secured to one another.
Clause 13: The training apparel of any of clauses 10-12, wherein each attachment portion comprises a fastening portion to secure the attachment portions to one another.
Clause 14: The training apparel of any of clauses 10-13, wherein the at least one insert is at least partially comprised of at least one of the following: a metal, a synthetic material, a weighted material, a coated material, or any combination thereof.
Clause 15: The training apparel of any of clauses 10-14, wherein the at least one insert is at least partially comprised of steel.
Clause 16: The training apparel of any of clauses 10-15, wherein the at least one insert is removably insertable in the at least one pocket.
Clause 17: A method of using a training apparel for dynamic weight training, comprising: (i) providing the training apparel, comprising a main body, and at least one pocket provided on the main body; (ii) securing the training apparel to an individual's limb; and (iii) inserting at least one insert into the at least one pocket of the main body to provide added weight to the training apparel to assist in dynamic weight training activities performed by the individual, wherein the at least one insert is shaped to fit around or adjacent the individual's limb.
Clause 18: The method of clause 17, further comprising adjusting a number of inserts provided in the at least one pocket.
Clause 19: The method of clause 17 or 18, wherein the at least one insert comprises a substantially concave rear surface shaped to fit around or adjacent the individual's limb.
Clause 20: The method of any of clauses 17-19, wherein the at least one insert further comprises a plurality of weighted members connected to one another on a string or directly connected to one another.
These and other features and characteristics of the present invention, as well as the methods of operation and functions of the related elements of structures and the combination of parts and economies of manufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of the following description and the appended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts in the various figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention. As used in the specification and the claims, the singular form of “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
For purposes of the description hereinafter, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “right”, “left”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, “top”, “bottom”, and derivatives and equivalents thereof shall relate to the invention as it is oriented in the drawing figures. However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternate variations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific apparatuses and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments or aspects of the invention. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments or aspects disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting.
A description of one preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect of the apparel 2 is now provided, while a description of one preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect of a method of using the apparel 2 on an individual's arm, shin, or torso is described below in further detail. The apparel 2 depicted in the preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect of
In one preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, each attachment portion 6, 8 may include a fastening portion 10, 12 to fasten or otherwise affix the apparel 2 on an individual's limb. In a preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the fastening portions 10, 12 may be provided on an outermost edge of the attachment portions 6, 8. However, it is also contemplated that the fastening portions 10, 12 may be provided at any location on the attachment portions 6, 8 provided that the fastening portions 10, 12 are located at corresponding locations to ensure the attachment portions 6, 8 can be connected to one another. In one preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, one fastening portion 10 may be provided on a front surface of one attachment portion 6 and another fastening portion 12 may be provided on a rear surface of the other attachment portion 8.
The main body 4 may be provided on the individual's limb, and the attachment portions 6, 8 may be wrapped around the individual's limb and connected via the fastening portions 10, 12 to secure the apparel 2 to the individual's limb. The fastening portions 10, 12 may include a hook-and-loop fastener, such as Velcro®, buckles, zippers, buttons, snap-buttons, hooks, and laces, among other fasteners. In one preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the fastening portions 10, 12 may include nylon polyester Velcro®. In another preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the apparel 2 may be provided integral with a sock or shirt sleeve worn by the individual, thereby eliminating the need for the fastening portions 10, 12. Each fastening portion 10, 12 may be formed as a single portion that extends along the length of each attachment portion 6, 8 or as a plurality of portions that are provided along the length of each attachment portion 6, 8.
The main body 4 may include a front surface 14 and a rear surface 16. The rear surface 16 may be configured to rest against the individual's limb when the apparel 2 is positioned in use on the individual. In one preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the rear surface 16 of the main body 4 may be concave to form around the individual's limb. In another preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the main body 4 may be made from a flexible material that can form around the individual's limb when the apparel 2 is positioned in use on the individual. As shown in
With reference to
The insert 26 may include a front surface 28 and a rear surface 30. The rear surface 30 of the insert 26 may be concave to conform to the individual's limb when the apparel 2 is provided on the individual's limb. The insert 26 may be shaped to form around an individual's limb when the apparel 2 is provided on the individual's limb. In a preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, a plurality of inserts 26 may be provided with the apparel 2, in which each insert 26 has a different weight. During use of the apparel 2, an individual may insert the appropriate insert 26 into the at least one pocket 18 according to the desired weight to be lifted by the individual's limb. In another preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect, multiple inserts 26 may be inserted into the at least one pocket 18 to add more weight to the apparel 2. Therefore, a two-pound insert 26 may be provided in the at least one pocket 18 or two one-pound inserts 26 may be provided in the at least one pocket 18. By adjusting the amount of weight of the insert 26, an individual can provide small, varying amounts of incremental weight resistance to the individual's limb that can be worn during dynamic sports-related training activities. The adjustments in weight provide incremental changes to build speed, strength, and endurance over a long-term training program. The weight provided by the insert 26 may also be adjusted to the specific individual to ensure that the apparel 2 does not limit, alter, or change the natural movement or gait of the individual during training.
With reference to
With reference to
Once the inserts 26, 32 have been provided in the at least one pocket 18 of the apparel 2, the rear surface 16 of the main body 4 of the apparel 2 may be placed against the individual's limb, such as his/her arm, leg, or torso. As the individual applies pressure to the front surface 14 of the main body 4 to keep the apparel 2 pressed against the individual's limb, the attachment portions 6, 8 may be wrapped around the individual's limb to secure the apparel 2 thereon. The attachment portions 6, 8 may be secured to one another using the fastening portions 10, 12. The attachment portions 6, 8 should be wrapped tightly around the individual's limb to ensure that the apparel 2 remains positioned on the individual's limb during use of the apparel 2. The apparel 2 may be attached such that the longitudinal length of the apparel 2 extends along a longitudinal length of the individual's limb. For example, the longitudinal length of the apparel 2 may extend along the longitudinal length of the individual's shin from a position adjacent the individual's knee to a position adjacent the individual's ankle. It is also contemplated that the apparel 2 may be attached such that the longitudinal length of the apparel 2 extends in a transverse direction to the individual's limb. This attachment method provides a quick and efficient method of attaching the apparel 2 to the individual's limb to allow the individual to quickly attach and detach the apparel 2 to his/her limb. After the apparel 2 has been attached to the individual's limb, the individual may use the apparel 2 to increase the individual's strength and endurance by running, jumping, lifting objects, kicking sports balls, and performing other sports-related activities with the apparel 2. During use of the apparel 2, additional inserts 26, 32 may be provided in the at least one pocket 18 to increase the weight of the apparel 2. Alternatively, inserts 26, 32 may be removed to reduce the weight of the apparel 2.
The apparel 2 described hereinabove provides several advantages to an individual that are not provided with traditional stationary weight and resistance training. The apparel 2 may be used during dynamic activities specific to a target sport that includes a significant amount of movement of the individual. Incremental weight adjustments may be provided with the apparel 2 to promote speed, strength, and endurance development of an individual's limbs over a long-term training program. The individual may begin a weight training program by using a smaller amount of weight in the apparel 2 and may continue to increase the amount of weight in the apparel 2 as he/she progresses through the training program. An adjustable wrap design of the apparel 2 provides optimal comfort and safety for the individual during the dynamic training activities. The apparel 2 includes a simple method of attachment to the individual's limb to allow the individual to quickly attach and detach the apparel 2 from his/her limb. The apparel 2 also reduces the costs of manufacturing due to the apparel's 2 compact size and efficient attaching arrangement. Therefore, the apparel 2 reduces the materials costs for producing weight training apparel. Multiples sizes of the apparel 2 may also be provided to accommodate different types of individuals. The apparel 2 also provides flexibility in using standard plastic inserts to ease the transition from non-contact portions of the training program to contact portions of the training program, which may not permit the use of metal inserts. The apparel 2 is also easily portable to a wide variety of training environments and programs, unlike traditional weight and resistance training equipment that must remain in the same location due to the size and weight of the equipment.
Although the apparel 2 has been discussed hereinabove primarily in the context of sports, it is also contemplated that the apparel 2 may be used in additional situations. The apparel 2 may be utilized during an individual's rehabilitation to assist in increasing an individual's muscle mass, strength, and endurance. The apparel 2 may be worn during jogging, weight lifting exercises, or stretching exercises that are typically performed during rehabilitation to improve an individual's strength.
The preferred embodiments or aspects of the invention have been described in detail herein. However, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications and alternatives to the preferred embodiments or aspects may be made to the invention without departing from the concepts disclosed in the foregoing description. Such modifications are to be considered as included within the following claims unless the claims, by their language, expressly state otherwise. Accordingly, the particular embodiments or aspects described in detail hereinabove are illustrative only and are not limiting as to the scope of the invention, which is to be given the full breadth of the appended claims and any and all equivalents thereof.
Claims
1. A training apparel or arrangement for weight training, comprising:
- a main body extending from a first end to a second end;
- at least one attachment portion provided on the main body and configured to secure the main body to an individual's limb;
- at least one pocket provided on the main body; and
- at least one insert at least partially insertable into the at least one pocket of the main body and shaped to form around the individual's limb,
- wherein the at least one insert provides added weight to the training apparel to assist in dynamic weight training activities performed by the individual.
2. The training apparel of claim 1, wherein the at least one attachment portion comprises at least one attachment portion provided on each end of the main body, wherein the attachment portions are configured to be secured to one another.
3. The training apparel of claim 1, wherein the at least one insert comprises a substantially concave rear surface configured to fit around or adjacent the individual's limb.
4. The training apparel of claim 1, wherein the at least one insert is at least partially comprised of at least one of the following: a metal, a synthetic material, a weighted material, a coated material, or any combination thereof.
5. The training apparel of claim 4, wherein the at least one insert is at least partially comprised of steel.
6. The training apparel of claim 1, wherein the at least one insert is removably insertable in the at least one pocket.
7. The training apparel of claim 1, wherein the at least one insert is substantially rectangular in shape and substantially corresponds to a shape of the at least one pocket.
8. The training apparel of claim 1, wherein the at least one pocket is comprised of an elastic material to accommodate a varying number or sizes of inserts.
9. The training apparel of claim 1, wherein the main body and the at least one attachment portion are provided as a single, integral member.
10. A training apparel or arrangement for weight training, comprising:
- a main body extending from a first end to a second end;
- at least one attachment portion provided on the main body and configured to secure the main body to an individual's limb;
- at least one pocket provided on the main body; and
- at least one insert at least partially insertable into the at least one pocket of the main body,
- wherein the at least one insert provides added weight to the training apparel to assist in dynamic weight training activities performed by the individual, and
- wherein the at least one insert comprises a plurality of weighted members.
11. The training apparel of claim 10, wherein the weighted members are connected to one another on a string to be inserted into the at least one pocket or are directly attached to one another.
12. The training apparel of claim 10, wherein the at least one attachment portion comprises at least one attachment portion provided on each end of the main body, wherein the attachment portions are configured to be secured to one another.
13. The training apparel of claim 12, wherein each attachment portion comprises a fastening portion to secure the attachment portions to one another.
14. The training apparel of claim 10, wherein the at least one insert is at least partially comprised of at least one of the following: a metal, a synthetic material, a weighted material, a coated material, or any combination thereof.
15. The training apparel of claim 14, wherein the at least one insert is at least partially comprised of steel.
16. The training apparel of claim 10, wherein the at least one insert is removably insertable in the at least one pocket.
17. A method of using a training apparel for dynamic weight training, comprising:
- (i) providing the training apparel, comprising a main body, and at least one pocket provided on the main body;
- (ii) securing the training apparel to an individual's limb; and
- (iii) inserting at least one insert into the at least one pocket of the main body to provide added weight to the training apparel to assist in dynamic weight training activities performed by the individual,
- wherein the at least one insert is shaped to fit around or adjacent the individual's limb.
18. The method of claim 17, further comprising adjusting a number of inserts provided in the at least one pocket.
19. The method of claim 17, wherein the at least one insert comprises a substantially concave rear surface shaped to fit around or adjacent the individual's limb.
20. The method of claim 17, wherein the at least one insert further comprises a plurality of weighted members connected to one another on a string or directly connected to one another.
Type: Application
Filed: Apr 20, 2016
Publication Date: Oct 27, 2016
Inventors: Eric Porter (Trafford, PA), Jason Kearns (Irwin, PA), Craig Wilkins (Allison Park, PA)
Application Number: 15/133,858