Cosmetically Hidden Weighted Clothing

Abstract

Cosmetically hidden weighted garments are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, the garment includes a first layer of clothing material, a second layer of clothing material, and a weight positioned in a weight area between the first layer and the second layer of clothing material, wherein the weight is positioned within or adjacent to a hemline or seam line of the garment, or wherein the weight is configured to be positioned adjacent to a joint of a body when the garment is worn by a wearer.

Description

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/263,626, filed Dec. 5, 2015, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/403,385, filed Oct. 3, 2016, both of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The following disclosure relates to weights and weighted clothing. More specifically, the following disclosure relates cosmetically hidden weighted clothing, which may be worn for physical fitness activities (e.g., resistance training) or therapy (e.g., resistance or bone density therapy).

BACKGROUND

Weighted clothing for resistance training is centered around the concept that by adding additional weight to the body when either performing fitness activities or even daily routines, the body sees an increase in calorie burning as well as an increase and development of muscle mass. Furthermore, the additional weight may slow bone density loss. In other words, the added weight, working with gravity, introduces an extra form of resistance making the overall body work harder.

Commercial examples of weighted attire (e.g., weighted vests, ankle weights, wrist weights, or weighted straps) have a variety of problems. For instance, the weighted attire may add weight in an inconsistent matter. This may create one or more comfort issues for the wearer, or cause injury to the wearer. In other examples, the weighted attire may be bulky, cumbersome or uncomfortable to wear, or difficult to fit or size to the wearer. For example, the weighted clothing may have too much weight added or too many weights positioned on the garment, adding excess bulk to the clothing or requiring the wearer of the weighted garment to work too hard.

Additionally, or alternatively, the weighted attire may not be cosmetically attractive (e.g., a person may not consider wearing the weighted attire during their daily activities outside of a gym or workout session).

Therefore, there is a continued need for improved weighted clothing or garments that may be comfortable to wear, not bulky or cumbersome (e.g., not overwhelming in the number or amount of weight added), and/or cosmetically attractive (e.g., concealed weights).

SUMMARY

Embodiments of cosmetically hidden weighted clothing are provided herein. In one embodiment, the garment includes a first layer of clothing material, a second layer of clothing material, and a weight positioned in a weight area between the first layer and the second layer of clothing material, wherein the weight is positioned within or adjacent to a hemline or seam line of the garment, or wherein the weight is configured to be positioned adjacent to a joint of a body when the garment is worn by a wearer.

In another embodiment, the cosmetically hidden weighted clothing is a garment having at least one internal layer of clothing material configured to cover a body part of a wearer of the garment and an outer layer positioned as an external layer of the garment at a greater distance from the body part than the at least one internal layer, as measured in a direction perpendicular to a plane in which the garment lies on the body part, wherein the outer layer is a weight layer having at least one weight.

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the disclosure, reference is made to the following detailed description and accompanying drawing figures, in which like reference numerals may be used to identify like elements in the figures.

FIG. 1A depicts an example of weighted pants or leggings with weights positioned in each pant leg as well as around the waist.

FIG. 1B depicts a side-view of the example depicted in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1C depicts a cross-section area of the weight area of a pant leg as depicted in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2 depicts an additional example of weighted pants or leggings with a plurality of weights secured in each pant leg.

FIG. 3 depicts an example of weights secured within a pant leg.

FIG. 4 depicts an additional example of weighted pants or leggings with weight areas in each pant leg as well as around the waist.

FIG. 5 depicts an additional example of weighted pants or leggings with weight areas in each pant leg.

FIG. 6A depicts an example of weighted shorts with weights positioned at the base of each short as well as around the waist.

FIG. 6B depicts a side-view of the example depicted in FIG. 6A.

FIG. 7A depicts an example of weighted pants or leggings with weight areas around the base of each pant leg, extending up the sides of each pant leg, and extending around the waist.

FIG. 7B depicts an example of weighted pants or leggings with weight areas around the base of each pant leg, extending up the sides of each pant leg, and extending around the waist.

FIG. 8A depicts an example of a weighted sports bra.

FIG. 8B depicts an alternative back-view of the example depicted in FIG. 8A.

FIG. 9A depicts an example of a weighted short-sleeve shirt with weight areas around the base of the shirt and around the base of each sleeve.

FIG. 9B depicts a back-view of the example depicted in FIG. 9A.

FIG. 10A depicts an example of a weighted tank top shirt with weight areas around the base of the shirt and near each collarbone area of the shirt.

FIG. 10B depicts a back-view of the example depicted in FIG. 10A with a weight area positioned beneath the collar area of the shirt.

FIG. 11A depicts an example of a weighted long-sleeve shirt with weight areas around the base of the shirt and around the base of each sleeve.

FIG. 11B depicts a back-view of the example depicted in FIG. 11A.

FIG. 11C depicts an alternative example of a weighted long-sleeve shirt with additional weight areas.

FIG. 12A depicts an example of weighted pants or leggings with weight areas positioned in the thigh and calf areas of each pant leg.

FIG. 12B depicts a side-view of the example depicted in FIG. 12A.

FIG. 13 depicts an example of weighted shorts with weight areas positioned in the thigh area of each pant leg.

FIG. 14A depicts an example of a weighted long-sleeve shirt with weight areas positioned in the upper arm and forearm areas of each sleeve.

FIG. 14B depicts an additional example of a weighted long-sleeve shirt with weight areas positioned in the upper arm and forearm areas of each sleeve.

FIG. 15A depicts an example of a weighted short-sleeve shirt with weight areas positioned in the upper arm area of each sleeve.

FIG. 15B depicts an additional example of a weighted short-sleeve shirt with weight areas positioned in the upper arm area of each sleeve.

FIG. 16 depicts an example of an internal pocket for securing a weight.

While the disclosed devices, systems, and methods are representative of embodiments in various forms, specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings (and are hereafter described), with the understanding that the disclosure is intended to be illustrative and not limit the claim scope to the specific embodiments described and illustrated herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Adding resistance to a person's daily routine or daily physical fitness activity may increase their calorie burn and/or build muscle. Through use of the weighted clothing, or through additional use of weighted clothing, a wearer may be able to improve the wearer's personal, health, or endurance goals. For example, the weighted clothing may allow a wearer to maintain, tone, or improve the wearer's muscle mass, overall performance and strength, caloric burn, and/or bone density.

Exemplary embodiments are provided for cosmetically concealing weights within or on a surface of an article of clothing (i.e., garment). A weighted garment may be useful for any number of activities or everyday use, including but not limited to physical fitness activities, sports training, weight loss, weight training, or rehabilitation. Furthermore, because the weights are cosmetically concealed within or on the garment, a wearer of the garment may be more inclined to wear the garment on a more routine basis (e.g., a daily basis), instead of just within a gym or training setting.

One advantage of the weighted clothing examples disclosed herein is that the weights added to the garment are sized and/or positioned in areas on the garment to be unobtrusive to the wearer and cosmetically concealed from view. The weights are unobtrusive in that the weight is not bulky or protruding from the clothing too much, and the amount of weight is configured to provide the added training/health benefits without requiring the wearer to exercise excessively hard (e.g., the wearer may not realize that there has been weight added to the garment in comparison with a weight-free garment of similar design).

Clothing Material

The weighted clothing or garment may be made of any number of different materials. For example, the material may be a natural or synthetic material, such as cotton, nylon, polyester, polyurethane, elastic polyester-polyurethane copolymers (e.g., “spandex”), or combinations and blends thereof.

The weighted clothing may be configured for any number of different uses. For example, the clothing may be configured as athletic or workout clothing (e.g., moisture-wicking or form-fitting apparel), casual clothing (e.g., t-shirts or jeans), or work clothing (e.g., dress pants or shirts). The clothing may be one out of a variety of different configurations or shapes. For example, the weighted clothing may have a general shape of a t-shirt for the upper torso or a common athletic short for the lower torso. In other examples, the weighted clothing is a tank top, a long-sleeved shirt, athletic or form-fitting pants that extend at least partway down the wearer's thighs, long pants extending past a wearer's knees, a sports bra, or an undergarment (e.g., underwear).

The weighted garment may be a form-fitting garment that tightly follows the contours of the part of the body being covered. For example, a form-fitting garment may have a majority (>50%) of the garment in close proximity to the wearer's body (e.g., <2 mm, <1 mm) when worn. Examples of form-fitting garments include leggings, swimsuits, undergarments or base layer clothing, bras (e.g., sports bras), or tights. The material used for a form-fitting garment may be a synthetic fiber or flexible/stretchable material such as spandex.

In other examples, the weighted garment may be a loose-fitting garment that does not tightly follow the contours of the part of the body being covered. For example, a loose-fitting garment may have a minority (<50%) of the garment in close proximity to the wearer's body (e.g., <2 mm, <1 mm) when worn. Examples of loose-fitting garments may include certain t-shirts, jeans, or dress pants.

Positioning of Weights

The weighted clothing may include one or more weight areas provided within or on a surface of the garment. Each weight area may have one or more individual weights. For example, for weighted pants, a single weight may be provided or positioned in a weighed area at or near the base of each pant leg. Alternatively, a plurality of weights may be provided in one or more weight areas. For example, the weighted pants may include a plurality of weights positioned in a weighed area at the base of each leg.

In certain examples, one or more weights are provided in a circumference around an opening in the garment such as the base of a pant leg, an arm opening of a short or long-sleeved shirt, around the waist of a shirt, around the waist of the pants or shorts, or around a neck collar. In some examples, a plurality of weights may be positioned in a “balanced” configuration around the circumference of an opening in the garment such that the weights are equally spaced apart. This may be advantageous as balanced weights for a particular location may allow for the garment to be worn without the weights shifting the clothing in a particular direction. That is, balanced weights may not pull or draw the clothing unevenly. Additionally, equally spaced or balanced weights may provide the feeling of a single weight positioned around the circumference of the garment opening without having to construct, shape, and fit a single weight for the garment opening.

In alternative examples, a plurality of weights may be positioned in an “unbalanced” configuration at a particular location of the clothing. An “unbalanced” configuration may refer to the placement of a higher percentage of the individual weights of the plurality of weights in a weight area and a lower percentage of individual weights of the plurality of weights in another area of the weight area. For example, a configuration of a plurality of weights may be unbalanced where all of the weights of a plurality of weights are positioned on one side of a pant leg, while the opposite side of the pant leg has no weights. For instance, a plurality of weights may be provided at or near the base of a pant leg such that the weights do not encircle the clothing area near the opening of the pant leg. In such an example, all of the weights of a plurality of weights may be on the back half of a pant leg. This may be advantageous, as it may be more comfortable for the weight to rest or be pressed against the calf muscle rather than the shinbone on the front half of the leg. In another example of an unbalanced configuration, a majority of the weights may be on one side of an opening and a minority of weights may be on the opposite side of the opening (e.g., pant leg). This may be advantageous, as the weights may be positioned in specific areas of the wearer's body (e.g., leg) to provide a comfortable feel to the wearer.

The positioning of the weight may also be based on a targeted muscle group. For example, the positioning of the weights may provide resistance to one or more key muscle group in the legs, arms, or shoulders (e.g., glutes, quadriceps, hamstrings, calves, biceps, triceps, brachioradialis, pectorals, trapezius, or deltoids). This may result in increased muscular strength, endurance, and tone in the targeted muscles.

With regard to shorts, pants, or legging garments, in certain examples, one or more weights may be positioned in each thigh area of the garment. In other examples, one or more weights may be positioned in a calf area of a pant or legging garment. In certain examples, weights may be positioned in both the thigh and calf areas of a pant or legging garment.

With regard to short-sleeve shirts, long-sleeve-shirts, or jackets, in certain examples, one or more weights may be positioned in each upper arm area of the garment. In other examples, one or more weights may be positioned in a forearm area of a long-sleeve shirt or jacket garment. In certain examples, weights may be positioned in both the upper arm and forearm areas of a long-sleeve shirt or jacket garment.

Each weight may be secured within between layers of a garment, on an inner surface of the garment, or on an outer surface of the garment. In some examples, the weight may be secured between two layers of clothing material (e.g., an inner layer and an outer layer). This arrangement may be advantageous as the inner clothing layer protects the weight from direct contact with the skin of the wearer while the outer clothing layer conceals the weight from view. The material of the outer layer may be the same as the material of the inner layer. Alternatively, the outer layer material may be a different material from the inner layer material.

In some examples, the weight is positioned within a pocket created by various layers of the garment. The pocket may be an internal pocket such that the pocket opening is adjacent to the wearer of the garment. Alternatively, the pocket may be an external pocket having a pocket opening on the outside of the garment. The opening may allow for a removable weight. For example, the opening may include a flap of garment material that visibly covers the opening, but may be moved to access the opening and add or remove a weight. Alternatively, the pocket may be permanently closed after the weight has been added to the pocket (e.g., the opening may be stitched closed).

In certain examples, the weight may be positioned near, adjacent to, or within a hemline of the garment. For example, the hemline of a pant leg may secure one or more weights between the inner layer of the pant leg and the outer layer of the pant leg forming the hemline. This may be advantageous as the weight is cosmetically concealed from view in an area of the clothing that is being altered to form the hemline. In some examples, the weight is configured to be positioned within 1 cm, 2 cm, 3 cm, 4 cm, or 5 cm of the hemline of the garment.

In some examples, a weight may be positioned at, near, or adjacent to a seam or stitching in the garment. For example, the weight may be positioned between an inner and outer layer of clothing material at a seam line (e.g., a seam line running up the side of a pant leg). This may be advantageous as the weight is cosmetically concealed from view in an area of the clothing that is being altered to form the seam line. In some examples, the weight is configured to be positioned within 1 cm, 2 cm, 3 cm, 4 cm, or 5 cm of the seam line of the garment.

Weights may be positioned at, near, or adjacent to the waistline of the garment. For example, the weight may be positioned between an inner and outer layer of clothing material at or near the waistline of weighted pants or shorts. This may be advantageous as the weight may be cosmetically concealed by other articles of clothing such as a belt or the base of a shirt or tank top worn over the waistline of the shorts or pants. Alternatively, additional clothing material (e.g., fabric) of the pants or shorts extending above the waistline may be folded over the weight area and its associated weights to further conceal the weights positioned near the waistline. In some examples, the weight is configured to be positioned within 1 cm, 2 cm, 3 cm, 4 cm, or 5 cm of the waistline of the garment.

In certain examples, one or more weights may be positioned at, near, or adjacent to a joint of the body of the wearer. The weight may be positioned in a sleeve, short, or pant of a garment at, near, or adjacent to the joint of the body of the wearer. For example, the weight may be positioned at, near, or adjacent to the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, or ankle joint when the garment is worn. In some examples, the weight is configured to be positioned within 1 cm, 2 cm, 3 cm, 4 cm, or 5 cm of the body joint when the garment is worn. This may be advantageous in providing added resistance to the body while limiting changes in the biomechanics of the body.

Additional clothing layers may be provided as a concealing layer for a weight area of the garment. The concealing layer may be positioned exterior to an outer clothing layer covering the weight. For example, the concealing layer may be piping, such as a trim or embellishment, having a strip of fabric. The piping may be inserted into or positioned over a seam to define the edges or style lines of the garment. This may be advantageous as the piping may further conceal the weight positioned inside the garment, beneath the seam and/or piping. That is, any visual identification of bumps, ridges, or outlines of the weight on the outer layer of the garment may be further concealed by the piping.

In certain examples, the additional clothing layer may be a brand, logo, or other design provided to conceal the weight area positioned beneath the layer. This may be advantageous as the brand, logo, or other design distracts or covers up any visual identification of bumps, ridges, or outlines of the embedded weights.

In alternative examples, the weight may be positioned as an outer layer of the garment. For example, the weight may be piping or trim material running along a seam line in the garment. In such cases, the piping or trim is made from heavier clothing material than the rest of the garment. Non-limiting examples include a rope having a plurality of threaded fibers (e.g., metal fibers). While the weight is exposed as an outer layer, it is still cosmetically concealed through its configuration as weighted trim or piping. This is advantageous as the weighted trim or piping may be positioned at a variety of locations on a garment such as a seam or hemline, or around the waistline of weighted pants or shorts.

In other examples, the weight may be positioned as an outer layer of the garment in the form of a brand, logo, or other design. For example, the external weight may be a plurality of studs in any shape or design. For example, each external stud may have a 2-dimensional form (ignoring the depth or thickness of the weight) in a form of a circle, oval, rectangle, square, diamond, and so on. This is advantageous as the weight, while exposed as an outer layer, is still cosmetically concealed as a part of an overall design for the garment.

Fixed or Removable Weights

The weights within the weighted clothing may be removable or fixed in place. In some examples, the weights are fixed in place. For example, a weight may be inserted between two layers of clothing material and permanently secured in place. Each weight may be secured in place by stitching the adjacent layers of clothing material around the perimeter of the weight. Alternatively, a weight may be affixed to a clothing layer by an adhesive material. Fixing the weight in place in the garment is advantageous as each weight is immobile and avoids inadvertent movement during use.

In alternative examples, the weights are removable from the garment. This is advantageous as it allows for easier cleaning of the garment (i.e., no added cleaning steps if the weights are removable while a garment bag may be helpful to wash or dry the weighted clothing with fixed/non-removable weights). Pockets may be stitched or provided on a layer of the garment or between layers to secure each weight. The pockets may have one edge open for access to the weight or weight area. In some examples, a pocket may have at least one edge openable by a zipper or hook and loop fastener fabric (e.g., Velcro). This may be advantageous as the openable edge allows the option for the wearer to add or remove one or more weights from a weight area when the wearer would like to change his/her training goals, wash the clothing, and so on.

The pocket may include a flap or layer of material that conceals the opening of the pocket, but may be movable to access the opening and add or remove a weight. In some examples, the opening of the pocket may be the width of the weight or slightly wider than the width of the weight (therein allowing the weight to be inserted into the pocket). The base of the pocket (opposite the opening of the pocket), may also have a width equal to the width of the weight. Alternatively, the width of the base of the pocket may be less than the width of the weight, therein restricting movement of the weight at the base or near the base of the pocket. In some examples, a layer of stitching is provided at the base of the pocket to assist in restricting movement of the weight at or near the base of the pocket.

In certain examples, an internal surface of the pocket (i.e., a surface configured to abut the insertable weight) may have an adhesive material applied on the surface. In other, alternative examples, a surface of the weight may have an adhesive material or layer applied on its surface. This may be advantageous in stabilizing or securing the weight in place, particularly during strenuous activity.

In certain examples, the adhesive material is placed on one internal surface of the pocket. In other examples, the adhesive material is placed on two, opposing internal surfaces of the pocket material to secure opposing sides of the insertable weight. In yet additional examples, the adhesive material is placed on one surface of the weight. In another example, the adhesive material is placed on two, opposing surfaces of the weight. In yet another example, the adhesive material is placed on at least one internal surface of the pocket and on at least one surface of the weight.

The adhesive material may be any type of adhesive material configured to grip or secure the weight in place. The adhesive material may an elastomer, thermoplastic, emulsion, and thermoset. For example, the adhesive may be a polyurethane resin, polyester resin, epoxy resin, or a combination thereof.

In some examples, one or more magnetic weights may be positioned in place between layers of the garment (either removable or fixed in place). Additional weights may be attachable and removable from the magnets at an outer surface of the garment, wherein a garment layer separates the internal magnetic weight and the external, added weight. For example, piping (e.g., metal fibers forming a rope) may be made of a magnetic material that may be secured to an outer layer of the garment via magnets embedded between layers of the garment. This is advantageous as the internal magnetic weight provides a first amount of weight for a baseline workout or therapy session, while the additional, external weight provides a second amount of weight that may be added for a more strenuous workout or therapy session. This variability may be beneficial for certain users. Additionally, a person may be able to more easily put on the garment with only the internal magnetic weight and then place the second external weight on afterward, in comparison with another weighted garment having the same total amount of added weight all internally secured between the two layers of the garment.

Composition, Configuration, and Amount of Weights

The material of each weight in the weighted clothing may be one or more separate compositions. In certain examples, each weight is made of a metal or metal alloy. Certain non-limiting examples of metals or metal alloys include iron, lead, copper, tin, zinc, tungsten, steel, nickel, cobalt, rare earth metal alloys, or combinations thereof. In other examples, the weight is composed of a non-metal or non-metal alloy. Non-limiting examples include carbon, graphite, or graphene. In some examples, an individual weight may include a plurality of smaller weighted objects (e.g., a plurality of pellets, granulated metals, or sand). In other examples, an individual weight may be a rope having a plurality of threaded fibers (e.g., metal fibers). In certain examples, an individual weight may be made of a gel, rubber, plastic, thermoplastic elastomer (e.g., styrene block copolymer such as styrene-butadiene-styrene), or ethylene-propylene copolymer.

In certain examples, the weight includes a plurality of pellets made of a metal or metal alloy. In one example, the metal is steel. The steel may be a plurality of a steel shots (e.g., rounded or angular shots) or steel grit. The size of the pellets (e.g., steel shots or grit) may be variable. For example, the pellets or steel shots may be S70 (having a diameter of 0.0049″-0.0165″ or 0.124-0.419 mm), S110 (0.0070″-0.0232″ or 0.178-0.589 mm), S170 (0.0138″-0.0331″ or 0.351-0.841 mm), S230 (0.0197″-0.0394″ or 0.500-1.001 mm), S280 (0.0232″-0.0469″ or 0.589-1.191 mm), S330 (0.0280″-0.0555″ or 0.711-1.410 mm), S390 (0.0331″-0.0661″ or 0.841-1.679 mm), S460 (0.0394″-0.0787″ or 1.001-1.999 mm), S550 (0.0469″-0.0787″ or 1.191-1.999 mm), S660 (0.0555″-0.0937″ or 1.410-2.380 mm), or S780 (0.0661″-0.1110″ or 1.679-2.819 mm). In one particular example, the steel shots are S70 steel shots.

The plurality of pellets (e.g., steel shots) may be combined with one or more additional components to form the weight. The additional component may be an adhesive composition configured to bond or otherwise secure the plurality of pellets together. The adhesive composition may be a non-reactive adhesive composition such as a drying adhesive (e.g., glue or rubber cement), a pressure-sensitive adhesive (e.g. an acrylate-based polymer), contact adhesive (e.g., rubbers or polychloroprene), or hot adhesive (e.g., ethylene-vinyl acetate). In other examples, the adhesive composition may be a reactive adhesive such as a multi-component adhesive or an ultraviolet light curing adhesive, heat curing adhesive, or moisture curing adhesive. Additional non-limiting examples of adhesives include elastomers, thermoplastics, emulsions, and thermosets. For example, the adhesive may be a polyurethane resin, polyester resin, epoxy resin, or a combination thereof. In one particular example, the adhesive composition is a room temperature vulcanization (RTV) silicone rubber composition.

In certain examples, the plurality of pellets (e.g., steel shots) is 1-99 wt. %, 50-99 wt. %., 60-90 wt. %, 70-90 wt. %, or 80-85 wt. % of the weight. The adhesive compound is 1-99 wt. %, 1-50 wt. %, 5-20 wt. %, or 8-17 wt. % of the weight.

A remainder of the weight may be formed from additional components. In one example, an additional component includes a sealing or encapsulation layer configured to secure the plurality of pellets and adhesive composition. The encapsulation layer may be a strong but flexible material configured to allow the weight to bend or curve around a wearer's body, while not being susceptible to puncture or tearing during typical use. For example, the sealing or encapsulation layer may be a polymer composition such as a plastic. The polymer may be a thermoplastic or a thermosetting polymer. Thermoplastic compositions include polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, or polyvinyl chloride resins. In another example, the polymer is a polyamide (e.g., nylon) composition, polymethyl methacrylate, or rubber. In one example, the encapsulation layer is a polyvinyl chloride resin. The encapsulation layer may be 0.1-20 wt. %, 1-10 wt. %, or 3-7 wt. % of the weight.

In certain examples, the weight may be formed by placing a plurality of pellets within a container or mold. The adhesive composition may be injected, added, or otherwise mixed with the plurality of pellets in the container or mold. Heat may be added or applied to harden the adhesive to the plurality of pellets. A sealant or encapsulation layer may be applied or wrapped around the pellet/adhesive combination.

In some examples, one or more of the individual weights are made of a magnetic composition (e.g., compositions having iron, nickel, cobalt, and/or rare earth metal alloys). In other examples, one or more weights are composed of a malleable, moldable, or flexible composition. The malleable or flexible composition may be a metal such as iron, aluminum, or lead. Alternatively, the flexible or moldable composition may be a thermoplastic polymer composition. In some examples, the metal may be made of a flexible composition such as a thermoplastic polymer with metal inserts embedded within the flexible material. These malleable or flexible compositions may be advantageous as the weight may be formed into a ring that matches with a circumference of the opening in the garment.

In one particular example, the composition of a weight has a density of at least 15, 20, or 25 grams per cubic centimeter. For example, a tungsten metal or metal alloy may have a density of at least 15 g/cc. This may be advantageous as a higher density composition allows for more weight to be provided within a defined volume (in comparison with lower density material). This may provide for thinner weights provided on or within the weighted clothing (i.e., the same amount of weight as a lower density material in less volume) or a larger amount of weight to be provided within a defined volume when compared with the lower density material.

The size or shape of each weight within the weighted clothing is variable. For example, the height, width, radius, depth or thickness, circumference, or perimeter of each individual weight is variable. The height and width of a weight may be measured along the vertical and horizontal directions of the garment when worn by the wearer, respectively. The depth or thickness of a weight is measured in a direction from the wearer's body extending outward, perpendicular to the plane in which the garment lies on the body.

Various weight shapes are possible. For example, a weight may have three-dimensional shape in the form of a cuboid or cylinder. The three-dimensional shape may also be flexible or curved in certain areas to match the curve of the garment, or the wearer of the garment. As viewed two-dimensionally (ignoring the depth/thickness dimension of the weight), the weight may be shaped in a form of a quadrilateral (e.g., rectangle, square), triangle, circle, oval, or another polygon.

The shape and the size of the weight may be determined based on the location of the weight or weight area of the garment. In certain examples, different sized and different shaped weights are provided within the garment or within a single weight area of the garment. In some examples, a weight has a two-dimensional shape of a rectangle, wherein the height and width of the rectangle are in a range of 0.1-1000 mm, 1-100 mm, or 1-10 mm. In certain examples, the dimensions of the height/width of the weight are 25-55 mm, 25-80 mm, 25-155 mm, 50-55 mm, 50-80 mm, 50-155 mm, or 75-155 mm. In other examples, the weight has a two-dimensional shape of a circle, wherein the radius of the circle is in a range of 0.1-500 mm, 1-50 mm, or 1-5 mm.

For the weights to be cosmetically concealed within the garment, the thickness of the weight may be configured to be as small as possible while still providing a minimum amount of weight capable of providing some benefit for physical fitness activities (e.g., resistance training) or therapy (e.g., resistance or bone density therapy). Because it may be easier to cosmetically conceal the weight in a looser fitted garment, the thickness of the weight may be larger in comparison with a form-fitted garment. In certain examples, the height, width, radius, circumference, or perimeter dimensions of each individual weight may vary based on the type of clothing and the positioning of the weight within the garment.

In certain examples, the depth or thickness of an individual weight is in a range of 0.1 mm-50 mm, 0.1 mm-20 mm, 0.1 mm-10 mm, 5 mm-10 mm, 0.1-5 mm, 1-5 mm, or 1-3 mm. In one example, the thickness of the weight is approximately 6.4 mm. Alternatively, the depth/thickness of an individual weight is less than 50 mm, less than 20 mm, less than 10 mm, less than 5 mm, less than 4 mm, less than 3 mm, less than 2 mm, or less than 1 mm.

The amount of added weight by the individual weights in the garment is variable. In certain examples, each individual weight is in a range of 0.01-10 kg, 0.01-0.1 kg, 0.1-5 kg, or 0.1-1 kg. In some examples, the weight area having a plurality of individual weights is in a range of 0.01-10 kg, 0.1-5 kg, or 0.1-1 kg. In certain examples, each weight is approximately 0.06 kg, 0.17 kg, or 0.23 kg.

In certain examples, the weights are cosmetically concealed within the garment when the weight, after being secured between two clothing layers of the garment, does not cause the garment to bulge outward from the body of the wearer at the location of the weight. For example, the weight is cosmetically concealed when the bulge is less than 2 cm, 1 cm, 5 mm, 3 mm, or 1 mm. The bulge may be measured by examining the thickness of the garment at the weight location versus the thickness of the garment at a nearby location with no weight present (as measured in a direction from the wearer's body extending outward, perpendicular to the plane in which the garment lies on the body).

In certain examples, multiple weight areas are provided within the garment. The weight areas may be balanced, where reciprocal weight areas (e.g., a first pant leg and a second pant leg or a first arm sleeve and a second arm sleeve) have the same overall weight added. In other examples, the reciprocal weight areas are unbalanced, where one weight area has a larger added weight from the second weight area.

“Smart” Weights and Weighted Clothing

In some examples, the weighted clothing may include an electronic device configured to monitor and report athletic activity. In certain examples, the electronic device or a portion of the electronic device is embedded within or on a surface of one or more weights. Alternatively, or additionally, an electronic device or a portion of the electronic device is attached to a surface of the garment material or embedded between two layers of the garment.

The electronic device may include an electrode, such as an electromyography (EMG) surface electrode. Electromyography (EMG) is an electrodiagnostic medicine technique for recording and measuring the electrical activity produced by the muscles. EMG is captured or performed by using an electromyograph. This produces a record called an electromyogram. The electromyograph receives the electric potential generated by the muscles when they are electrically activated. The signals can be analyzed to detect either abnormalities, activity levels, recruitment order, and analyze the biomechanics of the body movement.

The EMG surface electrode may be positioned on a surface of the weight or clothing layer (e.g., abutting the weight) such that the electrode is positioned near or directly on the wearer's skin/body. This may be advantageous in analyzing the athletic performance of the wearer (e.g., by monitoring electronic activity in the muscle positioned adjacent to the EMG surface electrode). In other words, data may be collected to monitor how the wearer is functioning with the weighted clothing, what capacity of athletic performance the wearer is at, how much harder the wearer may be able to work, and so on.)

The electronic device may include one or more processing units, which may be individually or collectively referred to herein as a processor or integrated circuit. The processor may include integrated memory and/or be in communication with system memory. The processor may be a specialized microprocessor, such as a digital signal processor (DSP), a very long instruction word (VLIW) processor, or other microcontroller, or may be a general-purpose central processing unit (CPU) having one or more processing cores. The processor, the system memory, and/or any other components of the computing environment may be packaged or otherwise integrated as a system on a chip (SoC), application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or other integrated circuit or system.

The EMG surface electrodes may be in communication with one or more processors of the electronic device. The electronic device may be connected over a communication network with a separate electronic device (e.g., a mobile phone or tablet computer of the wearer) to provide the collected data. The “communication network” may refer to any wireless communication path between the connected electronic devices. In certain examples, the communication network may be a personal area network (PAN), a near-me area network (NAN), or a local area network (LAN). In some examples, the communication network includes communication via radio wave frequencies. In one particular example, the communication network includes Bluetooth low energy (BLE) technology or a comparable technology configured to transmit small packets of information (as compared with Bluetooth Classic technology).

Exemplary Clothing Embodiments

FIGS. 1-16 illustrate non-limiting examples of the weighted clothing features described above. FIG. 1A depicts an example of weighted pants or leggings 100. A first weight area 102 having at least one weight is positioned in a first pant leg 104 adjacent to the base 106 of the first pant leg 104. The weight in the first weight area 102 is secured within the hemline 108 of the first pant leg 104. A second weight area 110 having at least one weight is positioned in a second pant leg 112 adjacent to the base 114 of the second pant leg 112. The weight in the second weight area 110 is secured within the hemline 116 of the second pant leg 112. Further, a third weight area 118 having at least one weight is positioned around the waistline 120 of the pants 100. The weight in the third weight area 118 may be secured between an inner and outer layer of clothing material at or near (e.g., adjacent to) the waistline 120.

FIG. 1B depicts a side-view of the example depicted in FIG. 1A. As depicted in FIG. 1B, the first weight area 102, the second weighed area 110, and the third weight area 118 each extends around the entire circumference of the respective opening (i.e., first pant leg opening, second pant leg opening, waist opening) in the pants 100.

FIG. 1C depicts a cross-section of the first weight area 102 of the first pant leg 104 depicted in FIG. 1A. In the cross-section, a first pant leg opening 122 is provided. The weight area includes at least a first weight 124 and a second weight 126 on opposite sides of the opening 122. The first weight 124 and the second weight 126 are positioned between an inner layer 128 and an outer layer 130 of the pant leg. In this example, the first weight 124 and the second weight 126 are secured between the two layers by stitching 132 at the hemline 108.

FIG. 2 depicts an additional example of weighted pants or leggings 200. A first weight area 202 having a plurality of weights 204 is positioned in a first pant leg 206 adjacent to the base 208 of the first pant leg 206. The weights 204 in the first weight area 202 are secured within the hemline 210 of the first pant leg 206. A second weight area 212 having a plurality of weights 214 is positioned in a second pant leg 216 adjacent to the base 218 of the second pant leg 216. The weights 214 in the second weight area 212 are secured within the hemline 220 of the second pant leg 216. As depicted, the weights 204, 214 may extend from the surface of each pant leg 206, 216. In order for the weights to remain cosmetically concealed within the hemline, the distance that each weight extends from the surface of each pant leg is minimized (e.g., the distance is less than 1 cm, less than 5 mm, less than 4 mm, less than 3 mm, less than 2 mm, or less than 1 mm.

FIG. 3 depicts an example environment 300 of weights secured within a pant leg. As depicted, a pant leg 302 includes a weight area 304 at the base 306 of the pant leg 302 in the hemline. At least two weights 308 are secured within the weight area 304 by stitching at the hemline 310. Furthermore, in order to avoid the weights 308 from moving around within the weight area 304, each weight 308 is individual secured in place within the weight area 304. In this example, the weights 308 are individual secured by stitching 312 two clothing layers around the perimeter of each weight.

FIG. 4 depicts an additional example of weighted pants or leggings 400. A first weight area 402 having at least one weight is positioned in a first pant leg 404 adjacent to the base 406 of the first pant leg 404. The first weight area 402 is positioned on the back half of the pant leg 404 near the calf muscle of the wearer. A second weight area 408 having at least one weight is positioned in a second pant leg 410 adjacent to the base 412 of the second pant leg 410. The second weight area 408 is positioned on the front half of the pant leg 410 near the shin of the wearer. As discussed above, an unbalanced weight area that does not extend around the entire circumference of an opening in the clothing may be preferable in certain clothing designs and uses. Further, a third weight area 414 having at least one weight is positioned around the waistline 416 of the pants 400. The weight in the third weight area 414 may be secured between an inner and outer layer of clothing material at or near (e.g., adjacent to) the waistline 416. In some examples, an opening 418 is provided within the third weight area 414. This may allow one or more weights within the weight area to be removable from the garment. The opening may be always open, or have a zipper or hook and loop fastener fabric (e.g., Velcro) to close/open the opening 418.

FIG. 5 depicts an additional example of weighted pants or leggings 500. A first weight area 502 having at least one weight is positioned in a first pant leg 504 adjacent to the base 506 of the first pant leg 504. A second weight area 508 having at least one weight is positioned in a second pant leg 510 adjacent to the base 512 of the second pant leg 510. As depicted, the configurations for the first and second weight areas 502, 508 are variable.

As noted above, the weighted clothing may be any number of different configurations. In addition to the weighted pants and legging examples depicted in FIGS. 1-5, weighted shorts, shirts, are also possible.

FIG. 6A depicts an example of weighted shorts 600. FIG. 6B depicts a side-view of the example depicted in FIG. 6A. A first weight area 602 having at least one weight is positioned adjacent to the base 604 of a first short leg 606. A second weight area 608 having at least one weight is positioned adjacent to the base 610 of a second short leg 612. A third weight area 614 having at least one weight is positioned around the waistline 616 of the shorts 600. The weight in the third weight area 614 may be secured between an inner and outer layer of clothing material at or near the waistline 616.

FIG. 7A depicts an additional example of weighted pants or leggings 700. In this example, weight areas are provided around the base of each pant leg, up the sides of each pant leg, and around the waist. Specifically, a first weight area 702 having at least one weight is positioned adjacent to the base of a first pant leg 704. A second weight area 706 having at least one weight is positioned adjacent to the base of a second pant leg 708. The first and second weight areas 702, 706 may be provided within the hemlines of each respective pant leg. Third and fourth weight areas 710, 712, each having at least one weight, are positioned around the waistline 714 of the pants 700. A fifth weight area 716 extends from the waistline 714 to the base of a pant leg 708 (a similar weight area may be provided on the other pant leg 704). A sixth weight area extends from the base of a pant leg 702 to the crotch of the pants 700 (a similar weight area may be provided on the other pant leg 708). The fifth and sixth weight areas 716, 718 may be provided on or underneath respective seam lines in the pants 700.

FIG. 7B depicts an example of weighted shorts 750 similar to the weighted pants 700 in FIG. 7A. Specifically, a first weight area 752 having at least one weight is positioned adjacent to the base of a first short leg 754. A second weight area 756 having at least one weight is positioned adjacent to the base of a second short leg 758. The first and second weight areas 752, 756 may be provided within the hemlines of each respective short leg. Third and fourth weight areas 760, 762, each having at least one weight, are positioned around the waistline 764 of the shorts 750. A fifth weight area 766 extends from the waistline 764 to the base of a short leg 758 (a similar weight area may be provided on the other short leg 754). The fifth weight area 766 may be provided on or underneath respective seam lines in the pants 700.

FIGS. 8A and 8B depict an example of a weighted sports bra 800. First and second weight area 802, 804, each having at least one weight, are positioned within the respective shoulder strap regions of the sports bra 800. A third weight area 806 having at least one weight is positioned around the base 808 of the sports bra 800. The weight in the third weight area 806 may be secured in a hemline of the sports bra 800. A fourth weight area 810 having at least one weight is positioned on the backside near the spine region of the sports bra 800.

FIGS. 9A and 9B depict an example of a weighted short-sleeve shirt 900. Weight areas 902, 904, each having at least one weight, are positioned around the base of each respective shirtsleeve. An additional weight area 906, also having at least one weight, is positioned around the base 908 of the shirt 900.

FIGS. 10A and 10B depict an example of a weighted tank top shirt 1000. First and second weight areas 1002, 1004, each having at least one weight, are positioned within the respective shoulder strap regions of the tank top shirt 1000. A third weight area 1006, also having at least one weight, is positioned around the base 1008 of the shirt 1000. A fourth weight area 1010 having at least one weight is positioned on the backside near the spine region of the tank top shirt 1000.

FIGS. 11A, 11B, and 11C depict an example of a weighted long-sleeve shirt 1100. Weight areas 1102, 1104, each having at least one weight, are positioned around the base of each respective shirt-sleeve. An additional weight area 1106, also having at least one weight, is positioned around the base 1108 of the shirt 1100.

FIGS. 12A and 12B depict an example of weighted pants 1200 with weight areas 1202, 1204 positioned in each thigh area and weight areas 1206, 1208 positioned in each calf area. The number of weight areas and the size of each weight area is variable. In some examples, the weighted pants may include only weight areas in the thigh areas, or only weight areas in the calf areas. In some examples, the plurality of weight areas may be stacked on top of one another (such as depicted in FIG. 14B or 15B). These weighted areas may form a continuous weighted area extending from the thigh area to the calf area (e.g., weighted areas 1204, 1204, 1206, and 1208 may be connected).

FIG. 13 depicts an example of weighted shorts 1300 with weight areas 1302, 1304 positioned in the thigh area of each pant leg.

FIG. 14A depicts an example of a weighted long-sleeve shirt 1400 with a plurality of weight areas 1402, 1404 positioned in each upper arm and a plurality of weight areas 1406, 1408 positioned in each forearm area of the sleeves. As depicted, each plurality of weights includes weights positioned adjacent to each other extending from a direction of the shoulder toward the arm opening of the shirt sleeve.

FIG. 14B depicts an additional example of a weighted long-sleeve shirt 1410 with a plurality of weight areas 1412, 1414 positioned in each upper arm and a plurality of weight areas 1416, 1418 positioned in each forearm area of the sleeves. As depicted, each plurality of weights includes weights stacked on top of one another as viewed in a direction from the shoulder toward the arm opening. In some examples, the plurality of weight areas may form a continuous weighted area extending from the upper arm to the lower arm (e.g., weighted areas 1412 and 1416 may be connected, and weighted areas 1414 and 1418 may be connected). Alternatively, the weighted areas may be stacked on top of each other similar to those weights shown in FIG. 15B.

FIG. 15A depicts an example of a weighted short-sleeve shirt 1500 with a plurality of weight areas 1502, 1504 positioned in each upper arm of the sleeves. As depicted, each plurality of weights includes weights positioned adjacent to each other extending from a direction of the shoulder toward the arm opening of the shirt sleeve.

FIG. 15B depicts an additional example of a weighted short-sleeve shirt 1510 with a plurality of weight areas 1512, 1514 positioned in each upper arm of the sleeves. As depicted, each plurality of weights includes weights stacked on top of one another as viewed in a direction from the shoulder toward the arm opening. Alternatively, the weighted areas may be stacked on top of each other similar to those weights shown in FIG. 14B.

FIG. 16 depicts an example of an internal pocket 1600 for securing a weight. The pocket 1600 includes an opening 1602 at one end, and a base 1604 at an opposite end. A layer of stitching 1606 is provided at the base of the pocket to assist in restricting movement of the weight at or near the base of the pocket. The pocket 1600 is enclosed on the sides between the opening 1602 and the base 1604 by stitching 1608, 1610 or hemming. The stitching 1608, 1610 may be a flat lock stitch or a whipstitch top stitching, wherein multiple thread flat stitches are used to secure and support the weight. This may be advantageous as the garment may be configured with no seam allowance with layers folding to the underside. There may be no seam allowance because the cut edges of the fabric of the garment are butted together and joined flat in a single layer with thread. Using flat lock stitching may also reduce chafing. Flat lock stitching also provides a durable stitch technique for compression fabrics.

The pocket 1600 includes an overlay flap 1612 configured to conceal the opening 1602. The flap 1612 or layer of material that conceals the opening of the pocket may be movable to access the opening 1602 and add or remove a weight. The flap 1612 may extend less than the entire length of the pocket 1600 (as measured in the y-direction).

In some examples, the width of the opening 1602 of the pocket (as measured in the x-direction in FIG. 16) may be equal to width of the weight to be inserted. Alternatively, the width of the opening 1602 of the pocket may be slightly wider than the width of the weight (therein allowing the weight to be readily inserted into the pocket).

The base 1604 of the pocket may also have a width (as measured in the x-direction in FIG. 16) equal to the width of the weight. Alternatively, the width of the base 1604 of the pocket may be less than the width of the weight, therein restricting movement of the weight at the base 1604 or near the base of the pocket. In some examples, the width of the base 1604 of the pocket is less than the width of the opening of the pocket (e.g., the width may taper toward the base).

The length of the pocket (as measured in the y-direction in FIG. 16) may be configured to be equal to the length of the weight to be inserted. Alternatively, the length may be slightly greater than the length of the weight to readily accommodate the weight within the pocket.

The pocket may be tailored based on each weight size and the location on the body the weight resides. The pocket orientation may be configurable based on weight sizes, body size, and the type of stress the fabric can take.

As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

As used herein, “for example,” “for instance,” “such as,” or “including” are meant to introduce examples that further clarify more general subject matter. Unless otherwise expressly indicated, such examples are provided only as an aid for understanding embodiments illustrated in the present disclosure, and are not meant to be limiting in any fashion. Nor do these phrases indicate any kind of preference for the disclosed embodiment.

As used herein, the discussion presumes a constant gravitational field, wherein the weight of an object is proportional to its mass—and the terms “weight” and “mass” are herein interchanged.

As used herein, the phrase “adjacent to” may refer to a close proximity of one object to another. For example, a first object may be adjacent to a second object if the objects are abutting or touching each other, or the first object is within 1 mm, 5 mm, 1 cm, or 10 cm of the second object.

While the present claim scope has been described with reference to specific examples, which are intended to be illustrative only and not to be limiting of the claim scope, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that changes, additions and/or deletions may be made to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims.

The foregoing description is given for clearness of understanding only, and no unnecessary limitations should be understood therefrom, as modifications within the scope of the claims may be apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art.

Claims

1. A garment comprising:

a first layer of clothing material;

a second layer of clothing material; and

a weight positioned in a weight area between the first layer and the second layer of clothing material,

wherein the weight is positioned within or adjacent to a hemline or seam line of the garment, or wherein the weight is configured to be positioned adjacent to a joint of a body when the garment is worn by a wearer.

2. The garment of claim 1, wherein the weight is positioned within 5 cm of the hemline.

3. The garment of claim 1, wherein the weight comprises a plurality of weights, and

wherein the plurality of weights is positioned in a circumference around an opening of the garment.

4. The garment of claim 3, wherein the plurality of weights is positioned in a balanced configuration where each weight is equally spaced apart from each respective adjacent weight.

5. The garment of claim 1, wherein the first layer is stitched to the second layer around a perimeter of the weight, securing the weight within the weight area.

6. The garment of claim 1, wherein the weight area is a pocket formed by the first layer and the second layer,

wherein the first layer comprises a flap of clothing material configured to conceal an opening in the pocket, and

wherein the flap is movable to access the opening and add or remove the weight from the weight area.

7. The garment of claim 1, wherein the weight has a thickness in a range of 0.1-5 cm as measured in a direction perpendicular to a plane in which the garment lies on the body when worn.

8. The garment of claim 1, wherein the garment is a form-fitting garment.

9. The garment of claim 1, wherein the weight comprises a metal or metal alloy selected from the group consisting of iron, lead, copper, tin, zinc, tungsten, steel, and combinations thereof.

10. The garment of claim 1, wherein the weight comprises a plurality of pellets made of a metal or metal alloy.

11. The garment of claim 10, wherein the weight comprises a plurality of steel shots.

12. The garment of claim 11, wherein each steel shot has a diameter of 0.124-0.419 mm.

13. The garment of claim 10, wherein the weight further comprises an adhesive composition.

14. The garment of claim 13, wherein the adhesive composition is a room temperature vulcanization silicon rubber composition.

15. The garment of claim 13, wherein the weight further comprises an encapsulation layer configured to secure the plurality of pellets and the adhesive composition within the encapsulation layer.

16. The garment of claim 15, wherein the encapsulation layer comprises a polyvinyl chloride resin.

17. The garment of claim 1, wherein the weight comprises:

80-85 wt. % steel shots,

8-15 wt. % silicon rubber, and

3-7 wt. % polyvinyl chloride resin.

18. The garment of claim 1, wherein the weight is cosmetically concealed between the first layer and the second layer of the garment such that, when the garment is worn on the body, any outward bulge created by the weight is less than 2 cm, wherein the bulge is measured in a direction from the body extending outward perpendicular to a plane in which the garment lies on the body.

19. The garment of claim 1, wherein the weight is configured to be positioned within 5 cm of the joint of the body when the garment is worn.

20. The garment of claim 19, wherein the joint is a shoulder joint, elbow joint, wrist joint, hip joint, knee joint, or ankle joint.