The current application claims a priority to the U.S. Provisional Patent application Ser. No. 62/381,686 filed on Aug. 31, 2016.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to a harness system. More specifically, the present invention is a multifunctional lumbar support harness that is used for performing exercises, supporting and stabilizing the lumbar region, and other applications.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION When performing heavy weightlifting exercises such as squats and deadlifts, it is important to stabilize the core in order to minimize the likelihood of injuring the lumbar region. While this can be accomplished by strengthening the core and maintaining proper posture during lifts, core stabilization may also be improved through the use of weightlifting belts. A weightlifting belt provides stability and support to the core by providing intra-abdominal pressure. Increasing abdominal pressure in the abdomen provides a safer environment for the spine and may increase the ability to lift heavier weights as well. The present invention provides a means of supporting and stabilizing the lumbar region and additionally enhances exercises that may be performed.
The present invention is a multifunctional lumbar support harness that may be worn when performing a wide range of exercises. The present invention provides lumbar support and stabilization during exercises. Additionally, weight plates may be secured to the present invention while the present invention is worn in order to enhance various exercises such as, but not limited to, dips and pull-ups. The present invention may also be utilized for storage and has a detachable backpack system that increases the versatility of the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a front view of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a left-side view of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a right-side view of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a rear view of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a right-side view of the present invention with the detachable backpack attached to the torso support vest.
FIG. 7 is a rear view of the present invention with the detachable backpack attached to the torso support vest.
FIG. 8 is a rear view of the present invention with a weight plate mounted onto the weight-bearing peg and secured but the plurality of weight support fasteners. In this view, the weight plate is shown in dashed lines.
DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.
As can be seen in FIG. 1 through FIG. 8, the present invention, the multifunctional lumbar support harness, is a harness that enables weightlifters to add weight to their bodies while performing various exercises. To accomplish this, the present invention makes use of a lumbar belt and a vest to create a harness that can be worn over a user's torso and braces the user's upper body to provide support and stabilization when performing exercises. In addition to stabilization, the present invention is manufactured from antimicrobial materials that wick sweat away from the user's body. A secondary function of the present invention enables the user to attach a pack to the vest and use the present invention as a backpack for transporting personal items.
As can be seen in FIG. 1, to achieve the above-described functionalities, the present invention makes use of a multicomponent harness that can be worn by the user in various configurations which depend on the exercises being performed. To accomplish this, the present invention comprises a lumbar support belt 1, a torso support vest 2, a plurality of weight-support fasteners 3, and a weight-bearing peg 4. The lumbar support belt 1 is a semi-rigid belt that is worn around the user's lumbar region and may be tightened to exert intra-abdominal pressure on the lumbar region. The torso support vest 2 serves a similar function and is a vest that is worn to provide stability to the user's upper body while performing exercises. Additionally, the torso support vest 2 and the lumbar support belt 1 act as mounting points for various pieces of weight training equipment. The term “weight training equipment” is used herein to describe pieces of exercise gear including, but not limited to, barbells, dumbbells, weight plates, and exercise machines. The lumbar support belt 1 is mounted around a waist-bracing portion of the torso support vest 2. As a result, the torso support vest 2 and the lumbar support belt 1 are able to work in concert to stabilize the user's entire torso. The plurality of weight-support fasteners 3 is a collection of fastening mechanisms that are used to attach pieces of weight training equipment onto the torso support vest 2. Each of the plurality of weight-support fasteners 3 can be any type of fastening device including, but not limited to, a strap and buckle, a carabiner, a VELCRO patch, or a rope. The plurality of weight-support fasteners 3 is externally distributed about the torso support vest 2. Additionally, the plurality of weight-support fasteners 3 is mounted onto the torso support vest 2. Consequently, the plurality of weight-support fasteners 3 enables the user to attach pieces of weight training equipment to the torso support vest 2 at positions that can be varied when performing different exercises. Similarly, the weight-bearing peg 4 is a rigid protrusion that is used to mount a weight plate onto the present invention. As such, the weight-bearing peg 4 is externally connected onto a back portion of the torso support vest 2. Thus positioned, the weight-bearing peg 4 enables a weight plate to be securely affixed to the user's back. The weight-bearing peg 4 maintains the weight plate in a fixed position, relative to the user's back, while the user performs vigorous exercise. This configuration of components enables the user to minimize the chance of injury occurring while using the present invention. Additionally, the present invention comprises an antimicrobial liner 8. The antimicrobial liner 8 is a piece of material that inhibits the growth of microscopic organisms. The antimicrobial liner 8 is internally layered across the torso support vest 2 so that bacteria is prevented from growing on the torso support vest 2 even after extended usage.
As can be seen in FIG. 1 and FIG. 5, the torso support vest 2 is a vest harness that makes use of detachable straps to accommodate users of varying shape and size. To accomplish this, the torso support vest 2 comprises a back panel 21, a first shoulder strap 22, and a second shoulder strap 23. The first shoulder strap 22, the second shoulder strap 23, and the back panel 21 are all manufactured from flexible materials that wick sweat away from the user's body. Additionally, the left shoulder strap and the right shoulder strap enable the present invention to be worn on the torso similar to a backpack. Furthermore, the back panel 21 is the portion of the present invention that comes into contact with the user's back and serves to improve the user's posture as well as provide support to the user's back. The first shoulder strap 22 is terminally connected to a first end of the back panel 21. As a result, the first shoulder strap 22 enables the user to support a portion of the weight of an attached piece of weight training equipment on a first shoulder. Additionally, the first shoulder strap 22 is terminally connected to the lumbar support belt 1, opposite to the back panel 21. Consequently, the first shoulder strap 22 is connected in between the back panel 21 and the lumbar support belt 1. Furthermore, the terminal connection between the first shoulder strap 22 and the lumbar support belt 1 is detachable so that the torso support vest 2 can be worn independent of the lumbar support belt 1. Similar to the first shoulder strap 22, the second shoulder strap 23 is terminally connected to a first end of the back panel 21, adjacent to the first shoulder strap 22. Consequently, the second shoulder strap 23 is able to work in concert with the first shoulder strap 22 to support pieces of attached weight-training equipment with the user's left and right shoulders. What's more, the second shoulder strap 23 is terminally connected to the lumbar support belt 1, opposite to the back panel 21. consequently, the second shoulder strap 23 is connected in between the back panel 21 and the lumbar support belt 1. Moreover, the terminal connection between the second shoulder strap 23 and the lumbar support belt 1 is detachable so that the torso support vest 2 can be worn independent of the lumbar support belt 1. The interior surface of the torso support vest 2 is preferably covered in a non-slip material that prevents the torso support vest 2 from sliding while being worn by the user.
As can be seen in FIG. 2 and FIG. 5, in addition to the detachable connections between the first shoulder strap 22, the second shoulder strap 23 and the lumbar support belt 1, the lumbar support belt 1 is detachably mounted onto a second edge of the back panel 21, opposite to the first shoulder strap 22. As a result, the lumbar support belt 1 and the torso support vest 2 can function as a harness that distributes the force exerted by attached pieces of weight training equipment about the user's torso. To establish the connections between the torso support vest 2 and the lumbar support vest, the present invention comprises a first strap quick-release buckle 221, a second strap quick-release buckle 231, and at least one belt quick-release buckle 24. The first strap quick-release buckle 221, the second strap quick-release buckle 231, and the at least one belt quick-release buckle 24 are preferably side-release buckles but can be any type of detachable strap fastener including, but not limited to, cam buckles, slide buckles, blimp buckles, and clasps. As such, the first strap quick-release buckle 221 is integrated into the terminal connection between the first shoulder strap 22 and the lumbar support belt 1. Likewise, the second strap quick-release buckle 231 is integrated into the terminal connection between the second shoulder strap 23 and the lumbar support belt 1. Finally, the at least one belt quick-release buckle 24 is integrated in between the back panel 21 and the lumbar support belt 1. As a result, the user is able to detach the lumbar support belt 1 from the torso support vest 2 by disengaging the first strap quick-release buckle 221, the second strap quick-release buckle 231, and the at least one belt quick-release buckle 24. The user may subsequently reattach the lumbar support belt 1 to the torso support vest 2 by reengaging the first strap quick-release buckle 221, the second strap quick-release buckle 231, and the at least one belt quick-release buckle 24.
As can be seen in FIG. 1, FIG. 3, and FIG. 4, the torso support vest 2 is equipped with a multi-strap system that facilitates securing the present invention to the user's body. Specifically, the present invention comprises at least one sternum strap 25, a first side strap 26, a second side strap 27, a first side quick-release buckle 261, and a second side quick-release buckle 271. The at least one sternum strap 25, the first side strap 26 and the second side strap 27 are pieces of webbing that are used to tighten the torso support vest 2 around the user's torso. To accomplish this, the at least one sternum strap 25 comprises a strap body 251 and a sternum quick-release buckle 252. The strap body 251 is a piece of flexible webbing that is connected in between the first shoulder strap 22 and the second shoulder strap 23. Additionally, the strap body 251 is positioned offset from the back panel 21 so that the at least one sternum strap 25 is positioned over the user's sternum and the weight being supported by the first shoulder strap 22 and the second shoulder strap 23 can be braced against the user's chest. The sternum quick-release buckle 252 is integrated along the strap body 251. Accordingly, the user is able to detach the connection between the strap body 251, the first shoulder strap 22, and the second shoulder strap 23 by disengaging the sternum quick-release buckle 252. Similar to the at least one sternum strap 25, the first side strap 26 is connected in between the first shoulder strap 22 and the back panel 21. Additionally, the second side strap 27 is connected in between the second shoulder strap 23 and the back panel 21. Thus positioned, the user is able to adjust the fit of the torso support vest 2 as desired. The first side quick-release buckle 261 is integrated into first side strap 26 so that the user is able to detach the connection between the first side strap 26 and the back panel 21 by disengaging the first side quick-release buckle 261. Likewise, the second side quick-release buckle 271 is integrated into second side strap 27 so that the user is able to detach the connection between the second side strap 27 and the back panel 21 by disengaging the second side quick-release buckle 271.
As can be seen in FIG. 1, and FIG. 5, the present invention makes use of a lumbar support belt 1 to not only exert intra-abdominal pressure on the lumbar region, but to function as a mount for various pieces of weight training equipment. As such, the present invention comprises a first weight-connection ring 11 and a second weight-connection ring 12. The first weight-connection ring 11 and the second weight-connection ring 12 are loops that are used to attach pieces of weight training equipment to the lumbar support belt 1. Specifically, the first weight-connection ring 11 is adjacently connected to a first end of the lumbar support belt 1. Similarly, the second weight-connection ring 12 is adjacently connected to a second end of the lumbar support belt 1. As a result, the user is able to attach weighted chains and cables to the lumbar support belt 1 by passing them through the first weight-connection ring 11 and the second weight-connection ring 12. The positioning of the first weight-connection ring 11 and the second weight-connection ring 12 ensure that the attached piece of weight training equipment is vertically aligned with the user's center of gravity. To facilitate achieving a comfortable fit around the user's lumbar region, the present invention comprises a length-adjustment mechanism 13. The length-adjustment mechanism 13 is a buckling mechanism that is used to join the two ends of the lumbar support belt 1. Specifically, the length-adjustment mechanism 13 is integrated along the lumbar support belt 1. Consequently, the user is able to modify the length of the lumbar support belt 1 as desired.
As can be seen in FIG. 1, FIG. 6, and FIG. 7, the present invention is designed to enable the user to not only perform weight training exercises, but to also store and transport personal items. To accomplish this, the present invention comprises a storage pocket 5, a storage pouch 6, and a detachable backpack 7. The storage pocket 5 is externally mounted onto the torso support vest 2. Additionally, the storage pocket 5 is positioned over a left breast portion of the torso support vest 2. As a result, the user is able to easily access the contents of the storage pocket 5. Similarly, the storage pouch 6 is externally mounted onto the torso support vest 2. Furthermore, the storage pouch 6 is positioned over a right breast portion of the torso support vest 2. Thus positioned, the storage pouch 6 facilitates storage and retrieval of personal items. The detachable backpack 7 is a pack that is used to transport and store personal items. To accomplish this, the detachable backpack 7 is externally attached to the back portion of the torso support vest 2 by at least one selected fastener from the plurality of weight-support fasteners 3. Accordingly, the present invention can be used as a backpack.
As can be seen in FIG. 1, FIG. 5, and FIG. 8, the present invention is designed to offer multiple points of attachment for users to affix pieces of weight training equipment. As such, the plurality of weight-support fasteners 3 comprises a first back-support fastener 31, a second back-support fastener 32, a first front-support fastener 33, and a second front-support fastener 34. The first back-support fastener 31, the second back-support fastener 32, the first front-support fastener 33, and the second front-support fastener 34 are fastening mechanisms used to affix pieces of weight training equipment onto the torso support vest 2. As such, the first back-support fastener 31, the second back-support fastener 32, the first front-support fastener 33, and the second front-support fastener 34 are fastening systems including, but not limited to, straps, hooks, chains, cords, and carabiners. The first back-support fastener 31 is positioned over a left shoulder blade portion of the torso support vest 2. Similarly, the second back-support fastener 32 is positioned over a right shoulder blade portion of the torso support vest 2. Thus positioned, the first back-support fastener 31 and the second back-support fastener 32 enable the user to attach pieces of weight training equipment to the left shoulder blade and the right shoulder blade, respectively. This functionality enables the user to perform exercises that require lifting a weight that is positioned over the back and shoulders. Conversely, the first front-support fastener 33 is positioned over a left breast portion of the torso support vest 2. Additionally, the second front-support fastener 34 is positioned over a right breast portion of the torso support vest 2. Thus positioned, the first front-support fastener 33 and the second front-support fastener 34 enable the user to attach pieces of weight training equipment to the left breast area and the right breast area, respectively. This functionality enables the user to perform exercises that require lifting a weight that is positioned over the chest. In addition to sundry pieces of weight training equipment, the present invention is designed to function as a mounting system for weight plates. To accomplish this, the weight-bearing peg 4 is positioned central and normal to the back portion of the torso support vest 2. Accordingly, the user can slide the weight-bearing peg 4 into the central hole of the weight plate; thus, affixing the weight plat onto the torso support vest 2.
Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.
