Resistance-Training Apparatus Compatible with Gloves and Machines

Abstract

Disclosed are systems and methods for resistance bands that enable the foot to serve as an anchor for the upper body. The disclosure enables the concurrent use of sparring gloves without restraining the use of hands or feet, allowing one to move about freely while still benefiting from the resistance bands. And the disclosure provides the option of being used interchangeably with exercise machines. Such methods, apparatuses, and systems are form fitting to the hand and feet and provide safe hand/foot support, so as to reduce the potential for injury regardless of increase in muscle activation and strengthening.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to exercise equipment and more specifically, to resistance-training apparatuses, systems, and corresponding methods that can be used as a standalone article or with sparring gloves and exercise machines.

BACKGROUND

Resistance bands are a common part of general fitness and strength training programs. They are lightweight, versatile, and easy to store and carry; allowing for convenient use in both the gym and the living room. Resistance bands add a challenge to exercises without putting the same sort of pressure on joints that standalone weights, like dumbbells and kettles, do. And they are great for targeting smaller stabilizing muscles that may often be overlooked.

Although the types of resistance bands vary—continuous loop and straight bands, both either with or without handles/cuffs—the existing designs limit users' movements. For example, if a user desires to anchor the band to the ground to use for resistance, she must directly step on a portion of the band with her foot, tie the band to a fixed object, or use additional equipment that is either sufficiently heavy to serve as an anchor or can engage with existing architecture to remain in position during movement. Similarly, bands connected to a belt apparatus, allowing for a mid-body anchor, limit the range of movement considerably and are often cumbersome to use. Separately, existing handles are rudimentary in design. Some handles require a user to grip the handle with full force, thus eliminating any potential, concurrent use of gloves. Other handles may partially free up the use of one's hand but create unnatural tension points that can lead to injury. With or without handles, existing bands do not allow one to use the bands with sparring gloves. For example, current designs seriously hinder or altogether prevent athletes from using bands for upper-body resistance while also wearing boxing gloves or when exercising with a punching bag. And of the few designs that allow for fastening to one's lower limbs, none allow the lower body to serve as an anchor-support to the upper body and all disassociate upper-body movement from lower-body movement.

Thus, what is needed are new apparatuses, systems, and corresponding manufacturing methods that allow for the use of resistance bands while enabling the foot to serve as anchor for the upper body. They should allow for the concurrent use of sparring gloves without restraining the use of hands or feet, allowing one to move about freely while still benefiting from the resistance bands. And they should provide the option of being used interchangeably with exercise machines. Such apparatuses and systems should be form fitting and provide safe hand/foot support, so as to reduce the potential for injury regardless of increase in muscle activation and strengthening.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The following presents a simplified overview of the example embodiments in order to provide a basic understanding of some embodiments of the present disclosure. This overview is not an extensive overview of the example embodiments. It is intended to neither identify key or critical elements of the example embodiments nor delineate the scope of the appended claims. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of the example embodiments in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented herein below. It is to be understood that both the following general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive.

The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods comprising: a hand anchor, a foot anchor, and at least one resistance band; wherein the hand anchor comprises a metacarpal loop and a wrist loop, wherein the metacarpal loop and the wrist loop are connected by a palm strap; wherein the palm strap comprises a top surface and a bottom surface, wherein the metacarpal loop and the wrist loop protrude out from the top surface and a first coupling mechanism protrudes out from the bottom surface; wherein the foot anchor comprises a hindfoot loop attached to a midfoot loop, wherein the hindfoot loop extends out in a direction perpendicular to the midfoot loop; wherein the midfoot loop comprises an inside surface and an outside surface, wherein a second coupling mechanism protrudes out from the outside surface of the midfoot loop at a point between 45 degrees and 135 degrees away from the attachment of the hindfoot loop to the midfoot loop; wherein the at least one resistance band comprises a first end and a second end, wherein the first end comprises a third coupling mechanism and the second end comprises a fourth coupling mechanism; wherein the third coupling mechanism couples to the first coupling mechanism and the fourth coupling mechanism couples to the second coupling mechanism.

Still other advantages, embodiments, and features of the subject disclosure will become readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art from the following description wherein there is shown and described a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, simply by way of illustration of one of the best modes best suited to carry out the subject disclosure. As will be realized, the present disclosure is capable of other different embodiments and its several details are capable of modifications in various obvious embodiments all without departing from, or limiting, the scope herein. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions will be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the disclosure and together with the general description of the disclosure given above and the detailed description of the drawings given below, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure. In certain instances, details that are not necessary for an understanding of the disclosure or that render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted.

FIG. 1 generally illustrates an embodiment of a resistance-training apparatus as disclosed herein.

FIG. 2 generally illustrates an embodiment of a use of a resistance-training apparatus as disclosed herein.

FIG. 3 generally illustrates an embodiment of the resistance-training apparatus used with boxing gloves, as disclosed herein.

FIG. 4 generally illustrates an embodiment of the resistance-training apparatus used with boxing gloves, as disclosed herein.

FIGS. 5 generally illustrates an embodiment of a hand anchor as disclosed herein.

FIG. 6 generally illustrates an embodiment of a use of the resistance-training apparatus as disclosed herein.

FIGS. 7A and 7B generally illustrate an embodiment of a foot anchor as disclosed herein.

FIG. 8A generally illustrates an embodiment of a hand anchor as disclosed herein.

FIG. 8B generally illustrates an embodiment of a foot anchor as disclosed herein.

FIG. 9 generally illustrates an embodiment of a hand anchor as disclosed herein.

FIGS. 10A and 10B generally illustrate an embodiment of a foot anchor as disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Before the present apparatuses and systems are disclosed and described, it is to be understood that the apparatuses and systems are not limited to specific embodiments, specific components, or to particular implementations. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. Various embodiments are described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of one or more embodiments. It may be evident, however, that the various embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in limited-use form to facilitate describing these embodiments.

Disclosed herein is a new resistance-training apparatus or system adaptable for gloves and machines (referred throughout this disclosure for convenience as “resistance-training apparatus”). The resistance-training apparatus is designed to add resistance to a user's workout experience, whether it be boxing, kickboxing, MMA, aerobic fitness class, use at home, or in the gym as an attachment to the weighted cable machine. The resistance-training apparatus provides a user with additional resistance to a workout, such as by making it more challenging to keep the arms up while punching the bag. And users at home or working out on their own, have a more unique and well-fitted hand hold and foot attachment for various fitness workouts.

FIG. 1 generally illustrates an embodiment of a resistance-training apparatus as disclosed herein. As shown in FIG. 1, a resistance-training apparatus 100 comprises a hand anchor 110, a resistance band 140, and a foot anchor 160. In one embodiment, the hand anchor 110 comprises a metacarpal loop 115, a wrist loop 120, a palm strap 125, and a coupling mechanism 130. The foot anchor 160 comprises a midfoot loop 165, a hindfoot loop 170, and a coupling mechanism 175. The resistance band 140 comprises coupling mechanisms 145 at each end, wherein the band's coupling mechanisms 145 can be coupled with the coupling mechanisms of the hand anchor 110 and the foot anchor 160.

The loops of the hand anchor 110 and foot anchor 160 may vary in size, shape, and structure. For example, the metacarpal loop 115, wrist loop 120, midfoot loop 165, and hindfoot loop 170 may each comprise a single, stretchable elastic piece, so as to form-fit over the hands and feet. While each of these loops may be positioned over other portions of the hands and feet, ideally, they are positioned over their respective portions. That is, the metacarpal loop 115 is positioned to fit over the metacarpal bones of the hand, and the wrist loop 120 is positioned to fit over the wrist. The midfoot loop 165 is positioned to fit over the midfoot portion of the foot, and the hindfoot loop 170 is positioned to fit over the hindfoot. In a preferred embodiment, the loops of the hand anchor 110 and foot anchor 160 are each positioned in relation to each other such that each loop is correctly positioned to fit over the respective portion of the hand and foot.

Likewise, in a preferred embodiment, the position of the hand anchor's coupling mechanism 130 and the foot anchor's coupling mechanism 175 are positioned in specific positions so as to maximize the efficacy of the resistance-training apparatus. That is, the hand anchor's coupling mechanism 130 is precisely positioned in between the metacarpal loop 115 and the wrist loop 160 such that it is positioned in the palm of the hand when the loops 115 and 160 are positioned over their respective portions. And the foot anchor's coupling mechanism 175 is positioned in relation to the midfoot loop 165 and the hindfoot loop 170 such that when the two loops are positioned over their respective portions, the coupling mechanism 175 is positioned over the top, center portion of the hindfoot. However, in other embodiments, the coupling mechanisms 130 and 175 may be positioned over other portions of the hands and feet.

The design of the hand anchor 110—meaning, the combined locations of the metacarpal loop 115, wrist loop 120, palm strap 125, and coupling mechanism 130—is novel and distinguishable from existing products and prior art. No other product allows for physical support to both the wrist and hand while allowing use of a resistance band 140 from the tension point of the palm. Other designs and products have only a wrist strap that does not allow for the unique activation of the shoulder and wrist. Or they may provide some support to the hand but require actual use of the hand to maintain control of the strap. However, and still being novel, a separate embodiment of the hand anchor 110 may comprise only the metacarpal loop 115 with a coupling mechanism attached to the metacarpal loop 115.

The location of the hand anchor's coupling mechanism 130 is novel and unlike other products with attachment at the wrist. The palm of the hand is the best place for attachment because it is about an inch from the fulcrum of the wrist, where the greatest amount of potential is obtained through the muscles of the arm. Loading at the palm gives a user greater control while punching. And it is also the exact spot where a boxing glove opens up and Velcro's around, as is disclosed in FIG. 3, thus adding to the novel aspects of the hand anchor.

Similarly, the design of the foot anchor 160—the combined locations of the midfoot loop 165, hindfoot loop 170, and coupling mechanism 175—is novel and distinguishable from existing products and prior art. No other product similarly conforms to the foot and provides physical support to the midfoot, hindfoot, and ankle while also allowing use of a resistance band 140 from the tension point of the top of the midfoot and allowing the foot to serve as an anchor for upper body movement.

The resistance-training apparatus is novel and unique because it provides a direct connection between the upper and lower body limbs. Existing prior art connects the lower and upper body only to the mid-body, hips, or back. But in this disclosure, the band is connected directly to the hands and feet, allowing use of the hands and feet without having to hold the band or tie it to the foot/step on it. And multiple bands may be used, so as to increase the resistance if desired. This allows for a number of exercises and activities to be performed. For example, the resistance-training apparatus allows for movement of squat/lunge to overhead press; triceps extension; bicep curls; shoulder raises, front and lateral; and bent-over flies. Other movements include jumping jacks, burpees, pushups, plank variations, and even running. Examples of boxing workouts include shadow boxing, bag work, mit work, partnered drills, and footwork.

The length of the resistance band 140 is novel and unlike existing prior art and products. Until now, bands were too long in comparison to the average length of the human body. That is because the current use of bands requires extra length for anchoring (i.e. most are meant to be stepped on when used for curls, presses, etc.). But in this disclosure, the resistance band 140 is a unique length—either half the length or hip-high length of an average to medium-build user, approximately. These lengths provide a greater range of resistance: extending from the position of the hands when placed down, near the hips, to the position of the hands when extended directly out in front, to the sides, or above the head. For example, the following are approximate ranges of length that, when combined with the hand anchor 110 and foot anchor 160, provide new and unique benefits not seen before: approximately 16-18 inches for individuals up to 16 years old, and approximately 24-30 inches for individuals over 16 years of age. These ranges are based on an age range but are also applicable to individuals with height similar to the average-aged child or adult. Lengths falling outside of these ranges may also be used, wherein the length may be tailored to the user's height.

The resistance band 140 may vary in resistance and may be attached to opposite hands and feet. For example, one of the band's coupling mechanism 145 may be attached to the hand anchor 110 on the left hand and the other coupling mechanism 145 may be attached to the foot anchor 160 on the right foot. The resistance band 140 may also be made from varying types of materials, such as natural or synthetic latex rubber.

FIG. 2 generally illustrates an embodiment of a use of a resistance-training apparatus as disclosed herein. As shown in FIG. 2, the resistance-training apparatus may comprise a hand anchor 210, a resistance band 240, and a foot anchor 260, wherein the band 240 is connected to both the hands and feet and allows the foot to serve as anchor for upper body movement. FIG. 2 shows how the resistance-training apparatus may be used for shadow boxing. This is novel and unique because it enables the user to train for speed, power, and endurance of the upper body without concern for keeping the band in place or losing control of it while moving upper and lower-body limbs. Similar exercises that may be performed with added resistance via the resistance-training apparatus include mitt work, sparring, and punching-bag work. The resistance-training apparatus may also be used to strengthen shoulders and connecting muscles by requiring a user to keep hands up for longer duration of time. Other exercises that benefit from this disclosure include bicep curl, shoulder press, shoulder raise, and jumping jacks. In each of these, the resistance-training apparatus allows the foot to serve as anchor for movement of the upper body.

FIG. 3 generally illustrates an embodiment of the resistance-training apparatus used with boxing gloves, as disclosed herein. Boxing gloves vary in size and weight, but all designs—except for perhaps professional gloves used during official matches—provide for an opening in the lower palm area. Training gloves, bag gloves, sparring gloves, Muay Thai gloves, and MMA gloves have the same or similar opening in the palm area. The palm opening in the design of the boxing glove, or similar gloves, allows for the resistance-training apparatus to be used while wearing the gloves. As shown in FIG. 3, a boxing glove 310 comprising a palm opening 315 allows for the hand anchor of a resistance-training apparatus to be worn underneath the glove 310. The coupling mechanism of the hand anchor may be accessible through the palm opening 315 such that the resistance band's 320 coupling mechanism 325 can be coupled to the hand anchor coupling mechanism while allowing the glove 310 to be worn. And the resistance band's 320 second coupling mechanism 330 can be attached to the foot anchor's coupling mechanism 335. FIG. 3 also shows how the user may have a hand anchor on the other hand 340 without a glove on.

FIG. 4 generally illustrates an embodiment of the resistance-training apparatus used with boxing gloves, as disclosed herein. As shown in FIG. 4, a user may use the resistance-training apparatus while also wearing gloves. The resistance bands 410 may be connected to the foot anchors 420. The user is not restricted by placement of the bands 410, allowing the user to train in boxing, kickboxing, or similar sports.

FIG. 5 generally illustrates an embodiment of a hand anchor as disclosed herein. As shown in FIG. 5, the hand anchor 500 of a resistance-training apparatus comprises a metacarpal loop 510, a palm strap 515, a coupling mechanism 520, and a wrist loop 525. The hand anchor 500 is configured such that the metacarpal loop 510 is positioned over a hand's metacarpals and the wrist loop 525 fits snugly over the wrist. The palm strap 515 connects the two loops 510 and 525 and serves as an anchor for the coupling mechanism 520. In a preferred embodiment, the coupling mechanism 520 is positioned in the center of the palm to activate the wrist and strengthen the radial ulnar or forearm complex, along with the rotators (shoulder/back muscles).

An embodiment of the anchor includes additional material placed over a portion of the coupling mechanism 520, such that the coupling mechanism 520 is embedded within the hand anchor 500. Any type of embodiment that allows the coupling mechanism 520 to be securely fastened to the palm strap 515 suffices.

The parts of the hand anchor 500 may all be made of the same material or may vary. For example, the hand anchor 500 may be made of a material that allows for the loops to be securely positioned over the hand while still being strong enough to remain securely fastened to the resistance band during use. Or, in another embodiment, the loops of the hand anchor 500 may be made of an elastic material that forms to the shape of the hand while the palm strap 515 is made of a more durable material to allow for use of a high-weight resistance band without tearing or coming undone. In another embodiment, either or both of the metacarpal loop 510 and wrist loop 525 may comprise length-adjustable apparatuses. A length-adjustable apparatus may be a single piece with an adjustable fastener, such as a buckle, D-ring, or square ring. Or the length-adjustable apparatus may comprise two ends, fastened together with an adjustable fastener. Likewise, the coupling mechanism 520 may be made of a variety of material, provided that it is sufficiently strong such that it can withhold tension in the resistance band during movement. Embodiments of the coupling mechanism 520 comprise a metal D-ring, carabiners, cloth loop, and Velcro loop.

FIG. 6 generally illustrates an embodiment of a use of the resistance-training apparatus as disclosed herein. A user may move freely around while using the resistance-training apparatus without concern for control of the resistance bands. For example, the user may, as shown in FIG. 6, perform boxing footwork while maintaining his hands raised in a boxing stance. The resistance-training apparatus thus provides the user with the freedom to move around freely while maintaining resistance in the bands, enabling him to move his feet and hands freely without impediment.

FIGS. 7A and 7B generally illustrate an embodiment of a foot anchor as disclosed herein. As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the foot anchor comprises a midfoot loop 710, a hindfoot loop 720, and a coupling mechanism 730. The midfoot loop 710 is configured such that it is positioned over the midfoot portion, and the hindfoot loop 720 is positioned to run parallel to the foot and wraps around the hindfoot portion of the loop. But in another embodiment, the hindfoot loop 720 may wrap around the foot so as to go over the ankle. In a preferred embodiment, the coupling mechanism 730 is positioned in the center top of the foot. The midfoot loop 710 serves as an anchor for the coupling mechanism 730. As with the hand anchor's coupling mechanism, an embodiment of the midfoot loop's 710 anchor includes additional material placed over a portion of the coupling mechanism 730, such that the coupling mechanism 730 is embedded within the midfoot loop 710. Any type of embodiment that allows the coupling mechanism 730 to be securely fastened to the midfoot loop 710 suffices. With the midfoot loop 710 form-fitting the foot and the hindfoot loop 720 positioned around the back of the foot, the foot anchor provides the most support where support is needed—around the foot. Current products provide less-than optimal support to the foot, or none at all. For example, current products wrap around the ankle or only over a portion of the foot. But, as seen in this disclosure, the hindfoot loop 720 provides additional safety to the user while also maintaining or improving comfort. With the hindfoot loop 720, the user is assured that the foot anchor will not slide off the foot while in use. However, and while still retaining novelty of the disclosure, a separate embodiment may comprise of only the midfoot loop 710 with a coupling mechanism 730 attached to it. Though this reduces the support of the hindfoot loop 720, the user still has the benefit of the location of the coupling mechanism over the top of the foot, which still allows for the band to be connected to both the hand anchor and foot anchor.

The parts of the foot anchor may all be made of the same material or may vary. For example, the foot anchor may be made of a material that allows for the loops to be securely positioned over the foot while still being strong enough to remain securely fastened to the resistance band during use. Or, in another embodiment, the hindfoot loop 720 may be made of an elastic material that forms to the shape of the foot while the midfoot loop 710 is made of a more durable material to allow for use of a high-weight resistance band without tearing or coming undone.

In another embodiment, either or both of the midfoot loop 710 and hindfoot loop 720 may comprise length-adjustable apparatuses. A length-adjustable apparatus may be a single piece with an adjustable fastener, such as a buckle, D-ring, or square ring. Or the length-adjustable apparatus may comprise two ends, fastened together with an adjustable fastener, such as the square-ring fastener 740 in FIGS. 7A and 7B. In another embodiment, the hindfoot loop may be removed, while still allowing functional use of the midfoot loop and coupling mechanism.

Like the hand anchor's coupling mechanism, the foot anchor's coupling mechanism 730 may be made of a variety of material, provided that it is sufficiently strong so as to withhold tension in the resistance band during movement. Embodiments of the coupling mechanism 730 comprise a metal D-ring, carabiners, cloth loop, and Velcro loop.

The location of the coupling 730 is novel and provides additional benefits not previously seen before, whether on its own or in conjunction with the foot strap and resistance band. Positioning the resistance band at the palm and the top of the foot provides for optimal maternal and external activation of the ankle joint, whether the resistance-training apparatus is used for therapy, recovery, or fitness. Attaching the resistance band to the top of the foot also allows for activation of the tibialis anterior muscle (front shin muscle), which is key in supporting the knee and ankle for foot strength. By attaching the resistance band to the top of the foot, the foot is forced to work against the resistance, increasing muscle activation and overall strength.

In other embodiments, the coupling mechanisms of either the hand anchor or foot anchors may be coupled to exercise machines. For example, the coupling mechanisms may be attached to a cable machine in lieu of the D-handles commonly found in commercial and home gyms. And the foot anchor may be used as a separate attachment to connect the resistance cable from any machine to add additional weight or use its novel positioning to perform a different or more-supportive workout.

FIG. 8A generally illustrates an embodiment of a hand anchor as disclosed herein. As shown in FIG. 8A, a hand anchor 800 may comprise a metacarpal loop 805, a palm strap 810, a coupling mechanism 815, and a wrist loop 820. In one embodiment, the loops 805 and 820 may comprise fasteners 825 such that the loops have a releasable connection/mechanism and may also be length adjustable.

FIG. 8B generally illustrates an embodiment of a foot anchor as disclosed herein. As shown in FIG. 8B, a foot anchor 850 may comprise a midfoot loop 855, a hindfoot loop 860, and a coupling mechanism 865. In one embodiment, the midfoot loop 855 may comprise fasteners 870 such that it has a releasable connection/mechanism. The hindfoot loop 860 may also comprise a fastener like the fastener 870. Both, with and without the releasable connection, may still be length adjustable.

FIG. 9 generally illustrates an embodiment of a hand anchor as disclosed herein. As shown in FIG. 9, the hand anchor may be comprised of a single unit covering the majority of the hand—much like a glove—provided that the metacarpal portion of the hand and wrist are supported in a manner comparable to the support provided by the metacarpal loop and wrist loop disclosed herein. Ideally, the hand anchor's coupling mechanism remains in the palm portion of the hand. Other embodiments comprise hand anchors similar to that shown in FIG. 9. Separate embodiments may also comprise of a glove covering the entire hand, including the fingers. For example, the glove may comprise a dorsal covering attached to the metacarpal loop, the wrist loop, and the palm strap. And the glove may further comprise an opening for fingers or fourchettes (the strips of material that cover the fingers).

FIGS. 10A and 10B generally illustrate an embodiment of a foot anchor as disclosed herein. As shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the foot anchor may be comprised of a single unit covering the majority or all of the foot, provided that the midfoot and hindfoot portions of the foot are supported in a manner comparable to the support provided by the midfoot loop and hindfoot loop disclosed herein. Ideally, the foot anchor's coupling mechanism remains in the top, center portion of the foot. Other embodiments comprise foot anchors similar to those shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B.

Other embodiments may include combinations and sub-combinations of features described or shown in the several figures, including for example, embodiments that are equivalent to providing or applying a feature in a different order than in a described embodiment, extracting an individual feature from one embodiment and inserting such feature into another embodiment; removing one or more features from an embodiment; or, both removing one or more features from an embodiment and adding one or more features extracted from one or more other embodiments, while providing the advantages of the features incorporated in such combinations and sub-combinations. As used in this paragraph, “feature” or “features” can refer to structures and/or functions of an apparatus, article of manufacture or system, and/or the steps, acts, or modalities of a method.

References throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “an example embodiment,” etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include that particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with one embodiment, it will be within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described.

As used herein, and unless otherwise specified, the term “about” or “approximately” means an acceptable error for a particular value as determined by one of ordinary skill in the art, which depends in part on how the value is measured or determined. In certain embodiments, term “about” or “approximately” means within 1%-30%, 0.1%, or 0.05% of a given value or range. In certain embodiments, the term “about” or “approximately” means within 40, 30, 20, 10, 5, 1, 0.9, 0.5, or 0.1 inches of a given value or range. And it may mean within 40, 30, 20, 10, 5, 1.0, 0.5, or 0.1 pounds.

As used herein, and unless otherwise specified, the term “about,” when used with respect to a weight or tension load, means variations up to 5%, 10%, 20%, 25%, and 50%.

Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise (1) the word “and” indicates the conjunctive; (2) the word “or” indicates the disjunctive; (3) when the article is phrased in the disjunctive, followed by the words “or both,” both the conjunctive and disjunctive are intended; and (4) the word “and” or “or” between the last two items in a series applies to the entire series.

Where a group is expressed using the term “one or more” followed by a plural noun, any further use of that noun to refer to one or more members of the group shall indicate both the singular and the plural form of the noun. For example, a group expressed as having “one or more members” followed by a reference to “the members” of the group shall mean “the member” if there is only one member of the group.

The term “a” or “an” entity refers to one or more of that entity. As such, the terms “a” (or “an”), “one or more” and “at least one” can be used interchangeably herein. It is also to be noted that the terms “comprising”, “including”, and “having” can be used interchangeably.

Claims

1. A system, comprising:

a hand anchor,

a foot anchor, and

at least one resistance band;

wherein the hand anchor comprises a metacarpal loop and a wrist loop, wherein the metacarpal loop and the wrist loop are connected by a palm strap; wherein the palm strap comprises a top surface and a bottom surface, wherein the metacarpal loop and the wrist loop protrude out from the top surface and a first coupling mechanism protrudes out from the bottom surface;

wherein the foot anchor comprises a hindfoot loop attached to a midfoot loop, wherein the hindfoot loop extends out in a direction perpendicular to the midfoot loop; wherein the midfoot loop comprises an inside surface and an outside surface, wherein a second coupling mechanism protrudes out from the outside surface of the midfoot loop at a point between 45 degrees and 135 degrees away from the attachment of the hindfoot loop to the midfoot loop;

wherein the at least one resistance band comprises a first end and a second end, wherein the first end comprises a third coupling mechanism and the second end comprises a fourth coupling mechanism;

wherein the third coupling mechanism couples to the first coupling mechanism and the fourth coupling mechanism couples to the second coupling mechanism.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein one or more of the following comprise a length-adjustable apparatus: the metacarpal loop, the wrist loop, the hindfoot loop, and the midfoot loop.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein one or more of the following comprise a releasable mechanism: the metacarpal loop, the wrist loop, the hindfoot loop, and the midfoot loop.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the first coupling mechanism comprises a D-ring, a carabiner, a cloth loop, a Velcro loop, and combinations thereof.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the second coupling mechanism comprises a D-ring, a carabiner, a cloth loop, a Velcro loop, and combinations thereof.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the hand anchor comprises a glove;

wherein the glove comprises a dorsal covering attached to the metacarpal loop, the wrist loop, and the palm strap; and

wherein the glove comprises one of, an opening for fingers or fourchettes.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the foot anchor comprises a sleeve;

wherein the sleeve comprises a dorsum covering attached to the hindfoot loop and the midfoot loop; and

wherein the sleeve comprises one of, an opening for toes or a covering for toes.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one resistance band comprises a length of 16 to 18 inches, 24 to 30 inches, and combinations thereof.

9. A system, comprising:

a hand anchor,

a foot anchor, and

at least one resistance band;

wherein the hand anchor comprises a metacarpal loop, wherein the metacarpal loop comprises an inside surface and an outside surface, wherein a first coupling mechanism protrudes out from the outside surface;

wherein the foot anchor comprises a midfoot loop, wherein the midfoot loop comprises an inside surface and an outside surface, wherein a second coupling mechanism protrudes out from the outside surface of the midfoot loop;

wherein the at least one resistance band comprises a first end and a second end, wherein the first end comprises a third coupling mechanism and the second end comprises a fourth coupling mechanism;

wherein the third coupling mechanism couples to the first coupling mechanism and the fourth coupling mechanism couples to the second coupling mechanism.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the foot anchor comprises a hindfoot loop attached to the midfoot loop, wherein the hindfoot loop extends out in a direction perpendicular to the midfoot loop;

wherein the second coupling mechanism protrudes out from the outside surface of the midfoot loop at a point between 45 degrees and 135 degrees away from the attachment of the hindfoot loop to the midfoot loop.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein one or more of the following comprise a length-adjustable apparatus: the metacarpal loop, the hindfoot loop, and the midfoot loop.

12. The system of claim 10, wherein one or more of the following comprise a releasable mechanism: the metacarpal loop, the hindfoot loop, and the midfoot loop.

13. The system of claim 10, wherein the first coupling mechanism comprises a D-ring, a carabiner, a cloth loop, a Velcro loop, and combinations thereof.

14. The system of claim 10, wherein the second coupling mechanism comprises a D-ring, a carabiner, a cloth loop, a Velcro loop, and combinations thereof.

15. The system of claim 10, wherein the foot anchor comprises a sleeve;

wherein the sleeve comprises a dorsum covering attached to the hindfoot loop and the midfoot loop; and

wherein the sleeve comprises one of, an opening for toes or a covering for toes.

16. The system of claim 9, wherein the at least one resistance band comprises a length of 16 to 18 inches, 24 to 30 inches, and combinations thereof.

17. A method of manufacturing a resistance-training apparatus, the method comprising:

manufacturing a hand anchor,

manufacturing a foot anchor, and

manufacturing at least one resistance band;

wherein manufacturing the hand anchor comprises attaching a first coupling mechanism to a center outside surface of a metacarpal loop;

wherein manufacturing the foot anchor comprises attaching a second coupling mechanism to a center outside surface of a midfoot loop;

wherein manufacturing the at least one resistance band comprises attaching a third coupling mechanism to an end of the resistance band and attaching a fourth coupling mechanism to another end of the resistance band.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein manufacturing the hand anchor further comprises connecting the metacarpal loop to a wrist loop with a palm strap.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein manufacturing the foot anchor further comprises a attaching a hindfoot loop to the midfoot loop in a direction perpendicular to the midfoot loop; and

attaching the second coupling mechanism to the outside surface of the midfoot loop at a point between 45 degrees and 135 degrees away from the attachment of the hindfoot loop to the midfoot loop.

20. The method of claim 17, wherein manufacturing the hand anchor further comprises one or both of:

attaching a length-adjustable apparatus to at least one of the metacarpal loop and the hindfoot loop; and

attaching a releasable mechanism to at least one of the metacarpal loop and the hindfoot loop.