Abstract:
A sports vest for fitness training provides body-centered resistance for endurance, agility, and strength training. The vest has a V-shaped front neoprene panel, and a generally identical back neoprene panel. A plurality of auxiliary pockets holds weights along the legs of the each panel. A triangular central pocket hold weights just above the rounded V point on each panel. Interior partitions within the pockets prevent the weights from shifting. Straps secure the vest to a fitness trainee. The vest shape, arrangement of weights, and weight partitions generally maintains a trainee&#39;s center of gravity and balance in executing exercise movements.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/590,397, titled “Weighted Vest,” filed Jan. 25, 2012, which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    This device pertains to the physical therapy, sports and fitness, and exercise field; and the garment field. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    The device of the present disclosure generally pertains to fitness equipment and sports training devices, and particularly to a vest worn by a user for strength and endurance training. 
         [0004]    Weighted vests provide weight on a user during general fitness exercise, and speed and agility training, to provide resistance and develop a user&#39;s endurance, power and strength. Some weighted vests allow for adjustable weights. Weighted vests may be manufactured in various sizes and shapes, with some weighted vests being adjustable for a user&#39;s size using hook and loop closures. Some weighted vests fit similar to a normal vest, i.e. shaped like a normal shirt without sleeves. However these designs do not provide optimal balance and weight distribution when the vest is worn. This unnatural distribution may lead to awkward or unnatural movements by the user to compensate for weight shifting and improper weight distribution. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    The current disclosure solves the problem of balance and weight distribution in a weighted vest during exercise, such as those exercises involving forward and lateral movements and quick direction changes. The user gains the cardiovascular and fitness benefits of additional weight and resistance in a stable and balanced distribution, and without problems such as weight shifting, awkward weight distribution, and inertial imbalances, so the user may perform natural movements during exercise. Specifically, the shape of the vest, and placement of the weights, provides a body-centered weighted vest to maintain the natural balance and center of gravity of a user, even during exercise movements. 
         [0006]    Further, the vest, and weights within the vest resists lateral movement relative to the user&#39;s body. 
         [0007]    The vest of the current disclosure is a weighted exercise vest which may be used in multiple fields as a fitness accessory, allowing the user to exercise with natural movements. 
         [0008]    Wearable fitness and resistance devices are generally disclosed. Some example embodiments may include methods, apparatus, and/or systems pertaining to weighted vests. 
         [0009]    Some example weighted vests according to at least some aspects of the present disclosure may include pre-measured weights, or user-determined weights. 
         [0010]    An adjustable sports training vest capable of fitting users of variable sizes includes a front panel and a back panel in generally identical V-shapes. The front panel and the back panel are joined together along the top of each V to form shoulder straps. The front panel and the back panel of the vest tapers to a rounded point, to form the generally V shape of each panel, which extends towards a user&#39;s center of gravity. 
         [0011]    A breathable central panel, or bib, partially fills the interior of the front panel and back panel. 
         [0012]    A plurality of auxiliary pockets are distributed along the sides of the front panel and the back panel to hold weights. A larger, triangular pocket may be located on midline of the front panel and the midline of the back panel, proximate the rounded V point, and is adapted for holding weights. 
         [0013]    A plurality of straps are connected to the front panel, and are releasably attachable either to itself, or to a plurality of corresponding straps connected to the back panel. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0014]    The foregoing and other features of the present disclosure will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only several embodiments in accordance with the disclosure and are, therefore, not to be considered limiting of its scope, the disclosure will be described with additional specificity and detail through use of the accompanying drawings. 
           [0015]    In the drawings: 
           [0016]      FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the fitness training device; 
           [0017]      FIG. 1B  shows an exemplary embodiment of a weight pocket in enlarged detail; 
           [0018]      FIG. 2A  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the fitness training device; 
           [0019]      FIG. 2B  shows an exemplary embodiment of a weight pocket in enlarged detail; 
           [0020]      FIG. 3  ( a ) shows the front ( b ) shows the back of an exemplary embodiment of the fitness training device; 
           [0021]      FIG. 4  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the fitness device as it may be worn by a fitness trainee; and 
           [0022]      FIG. 5  is an exemplary interior weight within a fitness training device. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0023]    In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings, similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be used, and other changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented here. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein, and illustrated in the Figures, may be arranged, substituted, combined, and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are explicitly contemplated and make part of this disclosure. 
         [0024]    Methods, systems, devices, and/or apparatus related to wearable fitness devices and weights are disclosed. 
         [0025]    Referring to  FIG. 1A , a first illustrative embodiment of a fitness training device or vest  100  is shown. Main body of fitness training device  100  is a V-shaped panel  102  which supports a plurality of weights  109  closely to a trainee or user (shown in  FIG. 4 ) without deforming or tearing. Thus, an exemplary material for V panel  102  of vest  100  is neoprene, which is firm, strong, and flexible. The right side and the left side of the V panel  102  stretches diagonally across a user&#39;s body and meets to form a rounded V point  105 . A stretchy, generally triangular panel or bib  104  partially fills in the space between V panel  102 , and attaches to vest  100  at the inner edges of V panel  102 . Bib  104  holds the legs of V panel  102  at a constant distance to prevent V panel  102  from separating and slipping off a user. Bib  104  dips or arcs down at the center to conform to the user&#39;s chest and provide room for the user&#39;s neck. Bib  104  may be made from a stretchy and moisture wicking material such as microfiber. 
         [0026]    Vest  100  includes a plurality of auxiliary pockets.  FIG. 1A  illustrates six pockets  108   a - 108   f,  three on the right side  108   a,    108   c,    108   e;  and three on the left side  108   b,    108   d,    108   f  of V panel  102 ; as shown in  FIG. 1B , each pocket  108  is adapted hold a weight  109 . Weights  109  may be composed of graduations of steel pellets, metal grains or sand, and may be weighted or measured, sealed in impermeable bags, and inserted into auxiliary pockets  108   a - 108   f.  Auxiliary pockets  108   a - 108   f  may be integrated in the V panel  102 , or sewn onto V panel  102 . A tack  128  composed of several sturdy stitches sewn through the center of each auxiliary pocket  108   a - 108   f  creates a partial wall mid-way across each pocket  108   a - 108   f.    
         [0027]    As shown in  FIG. 1B , tack  128  serves as an enforcement structure to provide support for a portion of weight  109 . Further, tack  128  divides the weight so weight  109  is evenly distributed across pocket  108 , and prevents weight  109  from shifting during movement. Thus, tack  128  prevents weight  109  from pooling to one side, or along the bottom of pocket  108 , and helps pocket  108  resist stretching. 
         [0028]      FIG. 1A  shows a central pocket  106  centered on the midline of V panel  102  contains a weight  119 . In some embodiments, central pocket  106  may be an inverted triangle generally concentric to V-panel  102 . Central pocket  106  may contain “V” shaped stitching  125 , which would serve the same function as tack  128 . Additional partial partitions and stitching  125  may be placed within the interior of central pocket  106 . 
         [0029]    In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1B , the perimeter of each auxiliary pocket  108  and central pocket  106  is sewn, glued, or otherwise sealed so the pockets  108  are not accessible in this embodiment. In this embodiment, weight  109  is sized to perfectly fill auxiliary pocket  108  and central pocket  106  so there is no space for weight  109  to move. 
         [0030]    In the embodiment of  FIG. 1A , each auxiliary pocket  108   a - 108   f  is generally centered with respect to the left and right side of the legs on V panel  102 . Because of the V-shape of panel  102 , each lower (lower defined as closer to point  105 ) auxiliary pocket  108  also lies closer to the center line than the auxiliary pocket  108  above it. This arrangement of the auxiliary pockets  108   a - 108   f,  and the V shape of central pocket  106  aligns the weights&#39;  109  center of gravity with the user&#39;s (see  FIG. 4 ) center of gravity. In some embodiments, vest  100  has a vertical length which does not extend past a user&#39;s center of gravity so the weight is focused towards, and not beyond, the user&#39;s center of gravity. 
         [0031]    Reflective strip or strips  116  may be glued, sewn, or otherwise affixed to body  102  to add visibility to the user during low light or night time exercises. Straps  110 , including releasably attachable mechanism  112  such as a buckle, may attach to each side of panel  102  for securing vest  100  to a user. 
         [0032]    In an alternate embodiment shown in  FIG. 2A , fitness training device  200  includes auxiliary pockets  208   a - 208   f  which may be accessed through respective access points  218  shown in  FIG. 2B , such as a slot. Access points  218  may be sealed with a zipper, a continuous plastic sealing lock, or other closure  219 , to remove and replace weight  219  with a heavier or lighter weight  219 . Central pocket  206  includes corresponding access point  220  and sealing closure  221 . Preferably, closures  219  and  221  seals continuously along the entire access point  218  and  220  to ensure even pressure along all sides of pockets  208  and  206 , and so weight  209  does not shift to an area of decreased pressure, and is not able to slip out through access point  218 . At least a portion of the outer side of auxiliary pocket  208  and central pocket  206  may be fabricated from a resilient, stretchy material, to accommodate and tightly conform to various weight sizes  209  and  219 . Weights  209  and  219  may be measured or weighed, placed in bags  532  (shown in  FIG. 5 ) to avoid spillage, and then inserted into pocket  206  or  208 . Bags  532  may be measured each time weight  209 ,  219  is changed, or the bags  532  may be pre-measured and ready to be inserted into pockets  206 ,  208  on vest  200 . 
         [0033]      FIG. 3(   a ) and  FIG. 3(   b ) illustrates an exemplary embodiment of vest  100 .  FIG. 3(   a ) depicts the front section  102  of vest  100 , and  FIG. 3(   b ) depicts a generally identical back section  302  of vest  100 . Back section  302  contains a similar identical configuration including a central pocket  306  and auxiliary pockets  308 . Front section  102  and back section  302  are joined together at the top of the V, forming shoulder straps  303   a  and  303   b.  Front section  102  and back section  302  may be sewn together. 
         [0034]    A set of straps  110  attach to each side of front panel  102 . In some embodiments, front straps  110  may attach to a set of corresponding straps  310  attached to each side of back panel  302 , via a releasably attachable mechanism  112  such as a squeeze release buckle or clip, to allow front straps  110  and back straps  310  to connect, as well as completely separate. In alternate embodiments, straps  110  may be an adjustable belt, passing through belt loops on front panel  102  and back panel  302 . Straps  110  and  310  may be fabricated from a tough, non-stretch and water resistant webbing such as nylon. The embodiment of  FIGS. 3(   a ) and  3 ( b ) illustrates two sets of straps  110  and  310  on each side, but there may be any number of strap sets  110  and  310  to securely fasten vest  100  to a user. 
         [0035]    Exemplary dimensions of vest  100  may be as shown in  FIG. 3 . As shown in  FIG. 3(   a ), the width  340  of vest  300  from the leftmost side to the right most side may be approximately 18-19.″ Vest  100  may be approximately 18″ along each diagonal length  342 , extending from where the front panel  102  and back panel  302  are joined, to either the front V tip  105  or the back V tip  305 . V tip  105  and  305  are rounded to resist folding, as the gradual arc provides lateral support. The width  342  at the point where V tip  105  and  305  each begins to round may be approximately 4″. As shown in  FIG. 3(   b ), the thickness/width  344  of each diagonal forming shoulder strap  303   a  and  303   b,  may be approximately 4″. These measurements are not to be taken as absolute, but only as exemplary measurements which may work for an exemplary vest  100 , to suit users of average size. 
         [0036]    Exemplary weight  109  units for vest  100  may be as follows. For a weighted vest  100  of ten pounds, the weights  109  in each of the six auxiliary pockets  108   a - 108   f  on both the front section  102  and  308   a - 308   f  on back section  302  would be approximately half a pound, for a total of 6 pounds. The central pocket  106  on the front section  102  and  306  on back section  302  would each contain two pounds, for another four pounds, and a total of ten pounds. Multiple selections of weight may be provided depending upon the application and desire of the user. 
         [0037]      FIG. 4  illustrates vest  100  as it would be worn by a user  400 . Straps  110  may be loosened with an adjuster  114  such as a friction buckle for adjusting the length of straps  110 , and straps  110  may be separated from its corresponding strap (either the other end of  110 , or from  310 ) before user  400  dons vest  100 . Vest  100  is draped over the torso of user  400 , and secured to user  400  by connecting or buckling the each corresponding straps  110  by with clips  112 , and engaging  112   a  female and  112   b  male clips. Friction adjuster  114  allows for adjustability of the strap  110  to conform to a user&#39;s torso. Straps  110  may be tightened by pulling in direction  418  where strap  110  extends from adjuster  114  so the vest  100  fits snugly around user  400 &#39;s chest and torso area. As described above and shown in  FIG. 4 , vest  100  covers the upper torso of user  100  but vest  100  does not extend below user  400 &#39;s center of gravity, to focus the weight towards, but not beyond, the user  400 &#39;s center of gravity. This force allows the user to move naturally. The tightly stretched pockets  108  and stitched partial partitions  125  and tacks  128  ensures weight  109  remains immobile to avoid inertial imbalances of vest  100  against user  400  movement. 
         [0038]      FIG. 5  illustrates example weights  109  such as steel sand or pellets  534 , which provides graduated weight settings. Pellets  534  may be directly inserted into each pocket  108  and  106 ; or pellets  534  may be filled in a non-permeable (with respect to the pellets) bag  532  prior to being placed in pocket  108  or  106 . In some embodiments, stitches of partitions  125  or tack  128  may pass through bag  532 ; in other embodiments, bag  532  may be an elongated tube or otherwise shaped to encircle the space within the pocket  108  and  106 .