Abstract:
A weighted article of clothing comprising a clothing substrate with weights attached thereto, the weights being made of a gel and being strategically placed so as to not interfere with the movements of a wearer and to not interfere with outer clothing or equipment worn over the weighted article of clothing and with the weights being arranged in a plurality of weight clusters and linking strands, with neighboring weight clusters being connected together with the linking strands.

Description:
STATEMENT OF RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/991,008 having a filing date of 29 Nov. 2007, which is incorporated herein in its entirety by this reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Technical Field 
         [0003]    The present invention generally relates to exercise equipment and more specifically relates to weighted clothing for wearing during an exercise regimen. 
         [0004]    2. Prior Art 
         [0005]    In order to enhance the effects of a workout, some people, especially athletes, carry additional weights when exercising. For example, wrist and ankle weights are available for wearing bracelet-like and anklet-like to increase the strength and stamina of the arms and legs by requiring a user to exert extra effort when moving the arms or legs during running or other motion exercises. Members of the armed forces often wear weighted backpacks or backpacks containing weights when walking or hiking for increasing the strength and stamina of the legs and torso. Carrying such extra weight can increase the effort of the muscles, thus increasing the strength and stamina of the muscles upon continued use of the extra weights. Weighted clothing also exists for the same purpose. Wrist, ankle, backpack, and clothing weights, however, also have the potential of causing joint strain and damage. 
         [0006]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,978,964 is a sportswear garment manufactured from a form-fitting clothing article having at least one flexible weight and a plurality of pockets to receive and maintain the weights in an immobile manner. U.S. Pat. No. 5,937,441 is a weighted suit to be used in athletic training, physical therapy, muscle toning and weight reduction. U.S. Pat. No. 5,048,125 is an article of apparel for use as athletic sportswear comprising a plurality of pockets that enclose flexible material of sufficient density to substantially increase the weight of the article. 
         [0007]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,407,497 is a weighted exercise suit designed to enable human users to exercise with added weights removably attached to a body suit. U.S. Pat. No. 5,810,699 is an exercise vest that includes lower and intermediate rows of pockets extending along the outside of its back and side sections into which weights may be placed. U.S. Pat. No. 5,951,446 is a weighted conditioning garment to help an individual lose weight and/or increase muscle strength and stamina that includes a plurality of weight members affixed to at least two elongated flexible members formed in the shaped of an article of clothing. 
         [0008]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,553,322 is a weighted exercising garment formed of one piece of resilient flexible material so as to be a snug fit on the wearer&#39;s body. U.S. Pat. No. 6,557,176 is a weight vest including a shell constructed of a plurality of panels defining a front and a back. U.S. Pat. No. 5,144,694 is an exercise or physical therapy apparel including a vest, pants, spine strap, belt, wrist bands, ankle bands and weight packets. U.S. Pat. No. 6,675,391 is a weight vest comprising a front portion and a back portion having pockets into which a plurality of weights having a cylindrical shape may be placed. 
         [0009]    Although these prior art inventions may have some utility, they can be too restrictive and uncomfortable, do not advantageously circulate and re-distribute heat, and do not provide for a variety of workout techniques. For example, prior art garments may have short sleeves to dissipate heat, but do not allow for a shoulder workout or are too bulky to wear under football shoulder pads or other sports-related pads and uniforms. For another example, other prior art garments target isolated muscle groups for additional resistance, such as the shoulders, but do not provide additional weights to the arms and the legs. Additionally, prior art devices utilizing weighted elements, such as wrist and thigh weights, are not integrated into a garment and may impede the motion of the wrists, arms, and legs, thus restricting the movement of the athlete. Further, the prior art may comprise thick and bulky material that does not allow for breathing which can make a wearer overly hot and which is uncomfortable to wear while exercising. On the aesthetic side, the prior art designs may not be fashionable, and may utilize adjustment straps, which are difficult and time-consuming to fasten, and are likewise not fashionable. 
         [0010]    Notwithstanding the prior art, there is a need for an integrated article of weighted clothing that can be worn on the torso, such as a shirt or pant, that is fashionable, flexible, breathable, and weighted yet does not interfere with other articles of clothing or the movement of the wearer. There also is a need for an article of weighted clothing that can be worn clandestinely underneath an outer garment without negatively affecting the aesthetics of the outer garment. It is to these needs and others that the present invention is directed. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0011]    Briefly, the present invention is weighted clothing having a plurality of relatively small weights strategically attached to the substrate clothing such that the weighted clothing is comfortable to wear, does not interfere to any great extent with outer clothing or equipment such as pads, and does not interfere with the wearer&#39;s movement, yet provides sufficient extra weight and corresponding resistance so as to increase the strength and stamina of the wearer&#39;s muscles upon continued use of the weighted clothing. 
         [0012]    The substrate clothing can be made of natural or synthetic materials, such as but not limited to cotton, nylon, polyester, LYCRA, SPANDEX, and combinations and blends. Use of a relatively thin breathable or wicking material such as nylon can add to the comfort of the wearer. Preferably, the material of manufacture of the substrate clothing is a lightweight, soft, breathable, comfortable material that can be elastic or contains elastic. 
         [0013]    The weights can be made of a plurality of gel packets or solidified gel forms that can be sewn or otherwise adhered in known manners to the substrate clothing in strategic areas. The weights can also be enclosed in a two-layered material pocket formed in the substrate clothing. The use of a gel helps dissipate heat from the athlete keeping the athlete cooler and more comfortable, and helping prevent heat exhaustion and stroke. A relatively dense gel also can provide a greater weight per volume while also integrating structural support and cooling ability into the clothing. The weights can be interconnected to each other so as to eliminate the need for attachment straps. 
         [0014]    The present invention also is a fashionable piece that can be worn under shoulder pads, padded pants, or any other apparatus, comfortably while providing extra weight and resistance for exercising the wearer&#39;s muscles and keeping the athlete cool. 
         [0015]    The present invention also can apply weight resistance with external support thereby taking strain off of the joints, which is an improvement over the known prior art wrist and ankle weights. Whereas wrist and ankle weights apply centrifugal forces to the wearer&#39;s joints, the weighted clothing of the present invention absorbs the centrifugal forces of the weights, thereby taking strain off of the joints. As such, the present invention can be a health solution to the exercise dilemma of adding weight versus straining joints. 
         [0016]    The substrate clothing can have the general shape of a common tee-shirt for the upper torso or a common athletic short for the lower torso. Preferably, the substrate clothing is a long-sleeved shirt such that weights can be strategically placed proximal to any portion of the wearer&#39;s upper torso. Similarly, preferably, the substrate clothing is an athletic pant that extends at least partway down the wearer&#39;s thighs such that weights can be strategically placed proximal to any portion of the wearer&#39;s lower torso and upper legs. Long pants also are contemplated to provide weights strategically proximal to the wearer&#39;s entire leg. 
         [0017]    In one illustrative embodiment of the present invention, the weighted garment is worn underneath athletic uniforms and equipment, such as football pads, during practice sessions to increase resistance applied to a wearer&#39;s muscles and maximize the efficiency of a workout. As such, this embodiment of the invention preferably is relatively thin so as to not interfere with the function of the pads and the movement of the wearer. In another illustrative embodiment of the present invention, the weighted garment is worn under common exercise or weightlifting clothing. As such, this embodiment of the invention also preferably is relatively thin so as not to interfere with the exercise motion or the aesthetics of the common exercise clothing. In yet another illustrative embodiment of the invention, the weighted garment itself is worn as the exercise clothing. As such, this embodiment preferably presents pleasing aesthetic qualities as well as the stated functionality. 
         [0018]    Other features, aspects, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals represent like components throughout the several views, illustrating by way of example the principles of the invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0019]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the front of a first embodiment of the invention showing an upper-torso covering garment. 
           [0020]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the back of a first embodiment of the invention showing an upper-torso covering garment. 
           [0021]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the front of a second embodiment of the invention showing a lower-torso covering garment. 
           [0022]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the back of a second embodiment of the invention showing a lower-torso covering garment. 
           [0023]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the front of a third embodiment of the invention showing an upper-torso covering garment and further detailing illustrative shape and placement of weighted pads. 
           [0024]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the back of a third embodiment of the invention showing an upper-torso covering garment and further detailing illustrative shape and placement of weighted pads. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0025]    The following detailed description of preferred embodiments is presented only for illustrative and descriptive purposes and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the scope and spirit of the invention. The embodiments were selected and described to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that many variations can be made to the invention disclosed in this specification without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. 
         [0026]    Illustrative embodiments of a weighted garment for providing additional resistance to the muscles of a wearer and maximizing the effects and efficiency of a workout are shown in  FIGS. 1 through 6 .  FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the front of a first embodiment of the invention, namely a shirt, showing an illustrative placement of the weights on the front of the shirt.  FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the back of the first embodiment of the invention also showing an illustrative placement of the weights on the back of the shirt.  FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the front of a second embodiment of the invention, namely pants, showing an illustrative placement of the weights on the front of the pants.  FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the back of the second embodiment of the invention also showing an illustrative placement of the weights on the back of the pants.  FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the front of a third embodiment of the invention showing another illustrative placement and shape of the weights on the front of the shirt.  FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the back of a third embodiment of the invention showing another illustrative placement and shape of the weights on the back of the shirt. 
         [0027]    The present invention is weighted clothing having multiple small weights with strategic shape and placement on substrate clothing. The present invention applies additional resistance to corresponding muscles, maximizing the effect and efficiency of a user&#39;s workout. The garment is low-profile, sleek and streamlined so as not to be overly bulky or to obstruct a user&#39;s movements and yet to remain aesthetically pleasing. The present invention is suitable for use in conjunction with cardiovascular exercise, weightlifting, calisthenics, yoga, sports training, physical therapy, and other physical activities. Currently, there is a need for weighted exercise garments that are comfortable, breathable, easy to use, stylish, and do not interfere with other garments or the physical movements of a user. 
         [0028]    Referring now to the figures, the present invention is weighted clothing  10 ,  100  having a plurality of relatively small weights  14  strategically attached to the substrate clothing  12 ,  102  such that the weighted clothing  10 ,  100  is comfortable to wear and stylish, does not interfere to any great extent with outer clothing or equipment such as protective football pads, and does not interfere with the wearer&#39;s movement, yet provides sufficient extra weight and resistance so as to increase the strength and stamina of the wearer&#39;s muscles upon continued use of the weighted clothing  10 ,  100 . 
         [0029]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the front of a first embodiment of the invention, namely a weighted shirt  10 , showing an illustrative placement and shape of the weights  14  on the front of the weighted shirt  10 . The illustrative substrate shirt  12  has the shape of a common long-sleeved tee-shirt or fitted athletic shirt. Weights  14  can be strategically placed on the substrate shirt  12  such that the weights  14  are proximal to any portion of the wearer&#39;s upper torso. In the illustrative embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , the weights  14  are shown attached to the front of the substrate shirt  12  as a shoulder weight cluster  16 , a pectoral weight cluster  18 , a bicep weight cluster  20 , and a forearm weight cluster  22 . The placement of the weights  14  thus corresponds to an underlying muscle group. Linking strands  24  of weights can connect the various weight clusters  16 ,  18 ,  20 ,  22  so as to maintain the weight clusters  16 ,  18 ,  20 ,  22  in place without the need for additional attachment straps. Linking strands  24  also help distribute the weight of the weight clusters  16 ,  18 ,  20 ,  22  to maintain the integrity and longevity of the garment and to effectuate a full-body workout. Additional weight clusters can be attached to the substrate shirt  12  as necessary or desired, especially to connect with target muscle groups or to accommodate the anatomy, needs, and sex of a wearer. 
         [0030]    Referring now to  FIG. 2 , a perspective view of the back of the first embodiment of the invention shows illustrative placement of the weights  14  on the back of the shirt  10 . In the illustrative embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 , the weights  14  are shown attached to the substrate shirt  12  as a neck weight cluster  26 , a shoulder weight cluster  16 , a triceps weight cluster  28 , and a forearm weight cluster  22 . A linking strand  24  is not necessary between the triceps weight cluster  28  and the forearm weight cluster  22  on the back of the shirt  10  due to the presence of a linking strand  24  between the bicep weigh cluster  20  and the forearm weight cluster  22  on the front of the shirt  10 . Additional and interchangeable linking strands  24 , however, may be strategically placed to achieve a desired distributive effect on target muscle groups. 
         [0031]    The specific illustrative embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  is optimized for wearing under athletic equipment such as football shoulder pads or lacrosse or hockey protective gear. Specifically, the weight clusters  16 ,  18 ,  20 ,  22 ,  26 ,  28  are placed on the substrate shirt  12  so as not to interfere with the placement of the protective gear on the wearer. Even more specifically, the weight clusters  16 ,  18 ,  20 ,  22 ,  26 ,  28  are placed on the substrate shirt  12  in areas that football shoulder pads do not place a significant amount of pressure. Various other illustrative shirt embodiments of the invention  10  can be designed by those of ordinary skill in the art for use in connection with other types of pads, with various uniforms, and with no pads or uniforms. In general, in embodiments of the invention such as represented by  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the weight clusters  16 ,  18 ,  20 ,  22 ,  26 ,  28  are strategically placed so as not to interfere with the joints, thus allowing a greater freedom of motion. 
         [0032]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the front of a second embodiment of the invention, namely weighted pants  100 , showing an illustrative placement of the weights  14  on the front of the weighted pants  100 . The illustrative substrate pants  102  are a fitted short or athletic pant that extends at least partway down the wearer&#39;s thighs such that weights  14  can be strategically placed proximal to any portion of the wearer&#39;s lower torso and upper legs. Long pants (not shown) also are contemplated to provide weights  14  strategically proximal to the wearer&#39;s entire leg. In the illustrative embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 , the weights  14  are shown attached to the front of the substrate pants  102  as a hip weight cluster  30  and a thigh weight cluster  32 . Linking strands  24  of weights can connect the various weight clusters  30 ,  32  so as to maintain the weight clusters  30 ,  32  in place and to effectuate a full-body workout without the need for additional attachment straps. Additional weight clusters can be attached to the substrate pants  102  as necessary or desired, depending on the preferred amount and placement of resistance, especially to connect with target muscle groups or to accommodate the anatomy, needs, and sex of a wearer. A belt  36  can be fed underneath the weight cluster in a typical material channel in a known manner to provide additional support. 
         [0033]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the back of the second embodiment of the invention also showing an illustrative placement of the weights  14  on the back of the pants  100 . In the illustrative embodiment shown in  FIG. 4 , the weights  14  are shown attached to the substrate pants  102  as a hip weight cluster  30  and a hamstring weight cluster  34 . 
         [0034]    The specific illustrative embodiment shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4  is optimized for wearing under padded football pants. Specifically, the weight clusters  30 ,  32 ,  34  are placed on the substrate pants  102  so as not to interfere with the placement of the football thigh pads on the wearer. Even more specifically, the weight clusters  30 ,  32 ,  34  are placed on the substrate pants  102  in areas that the football thigh pads do not place a significant amount of pressure. Various other illustrative pants embodiments of the invention  100  can be designed by those of ordinary skill in the art for use in connection with other types of pads, with various uniforms, and with no pads or uniforms. In general, in embodiments of the invention such as represented by  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the weight clusters  30 ,  32 ,  34  are strategically placed so as not to interfere with the joints, thus allowing a greater freedom of motion. 
         [0035]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the front of a third embodiment of the invention, namely a weighted shirt  10 , showing an alternative illustrative placement and shape of the weights  14  on the front of the weighted shirt  10 . The illustrative substrate shirt  12  also has the shape of a common long-sleeved fitted athletic shirt, similar to that shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . Weights  14  are adhered, sewn, or attached by known means in strategic locations on the substrate shirt  12  such that the weights  14  are proximal to any portion of the wearer&#39;s upper torso. In the illustrative embodiment shown in  FIG. 5 , the weights  14  are shown attached to the front of the substrate shirt  12  as a trapezius weight cluster  40 , a pectoral weight cluster  18 , a bicep weight cluster  20 , a forearm weight cluster  22 , and an abdominal weight cluster  42 . The placement of the weights  14  thus corresponds to an underlying muscle group. Linking strands  24  are not needed, as in the first and second illustrative embodiments, in part because of the lower profile yet higher density of the weights  14  within the fitted substrate shirt  12 , and the high surface area coverage of the shape of the weights  14  in this illustrative embodiment which helps to maintain the integrity and longevity of the garment. 
         [0036]    Referring now to  FIG. 6 , a perspective view of the back of the third embodiment of the invention shows illustrative placement of the weights  14  on the back of the shirt  10 . In the illustrative embodiment shown in  FIG. 6 , the weights  14  are shown attached to the substrate shirt  12  as a back weight cluster  44 , a trapezius weight cluster  40 , a triceps weight cluster  28 , and a forearm weight cluster  22 . Additional weights  14  may be strategically placed to achieve desired resistance to target muscle groups. 
         [0037]    The specific illustrative embodiments shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6  are also optimized for wearing under athletic equipment such as football shoulder pads or lacrosse or hockey protective gear. In addition, due to their anatomically correct placement, and the shape and profile of the weight clusters  18 ,  20 ,  22 ,  28 ,  40 ,  42 ,  44 , the weights  14  do not interfere with the physical motion of a wearer. The spaces between the weight clusters  18 ,  20 ,  22 ,  28 ,  40 ,  42 ,  44  allow for natural flexibility and movement of the substrate shirt  12  unimpeded by any added mass or thickness. Further, the weight clusters  18 ,  20 ,  22 ,  28 ,  40 ,  42 ,  44  do not place undue pressure on a wearer when used in conjunction with athletic gear or when performing exercises that involve technical movements or flexibility, like yoga or weightlifting. Further, this illustrative embodiment is not bulky so as to inhibit a user from wearing the garment underneath other athletic clothing. In fact, the anatomical placement and shape of the weights  14  is aesthetically pleasing and may enhance the look of wearer either when the garment is worn alone or underneath another garment. 
         [0038]    The substrate clothing  12 ,  102  can be made of natural or synthetic materials, such as but not limited to cotton, nylon, polyester, LYCRA, SPANDEX, and combinations and blends. Use of a relatively thin breathable or wicking material such as nylon can add to the comfort of the wearer. Preferably, the material of manufacture of the substrate clothing  12 ,  102  is a lightweight, soft, comfortable material that can be elastic or contains elastic such that the material is form-fitting. 
         [0039]    The weights  14  can be made of a plurality of gel packets or solidified gel forms, both of which are referred to herein as gel packets  14 A, that can be sewn, attached with adhesives, attached by melting, or otherwise adhered to the substrate clothing  12 ,  102  in strategic areas. In one embodiment, various smaller gel packets  14 A, shown as squares in the figures, are attached together to form the various weight clusters  16 ,  18 ,  20 ,  22 ,  26 ,  28 ,  30 ,  32 ,  34  and the linking strands  24 . In another embodiment, a larger gel packet  14 A having the general shape of each of the weight clusters  16 ,  18 ,  20 ,  22 ,  26 ,  28 ,  30 ,  32 ,  34  and the linking strands  24  can be formed or scored to have thinner areas  14 B for flexibility. In another embodiment, the gel packets  14 A are placed within an outer covering or pocket for containing the gel packets  14 A. Although it is preferable that the weights  14 , and therefore the gel packets  14 A, be as thin as possible to prevent interference with other clothing and with the wearer&#39;s actions, the weights  14  can be made thicker or thinner depending on the density of the gel and the weight desired. 
         [0040]    Suitable gels are known in the art and preferably are non-toxic, non-staining, and hypoallergenic. Solid gels are preferred to prevent leaking and loss of gel; however, liquid gels can be used if contained in a suitable containment outer layer. The use of a gel can dissipate heat from the athlete keeping the athlete cooler and more comfortable, and helping prevent heat exhaustion and stroke. Further, a gel can also serve as a shock absorber to protect a wearer from impact injury, such as might occur in football, hockey, and any number of sports. A relatively dense gel also can provide a greater weight per volume while also integrating structural support and cooling ability into the clothing  10 ,  100 . The weights  14  can be interconnected to each other so as to eliminate the need for attachment straps. 
         [0041]    One embodiment of the present invention is to wear underneath athletic uniforms and equipment, such as football pads, during practice sessions. As such, this embodiment of the invention preferably is relatively thin so as to not interfere with the function of the pads. Another embodiment of the invention is to wear under common exercise clothing. As such, this embodiment of the invention also preferably is relatively thin so as not to interfere with the exercise motion or the aesthetics of the common exercise clothing. Another embodiment of the invention is to wear as the exercise clothing. As such, this embodiment preferably is made aesthetically pleasing in and of itself. The present invention also is a fashionable piece that can be worn under shoulder pads, padded pants, or any other apparatus, comfortably while providing the extra weight for exercising the wearer&#39;s muscles, keeping the athlete cool, and providing a distributive effect to redirect forces upon muscles and muscle groups. 
         [0042]    The wearing of the weighted clothing  10 ,  100  is determined by its structure. Because of the described features of the weighted clothing  10 ,  100  a wearer can easily and quickly put on the clothing in a manner similar to putting on a common tee-shirt or athletic pants. It is understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art that the optimal dimensions, sizes, and materials for the invention depend on the size of the wearer, manufacturing materials, and aesthetics or design of the outer garment, just like any other piece of clothing. Such parameters for the present invention can be determined without undue experimentation. 
         [0043]    While the invention has been described in connection with certain preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the spirit or scope of the invention to the particular forms set forth, but is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the true spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.