Patent Publication Number: US-2023145908-A1

Title: Joint sparing weighted garment

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     Embodiments of the invention relate to weighted garments with distribution of weight that mimics natural, healthy human weight distribution and also includes features to support and reinforce joints. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Professional and amateur athletes alike are constantly looking for new training devices and methods that can provide them with a performative edge in competition, practice, and during recreational and targeted training activities. Strength training or resistance training is a form of exercise that is used to improve strength and endurance and often involves lifting and moving weights, calisthenics, and other methods of inducing muscle fatigue in a controlled manner. Cardiovascular (cardio) training is a form of training that is meant to improve fitness of the cardiovascular or circulatory system, particularly the heart and even the lungs. While strength training and cardio training are focused on different manners of performing work, they do share similarities and improving one can aid in improving the other. Typical methods of strength training include progressively lifting heavier weights, increasing the number of repetitions, and combinations thereof. Typical methods of cardio training include tracking distance and time and progressively performing faster and farther or for a longer duration. 
     Different types of tools can be used to track improvement in strength and cardio training. For strength training, increased weight to be lifted is common. For cardio training, time-keeping devices and distance marking are most common. Another type of tool that has evolved for strength and cardio training is the weighted garment. The idea of the weighted garment is to increase the amount of weight carried or moved during an activity. Early precursors to weighted garments include backpacks with weights in them and small ankle, wrist, or other wearable weights. Vests with pouches that allow for variable amounts of weight have also become common and are made in a variety of fashions and styles. 
     As with many strength and cardio training activities, the introduction of additional weight and increased stress on the body can increase the risk of injury. The designs of many prior and existing weights and weighted garments fail to take into account the additional stress that such items can cause on joints and connective tissue (e.g. tendons and ligaments) when moved. The addition of weight that is not muscle can cause weight distributions that are unnatural and fatigue and impact joints and connective tissue in manners that they are unaccustomed and ill-prepared for. Furthermore, weights and particularly weighted garments can cause the user or wearer discomfort or distress in breathing, can cause difficulty in moving in natural ways, and can lead to poor posture or unnatural movements that may all result in increased risk of injury. Thus, needs exist for weighted garments that mimic or mirror natural human musculature and anatomical weight distribution and avoid unnatural distribution that may throw off balance or posture. Further needs exist for reinforcement and bolstering of joints when using increased weight, in order to minimize the negative impacts thereof. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     This summary is provided to introduce a variety of concepts in a simplified form that is disclosed further in the detailed description of the embodiments. This summary is not intended for determining or limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
     The example embodiments provided herein relate to and disclose weighted garments for use in training, exercise, or other desirable beneficial effects. In particular these example embodiments provide garments with the advantages of static and/or variable weight increases for users and support of joint structures so that the user is able to safely carry the added weight with minimal increased stress on the joint structures. In some embodiments, a single article of clothing will house one or a plurality of weights distributed over, along, around, and otherwise mimicking anatomical muscle groups or combinations of groups thereof to provide additional weight for the wearer of the garment to carry while exercising, training, or engaging in any other desired activity. Additionally, strategic weight-avoidance zones can be reinforced and/or provide compression to one or more of the wearer&#39;s joints in a circumferential manner above, below, and/or around sensitive areas, thereby lessening the stress and strain on major joints, tendons, and ligaments. 
     There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, some of the features of the joint-sparing (also referred to herein as joint-reinforcing) weighted garments in order that the detailed description thereof may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the joint sparing weighted garment that will be described hereinafter and that will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the joint sparing weighted garment in detail, it is to be understood that the joint sparing weighted garment is not limited in its application to the details of construction or to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The joint sparing weighted garment is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of the description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
     In one aspect, disclosed are joint sparing weighted garments for effective weight loading of a garment by mimicking the anatomical distribution of muscle mass of a healthy anatomical human, all while providing support to the major joints through and with weight-avoidance areas. 
     In one aspect, the joint-sparing weighted garments allow for the strategic placement or arrangement of weight along normal anatomical muscle groups. 
     In one aspect, the joint-sparing weighted garments provide joint support through the strategic use of weight avoidance zones based on the anatomical locations of joints, tendons, and ligaments and/or other locations where healthy weight (i.e. muscle fibers and not fat) are anatomically located. 
     In one aspect, the joint-sparing weighted garments provide joint support and/or reinforcement by encouraging and/or facilitating an even, smooth, natural, and/or fluid compression motion of joints, as they may be understood through natural physiological movements. 
     In one aspect, the joint-sparing weighted garments provide both weight loading and supportive joint features into one article of clothing (garment), one set of clothing, or combinations of clothing. 
     Other objects and advantages of the various embodiments of the present invention will become obvious to the reader and it is intended that these objects and advantages are within the scope of the present invention. To the accomplishment of the above and related objects, this invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings, attention being called to the fact, however, that the drawings are illustrative only, and that changes may be made in the specific construction illustrated and described within the scope of this application. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A more complete understanding of the embodiments, and the attendant advantages and features thereof, will be more readily understood by references to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein: 
         FIG.  1 A  illustrates a front view of a joint sparing weighted garment and cutaway of underlying major muscle groups, according to some embodiments; 
         FIG.  1 B  illustrates a back view of a joint sparing weighted garment and cutaway of underlying major muscle groups, according to some embodiments; 
         FIG.  2    illustrates a front view of a joint sparing weighted garment, according to some embodiments; and 
         FIG.  3    illustrates a back view of a joint sparing weighted garment, according to some embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The specific details of the single embodiment or variety of embodiments described herein are set forth in this application. Any specific details of the embodiments described herein are used for demonstration purposes only, and no unnecessary limitation(s) or inference(s) are to be understood or imputed therefrom. 
     Before describing in detail exemplary embodiments, it is noted that the embodiments reside primarily in combinations of components related to particular devices and systems. Accordingly, the device components have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. 
     It should be understood that the garments contemplated herein can be comprised of any of a variety of suitable natural or man-made materials or combinations of materials including, but not limited to, cotton, flax, wool, ramie, silk, polyester, wool, denim, leather, down, fur, nylon, spandex, bamboo, acetate, cupro, flannel, lyocell, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), rayon, polyethylene terephthalate, paper, Tyvek, vinylon, jute, hemp, and/or others known or later developed. In some embodiments certain structural elements can be incorporated into or with the garments, such as rods, cups, shields, pouches, and others. These may have particularly designed physical characteristics and rigidity that allow them to bend or move in natural ways or manners while providing the desired benefits described herein. Metals, plastics, and other materials can be incorporated and/or implemented in any number of embodiments to achieve the embodiments described herein and their desirable goals. 
     In general, the figures illustrate example embodiments of garments that provide the advantages of additional weight for the user (described interchangeably herein as a wearer) to support and carry and support of joint structures in order to safely accommodate the additional weight. A single article of clothing can house or include one or a plurality of weights that are distributed across, along, around, and/or near natural anatomical muscles or muscle groups and will function to provide increased weight to the wearer of the garment to manipulate or perform activities while wearing. Additionally, strategic weight-avoidance zones can be incorporated and in some embodiments will be reinforced to provide compression to the joints in a circumferential manner and/or other supporting characteristics that lessen or otherwise reduce the amount of stress and strain experienced by major joints, tendons, and ligaments during physical exertion and while at rest. In some embodiments these avoidance and/or reinforcement zones can facilitate natural movements while discouraging or preventing unnatural movements (e.g. twisting, bowing, reversing movement, or others). 
     Garments 
     Example embodiments can include articles of clothing comprised of a tight fitting and/or fitted material that can include stretch capabilities and characteristics, while also incorporating at least one and up to a plurality of weights in predetermined, designated zones or locations. Fitting may be standard over an entire garment or it may be variable in some embodiments. As such, some garments may have looser sections or locations in particular areas or regions that can help with breathability, comfort, heat distribution, weight distribution, or other issues 
     In some embodiments, the garment can be a single article of clothing that is worn or otherwise donned by the user. The garment can generally be responsible for housing the weights and maintaining them in a generally fixed position with respect to the wearer during use and can also incorporate strategic weight-avoidance zone(s) in one or more sections or areas of the same article of clothing. The garment is intended to allow for the user to carry or transport increased weight while simultaneously providing the user with ligament, tendon, and joint support and/or reinforcement. This system and method of support is intended to and can spare the joints and other vulnerable anatomical areas from injury during movement, while the weight increases the users energy output during exercise or other activities. 
     It should be understood that the garments disclosed herein can be any of a number of existing or later developed articles of clothing, including underwear, outer wear, active wear, work apparel, fine apparel, or others. These garments can also be integrated systems intended to be worn by users that provide both added weight and strategic weight-avoidance/reinforcement zones based on anatomical muscle groups, ligaments, tendons, and joints. 
       FIGS.  1 A and  1 B  illustrates a front view  100  and a back view  101 , respectively, of a joint-sparing weighted garment  150  and cutaway of underlying major muscle groups, according to some embodiments. As shown, joint-sparing weighted garment  150  can be a lower body garment in the form of pants in some embodiments. Anatomical structures shown include tansor fasciae latae  102 , sartorius  104 , quadriceps  106 , patella  108 , joint capsule (knee)  110 , tibialis anterior  112 , gluteus maximus  120 , hamstring  122 , gastrocnemius  124 , and others. As shown, garment  150 , can include front upper leg weight  114 , front lower leg weight  116 , back upper leg weight  126 , and back lower leg weight  128 . 
     Upper leg weight  114  of one leg can cover some or all of tansor fasciae latae  102 , sartorius  104 , quadriceps  106  in various embodiments. Front lower leg weight  116  of one leg can cover some or all of tibialis anterior  112 , and may avoid covering some or all of the wearer&#39;s shin in some embodiments. Back upper leg weight  202  of one leg can cover some or all of gluteus maximus  120  and hamstring  122  in some embodiments. Back lower leg weight  128  of one leg can cover some or all of gastrocnemius  124  in some embodiments. 
       FIG.  2    illustrates a front view  200  of a joint sparing weighted garment for a lower body, according to some embodiments. As shown in the example embodiment, the garment can include an upper weight avoidance zone  204   a , lower weight avoidance zone  204   b , (joint) compression zone  206 , and lower leg weight  208 . At least one of  204   a ,  204   b , and/or  206  can be a weight avoidance zone. 
       FIG.  3    illustrates a back view  300  of a joint sparing weighted garment for a lower body, according to some embodiments. As shown in the example embodiment, the garment can include back upper leg weight  302 , upper weight avoidance zone  304   a , lower weight avoidance zone  304   b , lower back weight avoidance zone  304   c , compression zone  306 , and back lower leg weight  308 . At least one of  304   a ,  304   b ,  304   c , and/or  306  can be a weight avoidance zone. 
     Weights 
     In various embodiments, any of a wide variety of substances or structures can be used to provide a weighted mass. Weights (e.g.  114 ,  116 ,  126 ,  128 ,  202 ,  208 ,  302 ,  308 ) can be comprised of any of a wide variety of known or future materials that increases the mass of the garment (e.g. sand, water, gel, metal, and many others). Weights can be provided as a solid, flexible solid, gel, or liquid. In some embodiments weights can be removable and may be retained in pockets or other compartments that are specially designed, shaped, and configured to hold the weights. These compartments can include reinforcement mechanisms such as reinforced stitching or materials that are stronger than the other materials of the garment. In other embodiments, weights can be integrated and fixed into the garment and may not be replaceable or removable. Where weights are modifiable, any number of plugs, openings, hatches, or other mechanisms can also be included to allow for filling of weighted zones to a desired amount of fullness. Weighted pouches may expand in size or be fixed and may be filled uniformly or non-uniformly in various embodiments. 
     Weight-Avoidance Zones 
     Strategic placement of zones that are devoid of weight are included in various embodiments. In some embodiments these zones (e.g.  204   a ,  204   b ,  206   304   a ,  304   b ,  304   c ,  306 ) can also include compressive or reinforcing material and/or structures that providing circumferential compression above, below, around, or otherwise near the major (or minor) joints. These zones may also provide increased elastic resistance to vulnerable structures such as ligaments, tendons, and other vulnerable areas and other benefits as described herein. 
     To restate and elaborate, weight-avoidance zones can be areas that are strategically devoid of weights. These weight-avoidance zones can correlate with anatomic locations of ligaments, tendons, and joints in some locations. Additionally, the weight-avoidance zones can provide compressive support to the joints through circumferential compression and increased elastic resistance protecting the joints, ligaments, tendons, and other vulnerable areas from over stretch, strain, and injury due to the added weight provided in the garment. 
     Weight-avoidance zones can be comprised of any of a wide variety of known or future materials or combinations of materials having suitable characteristics of compression and/or elasticity. Weight-avoidance zones can be located in any anatomically vulnerable area including, but not limited to, joints, tendons, ligament, muscles, cartilage, boney structures, and internal organs. 
     It should be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein describe strategic placement of zones void of weight that can include compressive material providing avoidance zones. The garments can incorporate weights and weight-avoidance zones into a single wearable article of clothing. The garment can be comprised of breathable stretching or elastic material, anatomically inspired and mimicking weight zones based on the anatomical distribution of muscle groups for placement of weights, and/or the incorporated system for containing these weights into the garment. The weights provide mass that allows the garment to function as a training device which in turn increases the work-load of the user during exercise or other activities. The weight-avoidance zones can be incorporated into the main garment either by addition of material or enhancement of the material during the manufacturing process to provide compressive joint support and through elastic resistance provide support to ligaments, tendons, and other vulnerable tissues. The garment, through the inclusion of one or both of the weights and weight-avoidance zones, can allow a user to the ability to increase their work load during exercise and other activities. In some embodiments it can also protecting the user&#39;s joints, ligaments, tendons, and other vulnerable areas from injury thereby further or enhance their ability to train and grow stronger from the additional mass provided by the weights, especially as compared with existing weight vests, strap on weights, and others currently known. 
     In some embodiments, garments can be made from one or more suitable materials or combinations of materials with weight zones that can constructed in a variety of manner that suitably houses the weights within the garment as a single entity. The weights can be distributed along anatomic muscle groups whereas the weight-avoidance zones provide structural support to vulnerable tissues and locations including, but not limited to, muscle, joints, ligaments, tendons, cartilage, and internal organs. 
     Operation 
     The joint sparing weighted garments disclosed herein allow for the user to wear or otherwise don a single article of clothing that has one or a plurality of weights distributed in an anatomical manner over, around, or across muscle groups, thereby mimicking the natural weight distribution observed and known to exist for the human body. Additionally, weight-avoidance zones improve on prior weighted articles of clothing by further planning for and protecting vulnerable tissues including ligaments, tendons, joints, cartilage, muscle tissue, and internal organs. While these vulnerable tissues would otherwise be put at higher risk of injury by traditional weighted articles of clothing by altering normal joint motion mechanics and changing momentum vectors, the inclusion of weights in “normal” anatomical muscle zones in the example embodiments ensures that the weights will be less likely to negatively alter or otherwise impact joint motion mechanics and momentum vectors. Additionally, weight-avoidance zones can contribute to joint health by adding, supplementing, and/or otherwise providing compressive fabric to the major joint locations of the garment (and thereby near the locations of the body). Thus, these materials that may include increased elastic resistance along ligament, tendon, or vulnerable tissues which can further function to decrease the negative impact of potential alterations of joint mechanics and momentum vectors known to be impacted by traditional weighted articles of clothing, devices, and apparatuses. 
     The mindful design elements and strategies described herein allow users to increase their workload in a manner that is not destructive or harmful to vulnerable tissues. Users can utilize the added resistance from the weights of the garment for sport specific training, general exercise, and for other activities aimed at increasing strength, speed, endurance, or any combination of these descriptors, including during normal day-to-day activities. 
     It should be noted that while the embodiments detailed herein are primarily directed to a lower body garment, the same principles can be applied to an upper body garment, or parts of an upper and/or lower body garment (e.g. sleeves, legs, midsection, or combinations thereof). 
     Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although methods and materials similar to or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the joint sparing weighted garment, suitable methods and materials are described above. All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety to the extent allowed by applicable law and regulations. The joint sparing weighted garment may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof, and it is therefore desired that the present embodiment be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. Any headings utilized within the description are for convenience only and have no legal or limiting effect. 
     Many different embodiments have been disclosed herein, in connection with the above description and the drawings. It will be understood that it would be unduly repetitious and obfuscating to literally describe and illustrate every combination and subcombination of these embodiments. Accordingly, all embodiments can be combined in any way and/or combination, and the present specification, including the drawings, shall be construed to constitute a complete written description of all combinations and subcombinations of the embodiments described herein, and of the manner and process of making and using them, and shall support claims to any such combination or subcombination. 
     The foregoing is provided for purposes of illustrating, explaining, and describing embodiments of this disclosure. Modifications and adaptations to these embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art and may be made without departing from the scope or spirit of this disclosure. 
     As used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. 
     It should be noted that all features, elements, components, functions, and steps described with respect to any embodiment provided herein are intended to be freely combinable and substitutable with those from any other embodiment. If a certain feature, element, component, function, or step is described with respect to only one embodiment, then it should be understood that that feature, element, component, function, or step can be used with every other embodiment described herein unless explicitly stated otherwise. This paragraph therefore serves as antecedent basis and written support for the introduction of claims, at any time, that combine features, elements, components, functions, and steps from different embodiments, or that substitute features, elements, components, functions, and steps from one embodiment with those of another, even if the description does not explicitly state, in a particular instance, that such combinations or substitutions are possible. It is explicitly acknowledged that express recitation of every possible combination and substitution is overly burdensome, especially given that the permissibility of each and every such combination and substitution will be readily recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art. 
     In many instances entities are described herein as being coupled to other entities. It should be understood that the terms “coupled” and “connected” (or any of their forms) are used interchangeably herein and, in both cases, are generic to the direct coupling of two entities (without any non-negligible (e.g., parasitic) intervening entities) and the indirect coupling of two entities (with one or more non-negligible intervening entities). Where entities are shown as being directly coupled together, or described as coupled together without description of any intervening entity, it should be understood that those entities can be indirectly coupled together as well unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. 
     While the embodiments are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific examples thereof have been shown in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that these embodiments are not to be limited to the particular form disclosed, but to the contrary, these embodiments are to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit of the disclosure. Furthermore, any features, functions, steps, or elements of the embodiments may be recited in or added to the claims, as well as negative limitations that define the inventive scope of the claims by features, functions, steps, or elements that are not within that scope. 
     An equivalent substitution of two or more elements can be made for any one of the elements in the claims below or that a single element can be substituted for two or more elements in a claim. Although elements can be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, it is to be expressly understood that one or more elements from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination and that the claimed combination can be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination. 
     It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present embodiment is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described herein. A variety of modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings without departing from the following claims.