Abstract:
A weighted garment having a plurality of pockets for insertably receiving and retaining weighted inserts or members, whereby the increased weight serves as resistance for exercising the wearer&#39;s limbs, torso, etc. The pockets are integral with the stretch material of the garment and a D-ring is installed on the belt of the garment for attachment with a pull or tugging cable. The pockets are reinforced and a separate arrangement of pockets may be releasably attached to the exterior surface of the garment.

Description:
Priority Claimed on Ser. No. 60-344,736 filed Jan. 4, 2002. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to the field of weighted accessories for exercising purposes and, more particularly to a novel weighted accessory detachably connected to the garments of a person undergoing training exercises. 
     2. Brief Description of the Prior Art 
     In the past, it has been the conventional practice in toning or exercising muscles to employ weights which when lifted or manipulated by the user will strengthen and/or tone muscles. Some muscles are more difficult to exercise and require longer periods of exercise as well as increased weights as compared to toning and exercising other parts of the person&#39;s body. For example, the quadriceps muscles in the thighs as well as the hamstring muscles and the gluteus maximus muscles require special attention and are difficult muscles to train. Conventional exercise machines generally require that a person employ heavy bar bell weights and do what is known as squats in multiple sets in order to exercise the quadriceps. In other instances, benches are employed where the person undergoing training is prone and the legs are curled about pivoted levers to which weights are attached. Such prior devices are heavy and require a great deal of floor space. Usually a person undergoing weight training wears a gym costume of some sort but the costume is not used to carry weights during the training period. Although the costume may employ pockets, cuffs or the like, these garment conveniences are not used in connection with performing specific exercises. 
     Therefore, a long-standing need has existed to provide a garment worn by a person undergoing weight training which may include pockets for holding a plurality of weights so that resistance training can be achieved as a person normally walks about. The weights may be placed in detachable pockets that can be arranged on the arm or leg portions of garments worn by the person or the pockets may be formed as an integral part of the garment. The weights should be readily removable so that the choice of overall weight can be selected depending on the experience and conditioning of the user. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Accordingly, the above problems and difficulties are avoided by the present invention which provides a novel weighted accessory for use in connection with exercising garments or costumes and which are integral therewith. In one form of the invention, a garment such as a pair of shorts which are worn about the hips and thighs of the person in training includes a plurality of pockets intended to insertably receive a plurality of weights when the garment is worn by the user. The pockets may be formed on either the outside or the inside of the garment; however, it is preferred that the opening leading into the pockets be formed on the inside of the garment for aesthetic purposes. The plurality of pockets may be formed by individually stitching a sheet of material to a backing sheet of material at spaced-apart intervals so that storage cavities are provided between the stitched seams holding the first sheet to the second sheet. The weight may take the form of elongated weight members composed of steel, lead or the like and the opening to the respective storage compartments of each of the stitched pockets may be open or a flap may be employed for covering all of the openings. A snap fastener may be employed for holding the flap in a releasably closed position. In another form of the invention, the pockets may be formed as a separate piece which is detachably connected by means of a hook and pile fastener to the sleeves of an exercising garment or costume or to the outside of the shorts worn by the user. In the latter instance, the two component hook and pile fastener includes one component on the backside of the pocket accessory, while the other component is the material of the garment worn by the user. 
     Therefore, it is among the primary objects of the present invention to provide a series or plurality of pockets arranged in side-by-side relationship on a garment worn by a person undergoing exercise training and wherein weighted inserts are carried in the respective pockets to provide resistance as the user moves about. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a pocket or series of pockets which are carried as a single unitary construction on a garment or costume worn by persons undergoing an exercise training procedure wherein weights may be placed in their respective pockets. 
     Yet another object resides in providing a plurality of weights which may be slipped into respective pockets which are integrally formed on the garment of a person undergoing weight training exercises. 
     A further object resides in providing a weight training system whereby a plurality of weights may be carried in pockets on the garment of the user so that resistance is provided to the muscles of the user as the user moves about in normal daily activity. 
     Another object resides in providing a weighted garment with substantial crotch reinforcement to transmit load forces into the body of the garment and the user. 
     Still a further object resides in a weighted garment having reinforced waist cinching or belting including a D-Ring for attachment to a load bearing cable or rope. 
     Yet another object relates a weighted garment with a stretchable fabric carrying pockets for holding individual weights with an interconnecting mesh or perforated abdominal section and a reinforced crotch section. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The features of the present invention which are believed to be novel are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The present invention, both as to its organization and manner of operation, together with further objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood with reference to the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which: 
     FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic view of a person wearing an exercise costume with a plurality of pockets carrying weights so that the muscles of the body are exercised as a person moves about; 
     FIG. 2 is an enlarged, fragmentary cross-sectional view of the pockets including inserted weights as taken in the direction of arrows  2 — 2  of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 3 is a transverse, cross-sectional view of the pocket and weight as taken in the direction of arrows  3 — 3  of FIG. 2; 
     FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing a plurality of pockets formed as a separate accessory for detachably connecting to the garment of the user; 
     FIG. 5 is a reduced front perspective view of the weighted pocket accessory incorporating the present invention and including a flap for closing the opening leading into storage compartments of the respective pockets; 
     FIG. 6 is a front elevational view of another embodiment of the invention illustrating a mesh or perforated abdominal section or panel with a reinforced crotch panel; 
     FIG. 7 is a rear elevational view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 6; 
     FIG. 8 is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view of the weighted pockets as taken in the direction of arrows  8 — 8  of FIG. 6; 
     FIG. 9 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a weighted pocket shown in FIG. 8, as taken in the direction of arrows  9 — 9  thereof; 
     FIG. 10 is a prospective view of the weighted pockets; 
     FIG. 11 is an enlarged perspective view of a weighted garment belt arrangement with D-ring attachment; and 
     FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a storage package for a weighted garment and a supply of weights. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Referring to FIG. 1, the inventive weighted accessory is indicated in the general direction of arrow  10  which includes a plurality of pockets, such as pocket  11 , that are attached to the inside surface of a garment  12 . A single pocket may be employed or a plurality, as illustrated, and it is to be understood that the pockets may be carried externally on the outside surface of the garment  12  as well as on the inside. The garment  12  represents a pair of shorts intended to be worn by a person undergoing an exercising or weight training procedure and preferably, the pocket or pockets are placed adjacent to the thigh area on the legs of the garment covering the thigh of the user. A section of the garment is broken away to illustrate the pocket or pockets in solid lines and identified by numeral  13 . Preferably, the garment is composed of a stretchable material such as stretch nylon, neoprene or the like. The composition of the material for the pockets is intended to match the material of the garment  12 . 
     FIG. 1 also illustrates that the pocket or plurality of pockets may be detachably connected to the garment of the user such as at the upper arm portion of the garment indicated by the numeral  14 . The upper portion includes the sleeve and the pocket or pockets may be detachably connected to the external surface of the sleeve and is indicated by numeral  15 . This embodiment of the invention will be described later in connection with FIG.  4 . 
     The pocket or pockets  11  are integrally formed with the garment  12  and as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the garment  12  forms a first sheet of material and the pocket or pockets is formed by a second sheet indicated by numeral  16  which is stitched to the first sheet at spaced-apart intervals. Such a stitching is indicated by numeral  17  in FIG.  2  and sufficient space is provided between the sheets  12  and  16  to provide a storage compartment as indicated by numeral  18 . Each of the respective storage compartments is occupied by a weight  20  that can be composed of lead or iron and weight  20  is illustrated as occupying storage space  18 . 
     As indicated in FIG. 3, the top of each of the respective pockets may be open, as indicated by numeral  21 , while the bottom of the compartment is closed by stitching shown by numeral  22 . The weight  20  occupies the storage compartment and has been inserted through the opening  21  and extends to the bottom stitching  22  of the pocket. A single pocket may be employed for holding a flat rectangular weight, or as illustrated, a plurality of pockets are provided for insertably receiving a plurality of weights in the storage compartment of each pocket. 
     Referring to FIG. 4, a similar arrangement of pockets to that indicated by numeral  11  is provided in the general direction of arrow  15  as previously explained. The plurality of pockets are detachably connected to the external surface of the garment either about the leg area of the user or the arm sleeve area. In either event, a first sheet of material  25  is employed as a backing sheet on which a plurality of hook and pile fastener components are carried. For example, a hook component is indicated by numeral  26  as arranged on each corner of the backing sheet  25 . However, the material of the garment represents the opposite fastening component such as the pile portion thereof. The plurality of pockets are formed by a second sheet  27  and are defined between parallel arranged stitching  28  separating each of the pockets. Other means may be employed for securing the second sheet to the first sheet such as by employing proper adhesive, thermal bonding or the like. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the top of each pocket is open so as to insertably receive a length of weighted material indicated by numeral  30 . The weight may be composed of lead or iron and may be plastic coated if desired. The weight  30  may be the same weight as weight  20  and the open top may include a tab or cover. 
     In FIG. 5, a detachable set of pockets similar to that shown in FIG. 4 is indicated by numeral  31  and it can be seen that a hinged flap  32  is employed for covering the respective openings leading into the storage compartment of the plurality of pockets. A fastener of the snap-type is indicated by numeral  33  and may be used as a means for securing the flap. As described with respect to the pocket  15 , the backside of the pocket  31  may include a component for attaching to the garment  12  or  14  and are indicated in general by the numerals  34 . 
     In view of the foregoing, it can be seen that the weighted pockets of the present invention may be incorporated integrally with the garment, whether the garment be a shirt  14  having sleeves or a pair of pants or shorts  12 . It is preferred that the pocket of weights be placed at critical or strategic locations with respect to the user&#39;s body so that maximum workout of the muscles in the adjacent area can be achieved. The muscles are exercised and toned as the person moves about either in accordance with a prescribed training procedure or during normal daily activities. As muscle development occurs, the user has the option of increasing the weights by removing the previously used weights and substituting weights of heavier density. In order to reduce the size of the weights and therefore the pockets as well, it is preferred that a high density weight material be employed so as to reduce overall dimensions. The size and shape of each of the weights is matched with the size and weight of the respective pockets. The material of the pockets is stretchable so that weights of different size can be accommodated. 
     Referring now in detail to FIGS. 6 and 7, another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in the general direction of arrow  40  which includes a garment taking the form of a pair of shorts  41  having a leg section  42  and another leg section  43 , which are joined together by an abdominal section  44 . The abdominal section  44  is in the front of the garment while a posterior section  45  connects the leg sections  42  and  43  at the rear of the garment. It is to be particularly noted that the front panel  44  and rear panel  45  are composed of a mesh or open fabric material, so that “breathing” can occur for the protection of underlying skin and to permit heat to escape. The leg sections are attached to the front and rear panels by stitching, such as indicated by numerals  46  and by numeral  47 . It is also to be noted that the crotch of the garment, as indicated by numeral  48 , is reinforced by a double thickness panel so that stresses encountered with the weighted leg sections  42  and  43  will not tear or rip this portion of the garment. Stresses and load factors encountered by the leg sections and crotch panel  48  are distributed through the garment to the body of the user. 
     Stitching, indicated by numeral  50 , is provided along the bottom of the leg sections  42  and  43  to provide for turning the edge of the sections over upon themselves so that securement can be made by the stitch line. Also, a special area, indicated by numeral  51 , is employed for applying labels, indicia or other matter pertaining to graphic representations, alpha-numeric information or pictorial subject matter. The garment may include a zipper or hook and pile closure  52  whereby the user may conveniently get into the pair of shorts  40  or get out of the shorts. For adequate retention of the pair of shorts on the user, a belt  53  is positioned around the waist of the garment and a suitable closure, such as a hasp  54 , may be employed. A portion of the belt  53  may be elastic, as indicated by numeral  55 . 
     It is to be noted that each of the leg sections  42  and  43  includes a plurality of pockets  56  that may be arranged in rows and columns, either on the outside or inside of the garment. Preferably, the pockets are placed on the inside surface of the garment and such a pocket is exposed through opening  57  to illustrate inside installation of the pocket. In FIGS. 6 and 7, it can be seen that the rows of pockets  56  extend across the front of each leg section and around the sides to the rear thereof. Each pocket receives insertion of a weighted insert as indicated by numeral  60 . 
     Referring now in detail to FIG. 8, it can be seen that the respective weighted inserts  60  have been installed in the storage compartment of each of the respective pockets  56 . A slight bulge, as indicated by numeral  61 , may occur in the leg section  42  which is visibly observable from the front or outside of the garment as it is worn. It is also to be noted that a plurality of parallel stitch lines  62  are included and tack the edge marginal region of the pocket  56  to the leg section  42 . The plurality of stitch lines  62  are provided on each side of each respective pocket  56 . 
     Referring to FIG. 9, it can be seen that transverse stitch lines, as indicated by numerals  63  and  64 , secure the top and bottom of each pocket to the leg section  42 . Each of the respective pockets  56  includes a closed opening which is closed by a lid or flexible cap  65 . Finger pressure is used to open the flexible lid or cap  65  for insertion of or removal of the weighted insert  60 . The bottom of the pocket  56  is reinforced by a separate piece  66  by means of bottom stitching  63  and an augmented stitch  67 . Thus, the bottom of each pocket is reinforced so as to prevent fatiguing of the material at the bottom due to rubbing or engagement with the bottom of the weighted insert  60 . The bulge  61  is not necessarily shown in FIG. 9 when the inserts  60  are placed inside the respective pockets, particularly when the article is not worn at the time. The flexible material of the garment is not stretched or bulged when the weighted insert is inserted or taken from the pocket when the garment is in a relaxed condition, such as when not worn at the time by the user. 
     Referring in detail to FIG. 10, it can be seen that the weighted insert  60  may be introduced into the storage compartment of the pocket  56  when the lid, cover or closure  65 , has been flexed to its open position. Once the insert has been seated in the pocket  56 , the lid or closure  65  will spring into its closed position, as illustrated by the adjacent lids or closures on adjacent pockets. Also, for convenience in opening the lid or closure, a rib  68  is formed so that the user&#39;s thumb or finger can easily cause the material to be pushed back to open the storage compartment. 
     Referring now in detail to FIG. 11, a feature of the present invention is illustrated wherein a D-ring  70  is pivotally attached to the buckle of the belt  53 , so that when the hasp  54  is closed, as illustrated in solid lines, the curved portion  71  of the D-ring outwardly projects ahead of the garment. The buckle arrangement includes the hasp  54 , being pivotally carried on a base  72  so that as the end of the belt  53  passes between the hasp and the base, the belt can be folded over upon itself and captured in an interference fit at the pivot point of the buckle. It can be seen that the straight portion  73  of the D-ring  70  is captured by an end  74  of the belt  53 , opposite from its end, coupled to the base  72 . The purpose of the D-ring is to serve as a connector for a snap-ring  75  that is connected on the end of a tension cord  76 , such as a cable or the like. As the cable is pulled in the direction of the double arrows, the D-ring is tensioned and the belt about the waist of the user is also tensioned. Therefore, the user can experience a pulling force which will again exercise the user&#39;s body. 
     With respect to FIG. 12, a package for the pair of shorts  41  is illustrated, which includes a case having a box-like portion  81  in which the pair of shorts  41  are removably packed. A header  82  of the box-like container is indicated by numeral  82  and includes a component of a two-component fastener such as projected component  83 . A carrying handle  84  is integrally formed into the header as well as an aperture  85  for insertably receiving a hook, pin or the like in order to hang the closed package on a rod. The other portion of the package  80  includes a container portion  86  having an interior compartment for storing a plurality of weighted inserts, such as insert  87 . The inserts are typical as previously described for use in connection with insertion into the plurality of pockets on the garment  41 . In the present instance, the weighted inserts  87  may be stored in formed receptacles, such as receptacle  88 , formed in the bottom of the container portion  86 , or a separate and removable tray  90  may be used. The tray has a plurality of storage recesses, such as recess  91 , in which the weighted inserts can be partially retained. The entire tray  90  can be inserted into the cavity of the container portion  86  in addition to or independent from the storage area carried on the bottom of the container portion  86 . It is also to be noted that the container portion  86  includes a header  92 , which mates with and includes indexed features to coincide with the features of the header  82 . 
     In view of the foregoing, it can be seen that the weighted garment may take different forms and include several embodiments. The weighted pair of shorts  41  places stress and strain on the wearer&#39;s muscles so that the muscles are thoroughly exercised in order to produce increased strength and tone. 
     While particular embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made without departing from this invention in its broader aspects and, therefore, the aim in the appended claims is to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of this invention.