Abstract:
A harness apparatus for a user engaging in freestanding leg exercises with a weightlifting bar is presented. The apparatus has at least two shoulder harness straps shaped for resting on the users shoulders. Front hooks are positioned on the front of the shoulder harness straps and configured for holding the weightlifting bar when the user places the weightlifting bar on a chest position. Back hooks are positioned on the back of the shoulder harness straps and configured for holding the weightlifting bar when the user places the weightlifting bar on a behind the neck position. A vertical spine blade attachable to the shoulder harness straps is provided for assisting the user in maintaining an upright position of the users upper torso during the exercises. A weightlifting belt attachable to the vertical spine blade provides support to the users lower back and waistline during the exercises.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present Utility patent application claims priority benefit of the U.S. provisional application for patent Ser. No. 60/593,666 filed on Feb. 3, 2005 under 35 U.S.C. 119(e). The contents of this related provisional application are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. 
     
    
     FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    Not applicable. 
       REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER LISTING APPENDIX 
       [0003]    Not applicable. 
       COPYRIGHT NOTICE 
       [0004]    A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office, patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. 
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    The present invention relates generally to exercise equipment. More particularly, the invention relates to a harness to be used when performing freestanding leg exercises. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    When performing various freestanding leg exercises such as, but not limited to, regular squats, wide legged squats, front squats, stationary lunges, and alternating lunges, it is beneficial for a weightlifter to maintain correct posture and have support for his back and upper torso. This support becomes more crucial as the weightlifter increases the amount of weight he or she is lifting. Maintaining proper posture and support reduces the risk of injury and improves the quality of the exercise. Existing weightlifting accessories are intended strictly for easing the tension of the weight bar along the neckline, and provide no upper body support or assistance in maintaining the proper form when training. 
         [0007]    Having an upper body support allows less tension/pressure across the neckline—shoulders trapezoids and collar bones to mention. Less pressure here generally results in a better upright posture to aid in a full squat position while training. Lower back pressure usually stops the body from allowing follow through in movement—spine and waistline support eases the pressure off of these areas for better performance. In view of the foregoing, there is a need for a device that provides upper body support and maintains correct posture for a weightlifter performing freestanding leg exercises. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]    The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which: 
           [0009]      FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 2 , and  FIG. 3  illustrate an exemplary training harness to provide support while performing freestanding leg exercises, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 1  shows a side view of the harness.  FIG. 2  shows a three-quarter view of the harness illustrating the placement of stationary back-harness hooks.  FIG. 3  shows a three-quarter view of the harness illustrating the secure placement of a spine blade in an outside back pocket on a weightlifting belt and a hook and loop tongue secured to a hook and loop strip on spine blade; 
           [0010]      FIG. 4  is a back view of an exemplary male version of a training harness, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0011]      FIG. 5A  and  FIG. 5B  illustrate an exemplary front harness hook and an exemplary adjustment system for the front harness hook, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 5A  illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary front harness adjustable strap, and  FIG. 5B  illustrates a perspective view of the exemplary front harness hook; 
           [0012]      FIG. 6  illustrates an exemplary harness, as shown by way of example in  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 2 , and  FIG. 3 , in typical use by a male user, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and 
           [0013]      FIG. 7  illustrates an exemplary training harness, as shown by way of example in  FIG. 4 , in typical use by a male user, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
       [0014]    Unless otherwise indicated illustrations in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0015]    To achieve the forgoing and other objects and in accordance with the purpose of the invention, a harness apparatus for squatting exercises is presented. 
         [0016]    In one embodiment, a harness apparatus for a user engaging in freestanding leg exercises with a weightlifting bar is provided. The apparatus comprises at least two shoulder harness straps shaped for resting on the users shoulders, front hooks positioned on the front of the shoulder harness straps and configured for holding the weightlifting bar when the user places the weightlifting bar on a chest position, back hooks positioned on the back of the shoulder harness straps and configured for holding the weightlifting bar when the user places the weightlifting bar on a behind the neck position, a vertical spine blade attachable to the shoulder harness straps for assisting the user in maintaining an upright position of the users upper torso during the exercises, and a weightlifting belt attachable to the vertical spine blade for providing support to the users lower back and waistline during the exercises. In another embodiment, the shoulder harness straps are attachable to the vertical spine blade by a pivotal means. In another embodiment, the weightlifting belt further comprises a pocket for receiving a bottom end portion of the vertical spine blade. In a further embodiment, the vertical spine blade is attached to the weightlifting belt by an adjustable means for height positioning of the vertical spine blade relative to the weightlifting belt. In another embodiment, the front hooks are positioned by an adjustable attachment means. In yet another embodiment, the shoulder harness straps further comprise a padding attached to an underneath side of the shoulder harness straps. The padding, in another embodiment, further comprises indented scoring. The vertical spine blade, in another embodiment, further comprises a padding attached to an underneath side of the blade. In another embodiment, the padding further comprises indented scoring. 
         [0017]    In another embodiment, a harness apparatus for a user engaging in freestanding leg exercises with a weightlifting bar is presented. The apparatus comprises at least two shoulder harness straps shaped for resting on the users shoulders, front hooks positioned on the front of the shoulder harness straps and configured for holding the weightlifting bar when the user places the weightlifting bar on a chest position, back hooks positioned on the back of the shoulder harness straps and configured for holding the weightlifting bar when the user places the weightlifting bar on a behind the neck position, a back blade attachable to back ends of the shoulder harness straps, a vertical spine blade attachable to the back blade for assisting the user in maintaining an upright position of the users upper torso during the exercises, and a weightlifting belt attachable to the vertical spine blade for providing support to the users lower back and waistline during the exercises. In another embodiment, the back blade comprises adjustable attachment points for the straps. In yet another embodiment, the weightlifting belt further comprises a pocket for receiving a bottom end portion of the vertical spine blade. In another embodiment, the vertical spine blade is attached to the weightlifting belt by an adjustable attachment means for height positioning of the vertical spine blade relative to the weightlifting belt. The front hooks, in another embodiment, are positioned by an adjustable attachment means. In still another embodiment, the shoulder harness straps further comprise a padding attached to an underneath side of the straps. The padding, in another embodiment, further comprises indented scoring. In another embodiment, the vertical spine blade further comprises a padding attached to an underneath side of the blade. In still another embodiment, the padding further comprises indented scoring. 
         [0018]    In another embodiment, a harness apparatus for a user engaging in freestanding leg exercises with a weightlifting bar is presented. The apparatus comprises a shoulder harness means for supporting the weightlifting bar during the exercises, a spine blade means attachable to the shoulder harness means for supporting the users back, and a belt means attachable to the spine blade means for supporting the users lower back and waistline during the exercises. In another embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a back blade means or providing adjustable attachment of the shoulder harness means to the spine blade means. 
         [0019]    Other features, advantages, and object of the present invention will become more apparent and be more readily understood from the following detailed description, which should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0020]    The present invention is best understood by reference to the detailed figures and description set forth herein. 
         [0021]    Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to the Figures. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes as the invention extends beyond these limited embodiments. For example, it should be appreciated that those skilled in the art will, in light of the teachings of the present invention, recognized a multiplicity of alternate and suitable approaches, depending upon the needs of the particular application, to implement the functionality of any given detail description herein, beyond the particular implementation choices in the following embodiments described and shown. That is, there are numerous modifications and variations of the invention that are too numerous to be listed but that all fit within the scope of the invention. Also, singular words should be read as plural and vice versa and masculine as feminine and vice versa, where appropriate, and alternatives embodiments do not necessarily imply that the two are mutually exclusive. 
         [0022]    The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. 
         [0023]    Embodiments of the present invention provide a harness to be used by a person performing freestanding leg exercises in order to support the upper torso of the user. The harness aids the user in performing the following freestanding leg exercises, without limitation; regular squats, wide legged squats, stationary lunges, alternating lunges and front squats. In the preferred embodiment, this harness is used to hold in place an Olympic weightlifting bar with or without additional weight attached. The preferred embodiment comprises a shoulder harness, a spine blade, and a weightlifting belt. The shoulder harness helps to evenly distribute and balance the Olympic bar across the shoulders of the user. The spine blade helps the user maintain an upright position of the upper torso when doing freestanding leg exercises. The detachable contour weightlifting belt is added support to the lower back and waistline. 
         [0024]      FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 2 , and  FIG. 3  illustrate an exemplary training harness to provide support while performing freestanding leg exercises, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 1  shows a side view of the harness.  FIG. 2  shows a three-quarter view of the harness illustrating the placement of stationary back harness hooks  41 .  FIG. 3  shows a three-quarter view of the harness illustrating the secure placement of a spine blade  30  in an outside back pocket  20 A on a weightlifting belt  15  and a hook and loop (e.g., Velcro™) tongue  20  secured to a hook and loop strip  25  on spine blade  30 . The present embodiment comprises detachable contour fabric/woven weightlifting belt  15 , intended to provide support to the lower back and waistline of the user. In the present embodiment, weightlifting belt  15  is constructed of neoprene; however, in alternate embodiments, weightlifting belt  15  may be made of various other materials such as, but not limited to, nylon. In most applications, a nylon belt works best due to the contour waistline structure in shape of the belt itself. Leather belts are generally thick and cut/bite into the waistline—they have limited appeal to a universal usage. In the present embodiment, the harness has dual density foam padding  10  with an anti-bacterial fabric coating throughout. Alternate embodiments may have no anti-bacterial coating and may have other types of padding such as, but not limited to, single density foam, and foam padding materials such a Microban™ made by Microban International, Ltd./Huntersville, N.C. The Microban antimicrobial product protection fights the growth of odor causing bacterial keeps sports gear cleaner and fresher. The harness comprises two shoulder strap fittings with front adjustable hooks  40  and non-adjustable back hooks  41 , and vertical spine blade  30  with hook and loop strip  25 . In alternate embodiments back hooks  41  may also be adjustable. 
         [0025]    In the present embodiment, weightlifting belt  15  has an easy adjustable hook and loop (e.g., Velcro™) strap  15 A for varied waistline size giving the user a more secure fit. In alternate embodiments, weightlifting belt  15  may be adjustable by various other means such as, but not limited to, one or more buckles, snaps, hooks, etc. Outside pocket  20 A is sewn to the back center area of weightlifting belt  15 . Outside pocket  20 A is top stitched and functions as a placeholder for spine blade  30  to securely fit into when the harness is in use. Outside pocket  20 A is constructed of stiffened material so that spine blade  30  can easily slide into outside pocket  20 A. Hook and loop tongue  20  on outside pocket  20 A may vary in length and adjusts the height of spine blade  30  with respect to weightlifting belt  15 . When in use, hook and loop tongue  20  is placed through a loop  25 A and adhered to hook and loop strip  25  for setting the position of spine blade  30 . Loop  25 A adds to the security of hook and loop tongue  20  when set in place. 
         [0026]    Those skilled in the art in light of the present teachings will recognize that there are various different means for setting spine blade  30  in place. Spine blade  30  is extended upward vertically from weightlifting belt  15  as support to the entire back of the user. In the present embodiment, spine blade  30  is constructed of semi-rigid aluminum and is lined with padding  10  that is ⅜ to ½ inch non-porous neoprene adhesively attached to the underneath side of spine blade  30 . In alternate embodiments, spine blade  30  may be made of various different materials such as, but not limited to, other flexible metals, composite materials, or various plastics. An example of another suitable material for the spine blade material is a carbon fiber made of a strong, stiff thin fiber of nearly pure carbon combined with synthetic resins to produce a strong resin, lightweight material that is commonly used in construction of aircraft, autos, racing bikes and spacecrafts. The contour fit of padding  10  to spine blade  30  is noted with indented scoring  10 A along padding  10 . Scoring  10 A enables padding  10  to flex to contour to the back of the user. Alternate embodiments may not include scoring in padding  10 . In the present embodiment, spine blade  30  connects to shoulder harness straps  50  by an adjoining pivotal rivet  35 . Pivotal rivet  35  enables the harness to be compacted for packing and storage by rotating shoulder harness straps  50  downward. 
         [0027]    In the present embodiment, shoulder harness straps  50  are also lined with padding  10  that is adhesively attached to the underneath side of shoulder harness straps  50 . In the present embodiment, shoulder harness straps  50  comprise a rigid aluminum insert to spread the weight across the shoulders of the user. Shoulder harness straps  50  have contoured and indented scoring  10 A in padding  10 . Each shoulder harness strap  50  extends forward comfortably fitting over each shoulder of the user. In the present embodiment, the harness is cosmetically covered with a webbed woven fabric  50 B. Shoulder harness straps  50  provide front harness hooks  40  and stationary back harness hooks  41 . Font harness hooks  40  hold the Olympic bar when the user places the bar on the chest, and back harness hooks  41  serve as the resting pad for the Olympic bar when the user places the Olympic bar behind the neck. Back harness hooks  41  are secured in place by a reinforced steel loop  45 . In alternate embodiments, back harness hooks  41  may be secured in place through various means, for example, without limitation, the back hooks may be held on with adjustable or non-adjustable straps or the hooks may be molded from the same pieces of metal as the inserts of the shoulder harness straps. Though not shown in  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 2 , or  FIG. 3 , front harness hooks  40  are engaged in adjustable straps, shown by way of example in  FIG. 5A . 
         [0028]      FIG. 4  is a back view of an exemplary male version of a training harness, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The present view illustrates the secure placement of harness spine blade  30  being placed in outside back pocket  20 A on weightlifting belt  15 , and hook and loop tongue  20  in the act of adherence to hook and loop strip  25  on spine blade  30 . In the present embodiment, the harness is designed with an adjustable back blade  60 . Some embodiments, designed for women, have non-adjustable attachments, which comprise non-adjustable suspender fittings. A reason for designing such embodiments for women is that research in measuring the upper chest cavity of a novice, athletic and elite female weight trainer proved to not varied in size therefore did not warrant an adjustable attachment. One notable exception is in the case of a female power lifter or a female athletic of same physique who would likely opt to use the male adjustable harness. The embodiment shown by way of example in  FIGS. 1 through 3  are for the female version. It should be noted that the main difference between the male and female version is the adjustable attachment which needs to be shown in with the overall harness. However, everything else about the male/female versions of the harness is generally the same. Due to the difference in anatomic structural size of typical males&#39; individual upper torsos, it is preferable to allow an adjustment feature for shoulder harness straps  55 . Said feature is adjustable back blade  60  added to a pivotal rivet  35 . Within adjustable back blade  60  is a sliding slot  65  with indented groove like sockets for shoulder harness straps  55  to click lock in from left to right. 
         [0029]    The present embodiment also comprises features illustrated by way of example in  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 2 , and  FIG. 3  such as, but not limited to, back harness hooks  41 , padding  10 , scoring  10 A, loop  25 A, and hook and loop strap  15 A. Also, as previously described, various alternate means may be used for adjustment of spine blade  30  and weightlifting belt  15  such as, but not limited to, buckles, snaps, hooks, etc. 
         [0030]      FIG. 5A  and  FIG. 5B  illustrate an exemplary front harness hook  40  and an exemplary adjustment system for front harness hook  40 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 5A  illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary front harness adjustable strap  85 , and  FIG. 5B  illustrates a perspective view of exemplary front harness hook  40 . In the present embodiment, front harness hook  40  is adjustable to enable customization of the bar position for various exercises. For added strength to adjustable strap  85  in the present invention, fabric content is of webbed woven stitching with a hook and loop strip inset  85 A. Both front harness adjustable straps  85  are clearly marked on inset  85 A with stitch-like horizontal lines  85 B as placements for evening adjusting straps when securing front harness hooks  40 . Alternate embodiments may not include horizontal lines. In the present embodiment, front harness hook  40  is secured to front harness adjustable strap  85  with a tongue-like flap  85 D inserted through an eye  70  of front harness hook  40 . Tongue-like flap  85 D is secured to front harness adjustable strap  85  having an inset surface cover  85 C of hook and loop material. In alternate embodiments, the adjustment of adjustable strap  85  may be accomplished by different means such as, but not limited to, buckles or snaps. 
         [0031]    A close-up of front harness hook  40  is provided to show thickness and width. In the present embodiment, front harness hook  40  is made of galvanized steel that should substantially hold the weight of a weighted Olympic bar. Note, galvanized steel enables ease in release of the steel weighted Olympic bar from front adjustable hooks  40  and back adjustable hooks  41 . Other suitable materials for front harness hooks  40  include, without limitation, aluminum, and the carbon fiber as described above for the spine material. An opening  75  of front harness hook  40  is where the weighted Olympic bar rests when in use. In the present embodiment, hook section  90  is the lip portion of hook opening  75  that the weighted Olympic bar rests against. Eye  70  of front harness hook  40  and the stem of tongue-like flap  85 D accommodate each other in shape, thickness, and size for a uniform fit. 
         [0032]      FIG. 6  illustrates an exemplary harness, as shown by way of example in  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 2 , and  FIG. 3 , in typical use by a male user, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 6  shows a front view of the user in a standing position for a front squat exercise. In the present example, the user has placed the Olympic bar in the front harness hooks so that the Olympic bar is resting on his chest. For this situation, the harness works as follows: in the conventional manner, the individual places all of the focus on maintaining the bar high up over the chest collar. Pressing against the collar bone is also a distracting feeling while trying to focus on maximize training. There too is the concern of correct holding of the Olympic bar evenly. With the Olympic bar placed even across the front hooks—even pressure/balance while holding the bar still allows the focus to be mainly on training with correct weight distribution of the bar with weights now solely on the harness and not the individuals body. 
         [0033]      FIG. 7  illustrates an exemplary training harness, as shown by way of example in  FIG. 4 , in typical use by a male user, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 7  shows a rear view of the user holding an Olympic bar with weights in standing position. In the present example, the user is preparing to perform a rear squat or lunge exercise so the Olympic bar is in back the back harness hooks and the weight of the Olympic bar is distributed evenly across the shoulders and upper back of the user. The preferred embodiment can hold a maximum weight of 400 lbs including the weight of the Olympic bar. The harness provides support to the upper torso when the Olympic bar is in place across the shoulders with or without additional weight. When the weight is in the harness, the harness flexes inward, allowing the back of the user to maintain an upright position while exercising. The weightlifting belt allows for additional support. This support enables fuller squat position in movement of the exercises. Enhanced quality of leg development is noted due to less stress of the upper torso when the weighted Olympic bar is across the shoulders. Embodiments of the present invention enable the user to focus more on the quality of the leg training rather than the need for upper body support. 
         [0034]    Those skilled in the art, in light of the foregoing, will recognize a multiplicity of alternative and suitable ways to configure a harness that helps avoid injury while training. While the use of steel has been described above, it is contemplated that other suitable materials may be used that enhance safety and will sustain the weight and tolerance while using the harness. 
         [0035]    Having fully described at least one embodiment of the present invention, other equivalent or alternative means for implementing a training harness for freestanding leg exercises according to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, without limitation, some non-collapsing embodiments may not include a pivotal rivet. Also, some embodiments may not include a weightlifting belt where the spine blade extends downward from the shoulder harness straps. The invention has been described above by way of illustration, and the specific embodiments disclosed are not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed. The invention is thus to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the following claims.