Patent Document

This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 09/019,477 filed on Feb. 5, 1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,244,997. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is related to exercise weights. More specifically, the present invention is related to exercise weights which fit into pockets, or can be adjusted or placed in a holder whose tension can be adjusted about the body of a user. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Exercise equipment is commonly used by the multitude of people who exercise. There is an enormous collection of exercise equipment for exercises. The present invention offers comfort, ease of use, adjustability and compactness to the exerciser to make exercising more convenient and for the exerciser to achieve the desired training for a given muscle or muscle group. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention pertains to an ankle weight system. The system comprises an adjustable weighting system. The system comprises a mechanism for holding the weighting system to an ankle of the user. 
     The present invention pertains to a method for exercising. The method comprises the steps of zipping a first cell having a first weight to a second cell having a second weight. Then there is the step of placing the first cell and second cell around the leg. Next there is the step of pulling a strap of the first cell tight around the leg. Then there is the step of pulling a strap of the second cell tight around the leg. 
     The present invention pertains to a wrist weight system. The system comprises a weight portion weighing at least 15 ounces having a first end and a second end. The system comprises a stretchable band portion that connects with the first end and the second end of the weight portion and together with the weight portion forms a closed continuous essentially cylindrical shape with an opening having a diameter through which the user inserts the wrist. The system comprises an adjustable tensioning portion connected to the weight portion which varies the tension of the weight portion about the wrist. 
     The present invention pertains to a method for exercising. The method comprises the steps of inserting a wrist through an opening of a wrist weight having an essentially cylindrical shape. Then there is the step of pulling a tensioning portion of the wrist weight so a weighted portion of the wrist weight is tightened about the rest. Next there is the step of securing the tensioning portion to the weighted portion to maintain the tension of the weighted portion. 
     The present invention pertains to a belt-ankle-wrist-thigh weight system. The system comprises a first weight portion. The system comprises a first attachment portion connected to the first weight portion which is attachable to a user. The system comprises a second weight portion. The system comprises a second attachment portion connected to the second weight portion which is attachable to a user. The second attachment portion is attachable and separable with the first attachment portion to form a third continuous weight portion of the first and second weight portions which is attachable to a user. 
     The present invention pertains to a method for exercising. The method comprises the steps of attaching a first weight portion to a second weight portion. Then there is the step of strapping the first and second weight portions around the hips of a user so the first and second weight portions are situated over the right and left hips, respectively. Next there is the step of removing the first and second weight portions from the user. Then there is the step of separating the first and second weight portions. Next there is the step of strapping the first weight portion to the right thigh of the user. Then there is the step of strapping the second weight portion to the left thigh of the user. 
     The present invention pertains to an exercise apparatus. The apparatus comprises a weight. The apparatus comprises a holder for a weight. The holder has a pocket which holds the weight. The pocket has a slot through which the weight is placed into or removed from the pocket. The pocket has a smooth outer surface with no protrusions or flap or zipper extending from the surface. 
     The present invention pertains to a handweight. The handweight comprises a holder portion which is adapted to fit about the hand and wrist of a user. The holder portion holding a first weight about the hand and a second weight about the wrist. The first and second weight are adjustable. The handweight comprises a first weight. The handweight comprises a second weight. 
     The present invention pertains to a method for exercising. The method comprises the steps of placing a holder portion about the hand and wrist of a user. Then there is the step of removing a first weight from a first pocket over the hand of the holder portion. Next there is the step of removing the second weight from a second pocket over the wrist of the holder portion. Then there is the step of inserting a new first weight having a different weight than the first weight into the first pocket. Next there is the step of inserting a new second weight having a different weight then the second weight into the second pocket. 
     The present invention pertains to a handweight. The handweight comprises a holder portion which fits about the hand and has a plurality of pockets. Each pocket has a slot. The pockets are adapted to be disposed about the knuckles of a user. The handweight comprises a plurality of weights which are removably disposed in respective pockets. Each weight is inserted in and removed from the pocket through respective slots in the pockets. 
     The present invention pertains to a handweight. The handweight comprises a one piece holder portion with a pocket. The handweight comprises a one piece continuous foldable weight which is disposed in the handweight and holder portion and extends about the hand of a user when the handweight is on the hand of the user. 
     The present invention pertains to an exercise apparatus. The exercise apparatus comprises a vest adapted to fit about the chest and back of a user. The vest has pockets which hold weights. The exercise apparatus comprises an adjustable fitting mechanism which can tighten the vest about the user from the right and left sides of the user. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     In the accompanying drawings, the preferred embodiment of the invention and preferred methods of practicing the invention are illustrated in which: 
     FIGS. 1,  2  and  3  are schematic representations of ankle weights of the present invention. 
     FIGS. 4,  5  and  6  are schematic representations of wrist weight of the present invention. 
     FIGS. 7,  8 ,  9 ,  10 ,  11  and  12  are schematic representations of a belt, arm, wrist, ankle, leg, thigh weight. 
     FIG. 13 is a schematic representation of a pocket with a weight. 
     FIGS. 14,  15 ,  16 ,  17 ,  18 ,  19  and  20  are schematic representations of an adjustable hand-wrist weight of the present invention. 
     FIGS. 21,  22 ,  23 ,  24 ,  25  and  26  are schematic representations of another embodiment of a handweight of the present invention. 
     FIGS. 27 and 28 are schematic representations of a knuckle weight of the present invention. 
     FIGS. 29,  38 ,  31 ,  32  and  33  are schematic representations of an exercise apparatus regarding a vest of the present invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference numerals refer to similar or identical parts throughout the several views, and more specifically to FIGS. 1,  2  and  3  thereof, there is shown an ankle weight system  10 . The ankle weight system  10  comprises an adjustable weighting system  12 . The ankle weight system  10  comprises a mechanism  14  for holding the weighting system  14  to an ankle of the user. 
     Preferably, the weighting system  12  includes a first weight  16  of at least one pound and at least a second weight  18  of at least one pound. The holding mechanism  14  preferably includes a first cell  20  and at least a second cell  22  which is attachable and separable from the first cell  20 . The first cell  20  holds the first weight  16 , and the second cell  22  holds the second weight  18 . Preferably, each cell has a strap  24  which is adapted to wrap around the leg of a user. The first cell  20  preferably includes a first zipper mechanism  20 , and the second cell  22  includes a second zipper mechanism  28  which zips with the first zipper mechanism  26 . 
     The present invention pertains to a method for exercising. The method comprises the steps of zipping a first cell  20  having a first weight  16  to a second cell  22  having a second weight  18 . Then there is the step of placing the first cell  20  and second cell  22  around the leg. Next there is the step of pulling a strap  24  of the first cell  20  tight around the leg. Then there is the step of pulling a strap  24  of the second cell  22  tight around the leg. 
     In the operation of the ankle weight system  10 , as shown in FIGS. 1,  2  and  3 , there is a first weight  16  disposed in a first cell  20 . The first cell  20  has a first zipper mechanism  26  attached to it. A second cell  22  has a second weight  18  and a second zipper mechanism  28  attached to it. The first cell  20  is connected to the second cell  22  by zipping together at the first and second zipper mechanisms. If desired, additional cells with additional weights having the zipper mechanisms attached to the perspective cells can be combined with the second cell  22  to extend the ankle weight system  10  and add weight to the ankle weight system  10 . Typically the third cell  29  having a third weight  30  with a third zipper mechanism  31  is attached through the zipper mechanisms to the second cell  22 , as shown in FIG.  1  and FIG.  3 . 
     When the user wishes to use the ankle weight system  10 . The user determines how much weight is to be included on the ankle weight system  10 . The user then combines a desired number of cells to attain this weight. The cells, connected together through the zipper mechanisms are wrapped around an ankle and held in place by hook and loop fasteners  32  which connect opposite ends of the cells together to form a closed loop around the ankle. 
     The present invention pertains to a wrist weight system  40 . The system  40  comprises a weight portion  41  weighing at least 15 ounces having a first end  42  and a second end  43 . The system  40  comprises a stretchable band portion  44  that connects with the first end  42  and the second end  43  of the weight portion  41  and together with the weight portion  41  forms a closed continuous essentially cylindrical shape with an opening  45  having a diameter through which the user inserts the wrist. The system  40  comprises an adjustable tensioning portion  46  connected to the weight portion  41  which varies the tension of the weight portion  41  about the wrist. 
     Preferably, the tensioning portion  46  includes a strap  47  having a fixed strap end  48  connected to the first end  42  of the weight portion  41  and a free strap end  49 . The strap  47  has a first connector portion  50  adjacent the free strap end  49 . The tensioning portion  46  includes a second connector portion  51  disposed adjacent the second end  43  of the weight portion  41  which mates with the first connector portion  50  to maintain the weight portion  41  at a desired tension about the wrist of the user. The first connector portion  50  and second connector portion  52  are preferably hook and loop fasteners, respectively. 
     The present invention pertains to a method for exercising. The method comprises the steps of inserting a wrist through an opening  45  of a wrist weight  40  having an essentially cylindrical shape. Then there is the step of pulling a tensioning portion  46  of the wrist weight  40  so a weighted portion  41  of the wrist weight  40  is tightened about the rest. Next there is the step of securing the tensioning portion  46  to the weighted portion  41  to maintain the tension of the weighted portion  41 . 
     In the operation of the wrist weight system  40 , the hand of a user is inserted through the opening  45  of the weight portion  41  until the wrist weight system  40  is positioned about the wrist of the user. See FIG.  5 . The weight portion of  41  has a first end  42  and a second end  43  that are connected together through a band portion  44  which stretches to allow the first end  42  and second end  43  to separate from each other and still be connected to each other as a hand moves through the opening  45 . The band portion  44  serves to maintain the weight portion  41  in the desired cylindrical shape to facilitate easy positioning of the wrist weight system  40  by the user. See FIG.  4 . 
     Once the wrist weight system  40  is in a desired position around the wrist of the user, a strap  47  which is attached to the first end  42  at a fixed strap end  48  is pulled to in turn pull the first end  42  toward the second end  43 . This serves to tension the weight portion  41  onto the wrist. The free strap end  49  of the strap  47  is then placed down onto the weight portion  41 . At the free strap end  49  is a first connection portion  50 . Adjacent to the second end  43  of the weight portion  41  is a second connector portion  51 . The first connector portion  50 , when placed against the second connector portion  51  is held in place and maintains the weight portion  41  in a desired tension. See FIG.  6 . The first connector portion  50  and second connector portion of  51  can be hook and loop fasteners. 
     The present invention pertains to a belt-ankle-wrist-thigh weight system  55 . The system  55  comprises a first weight portion  56 . The system  55  comprises a first attachment portion  57  connected to the first weight portion  56  which is attachable to a user. The system  55  comprises a second weight portion  58 . The system  55  comprises a second attachment portion  59  connected to the second weight portion  58  which is attachable to a user. The second attachment portion  59  is attachable and separable with the first attachment portion  57  to form a third weight portion  60  of the first and second weight portions which is attachable to a user. 
     Preferably, the first weight portion  56  and the second weight portion  58  each have a plurality of weights  61  that are held by the respective attachment portion. Each attachment portion preferably has a plurality of pockets  62 , each pocket holding a weight  61 . 
     Preferably, the first attachment portion  57  includes a first strap  63  to which pockets  62  are attached. The first strap  63  has hook and loop fasteners  64  which holds the first weight portion  56  to the user. The second attachment portion  59  includes a second strap  65  to which pockets  62  are attached. The second strap  65  has hook and loop fasteners  64  which hold the second weight portion  58  to the user and to the first attachment portion  57 . The first and second attachment portions preferably each have a loop  66  through which a strap passes to form an attachment. 
     The present invention pertains to a method for exercising. The method comprises the steps of attaching a first weight portion  36  to a second weight portion  58 . Then there is the step of strapping the first and second weight portions around the hips of a user so the first and second weight portions are situated over the right and left hips, respectively. Next there is the step of removing the first and second weight portions from the user. Then there is the step of separating the first and second weight portions. Next there is the step of strapping the first weight portion  56  to the right thigh of the user. Then there is the step of strapping the second weight portion  58  to the left thigh of the user. 
     In the operation of the belt-angled-wrist-thigh system  55 , a first weight portion  56  and second weight portion  58  are connected together through a first attachment portion  57  connected to the first weight portion of  56  and a second attachment to portion  58  connected to the second weight portion  58 . See FIG.  7  and FIG.  8 . Each attachment portion has pockets  62 . The first attachment portion  57  includes a first strap  63  along which pockets  62  are sewn. The second attachment portion  59  includes a second strap  65  which also has pockets  62  sewn to it. The first weight portion  56  includes weights  61  that are inserted into the pockets  62  along the first strap  63 , as shown in FIG.  9 . Similarly, the second weight portion  58  includes weights  61  that are inserted into pockets  62  along second strap  65 . The weight  61  can be chosen to be a certain weight so the overall weight of the respective weight portions is attained. 
     The first weight portion of  56  and second weight portion  58  are connected together by the first strap  63  passing through a loop  66  of the second attachment portion  59  and the first strap  63  then bring brought back upon itself and fixed to itself through hook and loop fasteners  64 . The second strap  65  of the second attachment portion  59  is then brought around to pass through the loop  66  of the first attachment portion  57  and brought back upon itself to be fixed in place through hook and loop fasteners  64 . 
     During positioning by a user onto the body, the first strap  63  is passed through loop  66  of the second attachment portion  59  and fastened back onto itself with the hook and loop fasteners  64 . With the second strap  65  still loose, the first and second weight portions, which are now connected together and form a third weight portion  60  whose weight is the sum of the total weight of the first weight portion  56  and second weight portion  58 , are positioned around the waist so the first weight portion  56  is situated about the right hip and the second weight portion  58  is situated about the left hip. Then the second strap  65  is passed through the loop  66  of the first attachment portion and fastened upon itself through hook and loop fasteners  64 . 
     When the user decides to remove the weight system  55 , the second strap  65  is separated from itself and pulled back through the loop  66  of the first weight portion  56 . The first and second weight portions can then be removed from the body of the user. 
     The user can then separate the first strap  63  from the loop of the second attachment portion  59  and thus separate the first weight portion  56  from the second weight portion  58 . Each weight portion can then serve as a separate weight system that can be used to wrap around an ankle or wrist or thigh. See FIGS. 10,  11 , and  12 . In each case, the respective strap is simply passed through the loop  66  of its own attachment portion and pulled to create a desired tension around the given appendage of the user so it fits properly during exercise. 
     The present invention pertains to an exercise apparatus  70 . The apparatus  70  comprises a weight  71 . The apparatus  70  comprises a holder  72  for a weight  71 . The holder  72  has a pocket  73  which holds the weight  71 . The pocket  73  has a slot  74  through which the weight  71  is placed into or removed from the pocket  73 . The pocket  73  has a smooth outer surface  75  with no protrusions or flap or zipper extending from the surface  75 . 
     In the operation of the exercise device  70 , a continuous weight  71 , is inserted into a pocket  73  through a slot  74  in the pocket  73 . See FIG.  13 . When the weight  71  is disposed in the pocket  73  it is fully surrounded by the pocket  73 . The pocket  73  is sewn onto a holder  72 . The slot  74  in the pocket  73  is flush with the outer surface  75  so the outer surface  75  is smooth and there are no flaps or zippers or hooks to extend from the outer surface  75  to rub or scratch the user. If the weight  71  is desired to be changed, the weight is simply removed through the slot  74  from the pockets  73  and a different weight  71  can be introduced back into the pocket  73 . 
     The present invention pertains to a handweight. The handweight comprises a holder portion  81  which is adapted to fit about the hand and wrist of a user. The holder portion  81  holds a first weight  82  about the hand and a second weight  83  about the wrist. The first and second weights are adjustable. The handweight  80  comprises a first weight  82 . The handweight  80  comprises a second weight  83 . 
     Preferably, the holder portion  81  includes a first holder portion  84  disposed about the hand in which the first weight  82  can be changed and a second holder portion  85  disposed about the wrist in which the second weight  83  can be changed. The first holder portion  84  preferably is a first pocket  86  with a slot  87 , and the second holder portion  85  is a second pocket  88  with a slot  87 . The first weight  82  is inserted into or removed from the first pocket  86  through the slot  87 . The second weight  83  is inserted into or removed from the second pocket  88  through the slot  87 . 
     Preferably, the holder portion  81  includes a third pocket  89  disposed about the hand, and a fourth pocket  90  disposed about the wrist, and a third weight  91  which is removably installable in the third pocket  89  and a fourth weight  92  which is newly installed in the fourth pocket  90 . The holder portion  81  is preferably one piece. 
     Preferably, the holder portion  81  has a first side  93  and a second side  94  and a first strap  95  and a second strap  96  on the first side  93 . The first strap  95  and the second strap  96  connects with the second side  99  when the holder portion  81  is about the hand of the user. The first strap  95  and second strap  96  and second side  94  preferably have hook and loop fasteners  97  which mate to connect the first and second straps with the second side  94 . Preferably, the holder portion  81  has an inner surface  98  which is smooth and has no seams. The first weight can be magnetic for medical applications. 
     The present invention pertains to a method for exercising. The method comprises the steps of placing a holder portion  81  about the hand and wrist of a user. Then there is the step of removing a first weight  82  from a first pocket  86  over the hand of the holder portion  81 . Next there is the step of removing a second weight  83  from a second pocket  88  over the wrist of the holder portion  81 . Then there is the step of inserting a new first weight  82  having a different weight than the first weight  82  into the first pocket  86 . Next there is the step of inserting a new second weight  83  having a different weight then the second weight  83  into the second pocket  88 . 
     In the operation of the handweight  80 , there is a holder portion  81  having a first holder portion  84  which holds a first weight  82 , and a second holder portion  85  with holds a second weight  83 , as shown in FIG.  14 . The first holder portion  84  has a first pocket  86  with a slot  87 , and the second holder portion  85  has a second pocket  88  with a slot  87 . The first weight  82  is disposed in the first pocket  86  and is inserted into or removed from the first pocket  86  through the slot  87 . Similarly, the second weight  83  is disposed in the second pocket  88  and is inserted into or removed from the second pocket  88  through the slot  87  in the second pocket  88 . The first pocket  86  is disposed on the holder portion  81  so that it is positioned on the inside of the hand of a user. The second pocket  88  is disposed on the holder portion  81  so that it is positioned on the inside of the wrist of the user. 
     The first holder portion  84  also includes a third pocket  89  disposed on the holder portion  81  so that it is positioned on the outside of the hand, and the second holder portion  85  includes a fourth pocket  90  that is disposed on the holder portion of  81  so that it is positioned on the outside of the wrist. A third weight  91  is held by the third pocket  89  and a fourth weight  92  is held by the fourth pocket  90 . 
     The holder portion  81  has a first side  93  and a second side  94  with a thumb hole  99  located approximately in the center of the holder portion  81 . When the handweight  80  is put on to the hands of the user, the thumb of the hand extends through the thumb hole  99 , the first side  93  is positioned on the inside of the hand and wrist and the second side  94  is positioned on the outside of the hand and wrist. There is a first strap  95  and a second strap  96  that are sewn to the first side  93  of the holder portion  81 . At the ends of the first strap  95  and second strap  96  are hook and loop fasteners  97  which mate with hook and loop fasteners  97  on the second side  94  of the holder portion  81 . The straps and hook and loop fasteners  97  serve to connect and maintain tension of the holder portion  81  about the hand and the wrist. See FIGS. 15 and 16. 
     The pockets allow for the easy introduction and removal of weights so desired weights can be used with the handweight at any given time. The weights are located around the wrist and the hand to provide resistance to both areas for exercise purposes. 
     As shown an FIG. 18, the holder portion  81  is one continuous piece with the pockets formed into it. During manufacture, the pockets are folded inwards about the shown dotted lines in FIG.  18  and the weights are inserted into or removed from the respective pockets as shown in FIG.  16 . The holder portion  81  is sewn together at the zig zag points shown in FIG.  19 . Once the sewing is complete, the holder portion  81  is turned inside out, as shown in a FIG. 20 so the inner surface  98  that is in contact with the hand and wrist of the user is smooth without any seams or edges to irritate our cause a blister to a user during exercise with the handweight  80 . 
     The presence of the first pocket  86  on the inside of the hand when the holder portion  81  is in place, allows a squeezable or pliable weight to the inserted into the first pocket  86 . This not only provides weights to the hand for exercise purposes but also serves to hold the weight  82  so the user can squeeze the weight  82  an exercise the fingers and tendons and muscles associated with the gripping action of the hand. 
     Alternatively, the first weight  82 , second weight  83 , third weight  91  and fourth weight  92 , either all or any one of them, can be magnetic to use in medical applications. See for instance page 323 of Natural Healing Basics, and the chapter titled “Magnets: Stop Pain . . . Ease Arthritis . . . Help Heal Broken Bones and More”, incorporated by reference, herein. The presence of the magnet causes the blood to be drawn to the area in the hand about the magnet to increase blood flow and diminish pain due to a combination of the Hall effect and stabilizing influence on the nervous system. Typically, the medical magnet is rated at 200 to 800 gauss. 
     The present invention pertains to a handweight  110 . The handweight  110  comprises a holder portion  112  which fits about the hand and has a plurality of pockets  114 . Each pocket  114  has a slot  116 . The pockets  114  are adapted to be disposed about the knuckles of a user. The handweight  110  comprises a plurality of weights  118  which are removably disposed in respective pockets  114 . Each weight  118  is inserted in and removed from the pocket  114  through respective slots  116  in the pockets  114 . 
     In the operation of handweight  110 , as is shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, there is a one-piece holder portion  112  that has a pocket  114 . The pocket  114  inside the holder portion  112  is accessed through a slot  116  through which a one piece weight  118  is inserted or removed. The holder portion  112  has straps  120  and a thumb opening  122  which allows the holder portion  112  to be placed about the hand. The weight  118  is flexible so that it can bend around the hand when the handweight  110  is connected to the hand by the straps being connected together through hook and loop fasteners. 
     The holder portion  112  is formed by first folding the holder portion  112  along the dotted line in FIG.  23 . Then, the holder portion  112  is sewn along the zig zag lines shown in FIG. 24 to form the pockets  114 . The holder portion  112  is then turned inside out, as shown in the FIG.  25 . This allows the smooth outer surface of the holder portion  112  to contact the hand of the user to minimize blistering or irritation of the skin of the user. Then, the weight  118  is inserted through the slot  116  into the pocket  114 . If it is desired to change the weight  118 , then the weight of  118  is removed from the pocket  114  through the slot  116  and a new and different weight  118  is inserted back into the pocket  114  through the slot  116 . To facilitate the weight being inserted or removed from the pocket  114 , the weight  118  is covered with a Lycra or Tricot fabric so the weight will slide in or out of the pocket easily. Generally, this is done with all weights and pockets. 
     The present invention pertains to a handweight  140 . The handweight  140  comprises a one-piece holder portion  142  with a pocket  144 . The handweight  140  comprises a one-piece continuous foldable weight  146  which is disposed in the holder portion  142  and extends about the hand of a user when the handweight  140  is on the hand of the user. 
     In the operation of the handweight  140 , shown in FIGS. 27 and 28, there is a one piece holder  142  that has pockets  144 . Each pocket  144  has a weight  146  in it. The weight  146  is inserted into or removed from the pockets through a slot  147 . The holder  142  is configured so that when it is around the hands of the user, the weights  146  in the pockets  144  are aligned over the knuckles of the back of the hand of the user and also in front of the hand and below the fingers. 
     The handweight  140  has straps  148  with hook and loop fasteners  149  on them. On the corresponding symmetrically opposite location the one piece holder  142  are also hook and loop fasteners which mate with the corresponding hook and loop fasteners on the straps  148  to tension and hold the handweight  140  in place around the hands. There is a thumb opening  150  in which the thumb is discloses when the handweight  140  is in place. 
     The present invention pertains to an exercise apparatus  160 . The exercise apparatus  160  comprises a vest  162  adapted to fit about the chest and back of a user. The vest has pockets  164  which hold weights  166 . The exercise apparatus  160  comprises an adjustable fitting mechanism  168  which can tighten the vest  162  about the user from the right and left sides of the user. 
     Preferably, the pockets  164  are disposed on the inner surface  170  of the vest  162 . The weights  166  preferably can be changed to vary the total weight of the vest  166 . Preferably, the vest  162  has a back  172  and a front  174  with a right side  176  and left side  178 , and the vest  162  has a zipper  180  which connects the right side  176  and left side  178  together. 
     The fixing mechanism  168  preferably includes a first loop and strap mechanism  182  connected to the right side  176  and the back  172 , and a second loop and strap mechanism  184  connected to the left side  178  and the back  172 . Each loop and strap mechanism is adjustable to vary the tension of the vest  162  about the user. 
     In the operation of the exercise apparatus  160 , shown in FIG. 29, there is a vest  162  having a front  174  and a back  172 . The vest  162  has pockets  164  that are on the back  172  and the right side of  176  and the left side  178  of the front  174 . The vest covers the chest and back of the user and can be worn under clothing or during sports activity such as basketball or soccer besides the more standard jogging or walking exercises as well as aerobic exercise. Each pocket  164  has a weight  166  disposed in them. Each pocket  164  has a slot  186  through which a weight  166  is inserted or removed. The pockets  164  or disposed on the inner surface  170  of the vest  162 . See FIG.  33 . 
     The right side  176  and left side  178  of the front  174  have a zipper mechanism  180  connected to them which allows the right side  176  and left side  178  to be zipped together when in place around the body of the user. There is a first loop and strap mechanism  182  connected to the right side  176  and the back  172 , and a second loop and strap mechanism  184  connected to the left side  178  and back  172 . The first and second loop and strap mechanisms are used to tension the vest about the user when the vest is place. The first and second loop and strap mechanisms allow the vest to be tightened from both the right and left sides of the user so the vest tensions uniformly about the user. See FIGS. 31 and 32. 
     Instead of a zipper used to connect the right side  176  and left side  78 , there can be fasteners  194  on the right side  176  and left site  178  which are used to connect the right side  176  and left side  178  together, as shown in FIG.  30 . 
     Each loop and strap mechanism  182  has a strap  188  and a loop  190  through which a strap  188  passes, as shown and FIGS. 29 and 31. After the strap  188  passes through the loop  190 , it is passed through a second loop  192  adjacent the first loop  190  in the direction from which it came. Each of the straps of the loop and strap mechanisms are then pulled forward causing the right side  176  and left side  178  and back  172  to come together to the desired tension. 
     The weights  166  are about 0.5 inches thick to 1 inch thick and are 0.5 pounds to 1 pound, respectively, in weight. They are two inches wide and 4 inches high. The thickness of the fabric is 0.0625, and is made of a Wearnyle teflon coated nylon. 
     These weights can be used in all embodiments described above with pockets. In regard to the handweight covering the knuckles, the weights can be longer and narrower but of the same thickness. The weight can be as little as 0.25 pounds. For the weights in cells such as the ankle and wrist weights, the weight itself can be between 0.5 pounds to 7 pounds each. Generally, the holder portions are made of nylon covered in Neoprene made by Rubatex that is ⅛ inches thick. 
     Materials for the weights and holder portions or cells are also described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/555,771, filed Nov. 9, 1995, titled “Reinforced Thermoplastic Elastomeric Gel”; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/694,993 filed Aug. 9, 1996, titled “High Friction Interface for Weights”; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/619,330 filed Mar. 21, 1996, titled “Exercise and Therapy Device”; and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/555,772 filed Nov. 9, 1995, titled “Concealable Arm and Leg Weight”, all of which are incorporated by reference herein. Each weight has a durometer preferably less than 50 shore A and is a composite comprising reinforcement of solid particles of ceramic or metal greater than or equal to 1 micron in size; and a thermoplastic elastomer having polymer chains, said reinforcement is distributed throughout and between the polymer chains. 
     Although the invention has been described in detail in the foregoing embodiments for the purpose of illustration, it is to be understood that such detail is solely for that purpose and that variations can be made therein by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention except as it may be described by the following claims.

Technology Category: 1