Wearable Resistance Apparatus

Abstract

A wearable resistance apparatus includes a waist band and a pair of leg resistance assemblies. Each leg resistance assembly includes a leg anchor, a foot anchor and at least one resistance band. The resistance bands preferably attach between a waist area and a foot area of a wearer and each extend down a rear of the wearer's legs. When the resistance bands are moved into a resistant position, tension is created in lower body muscles of the wearer, such as gluteal muscles, hamstring muscles and/or calf muscles. The wearable resistance apparatus provides exercise to the wearer during everyday activities and also provides enhanced exercise when performing activities such as walking, cycling, jogging and running.

Claims

1. A wearable resistance apparatus comprising: a waist band configured to encircle a waist area of a wearer, the waist band including a pair of first band fasteners; a pair of leg resistance assemblies each configured for wear about a respective leg of the wearer, each leg resistance assembly including: a leg anchor configured to attach about a knee area of the wearer, the leg anchor including a second band fastener; a foot anchor configured to attach about a foot area of the wearer, the foot anchor including a third band fastener; and at least one resistance band including a first end opposite a second end and a band length therebetween, the first end configured to attach to one of the first band fasteners and the second end configured to attach about the third band fastener such that a substantially mid-section of the band length rests about the second band fastener, thereby securing the at least one resistance band against the respective leg between the waist area and the foot area; wherein the at least one resistance band is in a neutral position when the wearer is seated and provides zero to minimal resistance to the wearer in the neutral position; and wherein leg movement moves the at least one resistance band into a resistant position, thereby creating tension in at least one muscle between the waist area and the foot area of the wearer.

2. The wearable resistance apparatus of claim 1, wherein each first band fastener includes a strap encircling the waist band and a first ring attached to the strap, and wherein the first end of the at least one resistance band is configured to wrap about the first ring.

3. The wearable resistance apparatus of claim 2, wherein the leg anchor includes a leg band configured to encircle the knee area of the wearer.

4. The wearable resistance apparatus of claim 3, wherein the second band fastener is defined by an opening in the leg anchor, and wherein the at least one resistance band is configured to thread through the opening.

5. The wearable resistance apparatus of claim 4, wherein the third band fastener includes a second ring, and wherein the second end of the at least one resistance band is configured to wrap about the second ring.

6. The wearable resistance apparatus of claim 5, the foot anchor includes a foot strap configured to strap under a foot of the wearer.

7. The wearable resistance apparatus of claim 6, wherein the second ring is configured to rest about an ankle of the wearer.

8. The wearable resistance apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one resistance band is moved into the resistant position when an angle between a lower leg of the wearer and a thigh of the wearer is one of increased and decreased from substantially 90 degrees.

9. The wearable resistance apparatus of claim 8, wherein the at least one resistance band is moved into the resistant position when the wearer performs one of standing, cycling, running, jogging and walking.

10. The wearable resistance apparatus of claim 9, wherein the pair of first band fasteners are disposed at a rear section of the waist band, wherein the second band fastener is disposed at a rear section of the leg anchor, and wherein the third band fastener is disposed at a rear section of the foot anchor.

11. The wearable resistance apparatus of claim 10, wherein the resistant position creates tension in at least one of gluteal muscles, hamstring muscles and calf muscles.

12. A wearable resistance apparatus comprising: a waist band configured to encircle a waist area of a wearer, the waist band including a pair of first band fasteners, each first band fastener including a strap encircling the waist band and a first ring attached to the strap, each first band fastener disposed in line with a leg of the wearer when the waist band is attached thereto; a pair of leg resistance assemblies, each leg resistance assembly including: a leg anchor configured to attach about a knee area of the wearer, the leg anchor including a knee band configured to encircle the knee area of the wearer and a second band fastener, the second band fastener defined by an opening in the leg anchor; a foot anchor configured to attach about a foot area of the wearer, the foot anchor including a foot strap configured to strap under a foot of the wearer and a third band fastener, the third band fastener including a second ring; and at least one resistance band including a first end opposite a second end and a band length therebetween, the first end configured to wrap about the first ring, the at least one resistance band configured to thread through the opening such that substantially a mid-section of the band length rests about the third band fastener, and the second end configured to wrap about the second ring, thereby securing the at least one resistance band between the waist area and the foot area; wherein the at least one resistance band is in a neutral position when the wearer is seated and provides zero to minimal resistance to the wearer in the neutral position; and wherein movement of the leg moves the at least one resistance band into a resistant position, thereby creating tension in at least one muscle between the waist area and the foot area of the wearer.

13. The wearable resistance apparatus of claim 12, wherein the at least one resistance band is moved into the resistant position when an angle between a lower leg of the wearer and a thigh of the wearer is one of increased and decreased from substantially 90 degrees.

14. The wearable resistance apparatus of claim 13, wherein the at least one resistance band is moved into the resistant position when the wearer performs one of standing, cycling, running, jogging and walking.

15. The wearable resistance apparatus of claim 14, wherein the pair of first band fasteners are disposed at a rear of the waist band, wherein the second band fastener is disposed at a rear of the leg anchor, and wherein the third band fastener is disposed at a rear of the foot anchor.

16. The wearable resistance apparatus of claim 15, wherein the resistant position creates tension in at least one of gluteal muscles, hamstring muscles and calf muscles.

17. A method of using a wearable resistance apparatus, the method comprising the steps of: providing the wearable resistance apparatus including: a waist band configured to encircle a waist area of a wearer, the waist band including a pair of first band fasteners; a pair of leg resistance assemblies each configured for wear about a respective leg of the wearer, each leg resistance assembly including: a leg anchor configured to attach about a knee area of the wearer, the leg anchor including a second band fastener; a foot anchor configured to attach about a foot area of the wearer, the foot anchor including a third band fastener; and at least one resistance band including a first end opposite a second end and a band length therebetween, the first end configured to attach to one of the first band fasteners and the second end configured to attach about the third band fastener such that a substantially mid-section of the band length rests about the second band fastener, thereby securing the at least one resistance band against the respective leg between the waist area and the foot area; wherein the at least one resistance band is in a neutral position when the wearer is seated and provides zero to minimal resistance to the wearer in the neutral position; and wherein leg movement moves the at least one resistance band into a resistant position, thereby creating tension in at least one muscle between the waist area and the foot area of the wearer; attaching the first end of the at least one resistance band of each leg resistance assembly to the pair of first band fasteners; threading the second end of the at least one resistance band of each leg resistance assembly through the second band fastener such that substantially the mid-section of the band length rests about the second band fastener; attaching the second end of the at least one resistance band of each leg resistance assembly about the third band fastener; attaching the waist band to the wearer such that the waist band encircles a waist area of the wearer; attaching the leg anchor of each leg resistance assembly to each knee area of the wearer; attaching the foot anchor of each leg resistance assembly to each foot area of the wearer; and selectively moving each leg of the wearer, thereby moving the at least one resistance band of each respective leg resistance assembly into the resistant position and creating tension in at least one muscle between the waist area and the foot area of each leg.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the at least one resistance band is moved into the resistant position when an angle between a lower leg of the wearer and a thigh of the wearer is one of increased and decreased from substantially 90 degrees.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the at least one resistance band is moved into the resistant position when the wearer performs one of standing, cycling, running, jogging and walking.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the pair of first band fasteners are disposed at a rear section of the waist band, wherein the second band fastener is disposed at a rear section of the leg anchor, wherein the third band fastener is disposed at a rear section of the foot anchor, and wherein the resistant position creates tension in at least one of gluteal muscles, hamstring muscles and calf muscles.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The figures which accompany the written portion of this specification illustrate embodiments and methods of use for the present disclosure, a wearable resistance apparatus, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the wearable resistance apparatus being used to exercise a lower body of a wearer, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 2 is a perspective side view of the wearable resistance apparatus illustrating a resistance band in a neutral position, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 3 is a perspective side view of the wearable resistance apparatus illustrating the resistance band in a resistant position, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 4 is a rear view of the wearable resistance apparatus illustrating a waist band and a pair of leg resistance assemblies, each of the pair of leg resistance assemblies including a leg anchor, a foot anchor and a resistance band, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 5 is a front view of the wearable resistance apparatus of FIG. 4, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 6 is a side view of the wearable resistance apparatus of FIG. 4, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 7 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of using a wearable resistance assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] The various embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like designations denote like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] As discussed above, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to exercise apparatus and more particularly to a wearable resistance apparatus to provide exercise to a wearer. Generally, the wearable resistance apparatus may be worn discretely underneath pants or above pants, with as little discomfort as possible. The wearable resistance apparatus may be quickly and easily attached to and removed from the wearer. The wearable resistance apparatus may utilize natural leg movements of the wearer to provide a consistent workout with minimal effort. For example, an individual who spends a majority of their day sitting (such as an office worker) may achieve a workout by simply wearing the wearable resistance apparatus and moving their legs between extension and flexion. Alternatively, those who exercise regularly may wear the wearable resistance apparatus to improve their existing workout and add resistance to their routine. For example, runners may achieve better results by wearing the wearable resistance apparatus whilst running.

[0020] The wearable resistance apparatus may utilize two resistance bands that begin at the wearer's lower back and run along the back of their legs to their ankle (one resistance band on each leg). When the wearer moves their leg, such as when walking, running, cycling, or simply lifting the leg, the wearable resistance apparatus creates a lower body workout. In some embodiments, the wearable resistance apparatus may further include a waist band; a pair of under knee anchors each having a loop in which one of the resistance bands passes through; and a pair of foot anchors to help control upward pull of the resistance bands.

[0021] Referring now more specifically to the drawings by numerals of reference, there is shown in FIGS. 1-6, various views of a wearable resistance apparatus 100. As shown, the wearable resistance apparatus 100 may be worn on a body of the wearer 5, particularly, a lower body of the wearer 5, and as such, the wearable resistance apparatus 100 may provide exercise to the lower body of the wearer 5. As shown in FIGS. 1-6, the wearable resistance apparatus 100 may include a waist band 110 and a pair of leg resistance assemblies 120 each including a leg anchor 130, a foot anchor 140 and at least one resistance band 150.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 1 and FIGS. 4-6, the waist band 110 may be configured to encircle a waist area of the wearer 5. It should be appreciated however that the waist band 110 (despite use of the word ‘waist’) is not limited to positioning at the waist area of the wearer 5. For example, the waist band 110 may encircle a hip area of the wearer 5. The location may be decided by the wearer 5, depending on comfort, area to be exercised, etc. In some embodiments, the waist band 110 may be a continuous loop. In other embodiments, the waist band 110 may include a strip of material with fasteners at either end for attaching about the waist area of the wearer 5. For example, the fasteners may include hook and loop fastener. In some embodiments, the waist band 110 may be a belt-like band. The waist band 110 may be made from a material having a strength ranging from medium to heavy and may be used to provide support to the leg anchor 130, as well as provide overall support to the wearer 5. In some embodiments, the waist band 110 may be resistant to flexing. Further, preferably, the waist band 110 may include be adjustable, providing for differently sized wearers and for allowing for easy connection and removal of the waist band 110.

[0023] The waist band 110 may include a pair of first band fasteners 112. As shown in FIG. 4, one of the first band fasteners 112 may be located on the waist band 110 such that it is disposed above a left leg of the wearer 5 (when the waist band 110 is attached thereto) and the other of the first band fasteners 112 may be located on the waist band 110 such that it is disposed above a right leg of the wearer 5.

[0024] As shown in FIGS. 1-6, the pair of leg resistance assemblies 120 may each be configured for wear about a respective leg of the wearer 5. For example, the pair of leg resistance assemblies 120 may include a left leg resistance assembly configured for wear about the left leg of the wearer 5, and a right leg resistance assembly configured for wear about the right leg of the wearer 5. Each of the leg resistance assemblies 120 may include identical features such that the leg resistance assemblies 120 may be easily swappable (i.e., a leg resistance assembly 120 worn on the left leg one day may be worn on the right leg day another day). As such, for the sake of clarity, both leg resistance assemblies 120 are discussed and shown in the figures with identical reference numbers. As shown, each leg resistance assembly 120 may include the leg anchor 130, the foot anchor 140, and the at least one resistance band 150.

[0025] As shown, the leg anchor 130 may be configured to attach about a knee area of the wearer 5. For example, as shown in FIGS. 4-6, the leg anchor 130 may attach about an under knee area. However, it should be appreciated that the leg anchor 130 is not limited to this location; for instance, the leg anchor 130 may attach about an upper knee area, over the knee, etc. In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 2-6, the leg anchor 130 may include a leg band 131 configured to encircle the knee area of the wearer 5. In some examples, the leg band 131 may be a continuous loop. In other examples, the leg band 131 may be fastened via fasteners, such as hook and loop fastener. Preferably, the leg anchor 130 may also be made from a material having a strength ranging from medium to heavy. Further, in some embodiments, the leg anchor 130 may be resistant to flexing. As shown, the leg anchor 130 may include a second band fastener 132.

[0026] Further, the foot anchor 140 may be configured to attach about a foot area of the wearer 5. As shown, the foot anchor 140 may include a foot strap 141 configured to strap under a foot of the wearer 5. In some embodiments, the foot strap 141 may be a thin non-flexible band that runs under the foot of the wearer 5. As shown, the foot anchor 140 may include a third band fastener 142 attached at a top of the foot strap 141.

[0027] The at least one resistance band 150 may include a first end 152 opposite a second end 154 and a band length 156 therebetween. As shown, the first end 152 may be configured to attach to one of the first band fasteners and the second end 154 may be configured to attach about the third band fastener 142 such that a substantially mid-section of the band length 156 rests about the second band fastener 132, thereby securing the at least one resistance band 150 against the respective leg between the waist area and the foot area.

[0028] Preferably, the at least one resistance band 150 may be provided in a variety of resistance strengths. As such, the resistance bands 150 may be easily removable from the pair of leg resistance assembly 120 so as to enable the wearer 5 to utilize different strengths depending on desired tension level. For example, the wearable resistance assembly 100 may include a variety of resistance bands 150 ranging from low strength (for example a 5 lb weight equivalent) to high strength (for example a 50 lb weight equivalent). In some embodiments, the variety of resistance bands may be separated into categories: basic resistance bands and athletic resistance bands. The basic resistance bands may range from 1-5 in strength. For example, 1 may be a 5 lb weight equivalent and 5 may be a 30 lb weight equivalent. The athletic resistance bands may range from 1-15 in strength. Again, in some examples, the 1 may be a 5 lb weight equivalent; and the 15 may be a 50 lb weight equivalent. It should however be appreciated that these weight equivalents are provided as examples only and the resistance bands 150 are not limited to the weights discussed here.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 2, the at least one resistance band 150 may be in a neutral position 157 when the wearer 5 is seated; meaning that the at least one resistance band 150 may provide zero resistance (or may provide minimal resistance) and thus no tension to legs of the wearer 5 when they are seated. Leg movement (for example, movement between extension and flexion) may then move the at least one resistance band 150 into a resistant position 159, thereby creating tension in at least one muscle between the waist area and the foot area of the wearer 5. Preferably, natural leg movements of the wearer 5 may place the at least one resistance band 150 into the resistant position 159.

[0030] For example, when the wearer 5 is seated, their lower leg may be at a substantially 90 degree angle relative to their thigh (as shown in FIG. 2) and thus, when the lower leg is at the substantially 90 degree angle relative to the thigh, the at least one resistance band 150 may be in the neutral position 157. To move the at least one resistance band 150 into the resistant position 159 (and thereby provide exercise to the legs), the wearer 5 may move their lower leg to increase or decrease the substantially 90 degree angle relative to the thigh, as shown in FIG. 3. This may be achieved by moving the lower leg forward or backward. In another example, as shown in FIG. 1, the at least one resistance band 150 may be moved into the resistant position 159 when the wearer 5 either stands, cycles, runs, jogs, walks, or the like. Further, in some embodiments, the at least one resistance band 150 may assist the wearer 5 in lifting their legs when walking on an incline and may create resistance (move into the resistant position 159) when the wearer 5 is walking on a decline.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 4, in some embodiments, each first band fastener 112 may include a strap 113 encircling the waist band 110, and a first ring 115 attached to the strap 113. In this embodiment, the first end 152 of the at least one resistance band 150 may be configured to wrap about the first ring 115. In another example, the first end 152 of the at least one resistance band 150 may include a first band ring configured to connect with the first ring 115 (not illustrated). The third band fastener 142 may include a second ring 143 and the second end 154 of the at least one resistance band 150 may be configured to wrap about the second ring 143. As shown in FIGS. 1-4 and FIG. 6, the second ring 143 may be configured to rest about an ankle of the wearer 5. Similar to above, in another example, the second end 154 may include a second band ring configured to connect with the second ring 143 (not illustrated).

[0032] As shown particularly in FIG. 4, the second band fastener 132 may include an opening 133 in the leg anchor 130 (or leg band 131) and the second end 154 of the at least one resistance band 150 may be configured to thread through the opening 133. For example, the second end 154 may first be threaded through the opening 133 (after the first end 152 has been attached to one of the first band fasteners 112) and then attached to the third band fastener 142. The threading of the second end 154 through the opening 133 may keep the at least one resistance band 150 as close against the leg of the wearer 5 as possible.

[0033] As shown in FIGS. 1-6, the pair of first band fasteners 112 may be disposed at a rear section of the waist band 110, the second band fastener 132 may be disposed at a rear section of the leg anchor 130, and the third band fastener 142 may be disposed at a rear section of the foot anchor 140. As such, the at least one resistance band 150 may rest against a rear of the leg of the wearer 5. As such, the resistant position 159 my create tension in posterior body muscles of the wearer 5. For example, gluteal muscles, hamstring muscles, and/or calf muscles. Particularly, the wearable resistance apparatus 100 may be used for increasing strength in the gluteus maximus.

[0034] Referring now to FIG. 7 showing a flow diagram illustrating a method 200 of using a wearable resistance apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In particular, the method 200 may include one or more components or features of the wearable resistance assembly 100 as described above. As illustrated, the method 200 may include the steps of: step 201, providing the wearable resistance assembly as above; step 202, attaching the first end of the at least one resistance band of each leg resistance assembly to the pair of first band fasteners; step 203, threading the second end of the at least one resistance band of each leg resistance assembly through the second band fastener such that substantially the mid-section of the band length rests about the second band fastener; step 204, attaching the second end of the at least one resistance band of each leg resistance assembly about the third band fastener; step 205, attaching the waist band to the wearer such that the waist band encircles a waist area of the wearer; step 206, attaching the leg anchor of each leg resistance assembly to each knee area of the wearer; step 207, attaching the foot anchor of each leg resistance assembly to each foot area of the wearer; and step 208, selectively moving each leg of the wearer, thereby moving the at least one resistance band of each respective leg resistance assembly into the resistant position and creating tension in at least one muscle between the waist area and the foot area of each leg.

[0035] As above, the at least one resistance band may be moved into the resistant position when an angle between the lower leg of the wearer and the thigh of the wearer is either increased or decreased from substantially 90 degrees; and/or when the wearer performs one of standing, cycling, running, jogging and walking. Further, as above, the pair of first band fasteners may be disposed at the rear section of the waist band, the second band fastener may be disposed at the rear section of the leg anchor and the third band fastener may be disposed at the rear section of the foot anchor and as such, the resistant position may create the tension in at least one of the gluteal muscles, hamstring muscles, and/or calf muscles of the wearer.

[0036] It should be noted that certain steps may be optional and may not be implemented in all cases. Optional steps of method 200 are illustrated using dotted lines in FIG. 7 so as to distinguish them from the other steps of method 200. It should also be noted that the steps described in the method of use can be carried out in many different orders according to user preference. The use of “step of” should not be interpreted as “step for”, in the claims herein and is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f). It should also be noted that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other methods for using a wearable resistance apparatus are taught herein.

[0037] The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention. Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientist, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application.