Enhanced garment and method of using the same

Abstract

An enhanced garment and method of using the same is characterized by a garment that provides for one or more grip pads to be secured onto or integrated into the garment at locations where the grip pads may be advantageous to the user. In some embodiments, the positioning of the grip pads on or within the garment may correspond to locations wherein friction, cushioning, or other advantage is desired. When in use, the present invention may provide that the user may grip objects more securely, manipulate objects equipment more efficiently, or otherwise perform tasks in a desired way.

Claims

1. A method of using a garment, including the steps of: providing a garment suitable for exercise, wherein said garment contains a torso portion, a first sleeve and a second sleeve, each sleeve extendable over at least a portion of a user's hand and one of a plurality of cushioning grip pads formed as a single member located on each sleeve at a wrist portion and a portion corresponding to a user's upper back along a base of such user's neck, wherein each single member grip pad located on each wrist portion is configured to span a distal end of the wrist portion and taper therefrom towards each sleeve, and the single member grip pad centrally located at the user's upper back is configured as a horizontally elongated member crossing over the user's spinal column; positioning a first flat elastomeric band over a user's middle and ring fingers, thereby extending the first sleeve along a user's arm so as to position a first grip of the one or more grip pads in alignment with a user's palm; positioning a second flat elastomeric band over a user's middle and ring fingers, thereby extending the second sleeve along a user's arm so as to position a second grip of the one or more grip pads in alignment with a user's palm; providing an exercise bar; resting the exercise bar across a user's lower neck or upper back in alignment with the center of the user's upper back and the exercise bar; gripping the bar with each hand using the grip pads; and performing an exercise.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 shows a front planar view of a garment in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

(2) FIG. 2 shows a reverse or backside planar view of a garment in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

(3) FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary method that may be used in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

(4) FIG. 4 is a front-perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention.

(5) For simplicity and clarity of illustration, the drawing figures illustrate the general manner of construction, and descriptions and details of well-known features and techniques may be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the invention. Additionally, elements in the drawing figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention. The same reference numerals in different figures denote the same elements.

(6) The terms “first,” “second,” “third,” “fourth,” and the like in the description and in the claims, if any, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a particular sequential or chronological order. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such that the embodiments described herein are, for example, capable of operation in sequences other than those illustrated or otherwise described herein. Furthermore, the terms “include,” and “have,” and any variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, system, article, device, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to those elements, but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, system, article, device, or apparatus.

(7) The terms “couple,” “coupled,” “couples,” “coupling,” and the like should be broadly understood and refer to connecting two or more elements or signals, electrically, mechanically or otherwise. Two or more electrical elements may be electrically coupled, but not mechanically or otherwise coupled; two or more mechanical elements may be mechanically coupled, but not electrically or otherwise coupled; two or more electrical elements may be mechanically coupled, but not electrically or otherwise coupled. Coupling (whether mechanical, electrical, or otherwise) may be for any length of time, e.g., permanent or semi-permanent or only for an instant.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(8) Having summarized various aspects of the present disclosure, reference will now be made in detail to that which is illustrated in the drawings. While the disclosure will be described in connection with these drawings, there is no intent to limit it to the embodiment or embodiments disclosed herein. Rather, the intent is to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents included within the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

(9) With reference to FIG. 1, an embodiment of the present invention may comprise a garment 100, having a torso portion 101 and sleeve portions 102 and 103. Sleeve portions 102 and 103 may provide for a grip pad 104. Here, the grip pad 104 is sized and shaped as an approximation of the size and shape of an exemplary user's palms. Indeed, it may be seen that the grip pad 104 appears to define at least a majority of the surface area defined by the exemplary user's palms drawn by way of example and not limitation.

(10) It is contemplated that the present invention may allow a user to position sleeve portions 102 or 103, or both, in either of a “first” or a “second” position. FIG. 1 depicts a “first” position, wherein sleeves 102 and 103 cover a user's wrists but not hands or palms. In such a position, grip pads 104 are positioned above a user's wrists. A user could also pull sleeve 102 or 103, or both, to a “second” position where sleeve 102 or 103, or both, cover(s) a user's hand(s) and palm(s). In such a position, it is contemplated that grip pad(s) 104 may be positioned over a user's palm(s). In a “second” position, it is contemplated that grip pads 104 may enhance a user's ability to grip objects in a user's palm via the grip pad's properties.

(11) Continuing with FIG. 1, it is contemplated that in certain embodiments the present invention may provide for grip pad(s) 104 in an array of shapes and sizes. By way of illustration and not of limitation, in some embodiments grip pad(s) 104 may be rectangular, or circular, triangular, oval, or any other suitable shape. Grip pad(s) 104 may also be in the shape of a letter, number, or design. It is contemplated that in certain embodiments, the shape of one or more grip pad(s) 104 may correlate to one of many possible uses. Again for illustration and not limitation, a grip pad 104 in a circular shape could assist a user in manipulating circular objects, a grip pad 104 in a square shape could assist a user in manipulating square objects, and so forth. Additionally, a grip pad 104 in a rectangular shape could, in some configurations, assist a user in gripping a bar.

(12) It is further contemplated that in certain embodiments, the fabric of garment 100 may comprise a lightweight, breathable material suitable for releasing heat, such as may be appropriate when exercising in a warm or hot environment. It is further contemplated that in some embodiments, garment 100 comprises a thick fabric suitable for trapping heat, such as may be appropriate when exercising in a cool or cold environment. In some embodiments, garment 100 may be comprised of a mixture of fabrics possessing varying properties. Moreover, in some embodiments, garment 100 may be comprised of neoprene or another material suitable for a wetsuit. Furthermore, in some embodiments, garment 100 may be comprised of a weighted material suitable for resistance training.

(13) Continuing with FIG. 1, it is contemplated that in certain embodiments grip pad(s) 104 may be fixedly attached to garment 100 via adhesive or stitching elements. It is further contemplated that in some embodiments grip pad(s) 104 may be removably attached to sleeve(s) 102 or 103, or both, via a hook and loop fastener or a removable adhesive element, or may be removably secured by a pocket or other holding element within sleeve(s) 102 or 103, or both. It is further contemplated that in certain embodiments, the present invention may provide for one or more grip pad(s) removeably attached to garment 100, sleeve(s) 102 or 103, or both, and may also provide for one or more grip pad(s) fixedly attached to garment 100, sleeve(s) 102 or 103, or both.

(14) Remaining with FIG. 1, it is contemplated that in certain embodiments sleeves 102 and 103 may be removably attached to torso portion 101 via a hook and loop fastener or other removable element. In some embodiments it is further contemplated that the present invention may provide for a stand-alone embodiment wherein sleeve(s) 102 or 103, or both, are provided without torso portion 101. It is to be understood that such stand-alone embodiments are not limited to sleeve(s) 102 or 103, or both, but would be appropriate for a stand-alone version of torso portion 101 having a centered grip pad 201, or any other suitable embodiment of the present invention.

(15) With further respect to FIG. 1, in certain embodiments grip pad(s) 104 may provide for gel elements, or may be entirely comprised of a gel-pad as that element is known in the art. Some related embodiments may provide for an interchangeable system of gel and solid grip pad(s) 104 that may be of varying thicknesses and may possess varying properties such as by way of illustration and not of limitation, cushioning, friction, heating, cooling, luminescent, design, or other such properties.

(16) With reference to FIG. 2, an embodiment of the present invention may comprise a garment 100, having a torso portion 101 and sleeve portions 102 and 103. Sleeve portions 102 and 103 may provide for a centered grip pad 201. The shape of centered grip pad 201 is drawn by way of example and not limitation. It is contemplated that centered grip pad 201 may provide a user with enhanced stability or cushioning relative to objects placed on centered grip pad 201.

(17) With reference to FIG. 3, a method of using the present invention is illustrated. In some embodiments, a user may rest and secure a barbell 302 against centered grip pad 201. Once secured in place, a user may perform one or more exercises using barbell 302.

(18) Continuing with FIG. 3, once a user has rested a barbell across a user's shoulders and across centered grip pad 201, and gripped the barbell securely using grip pads 104, a user may, for purposes of illustration and not limitation, squat down and then stand again, thereby using the weight of the barbell and any attached weight as resistance for a user's workout. It is contemplated that the properties of grip pads 104 and centered grip pad 201 may provide the user with enhanced stability and safety during such a workout.

(19) With reference to FIG. 4, an embodiment of the present invention may comprise a garment 100, having a sleeve portion 103 and thumbhole 403. Sleeve portion 103 is here shown with an elastomeric band member 401, which is intended to slip over a user's fingers 402, thereby moving sleeve portion 103 further towards a user's fingers 402. In addition, a user may slip the user's thumb through the thumbhole 403 as shown in FIG. 4. In such an embodiment, it is contemplated that grip pad 104 would be positioned over a user's palms.

(20) Continuing with FIG. 4, it is contemplated that in certain embodiments, sleeve 103 may be detached from torso portion 101 (not shown). In some embodiments, sleeve 103 may be so short as to effectively comprise a forearm-sleeve element that provides for one or more grip pad(s) 104. In some embodiments, sleeve terminus 404 may be configured to extend over a user's knuckles, beyond a user's fingers, or provide for finger-holes (not shown). In some embodiments, the present invention may comprise a glove that may provide for one or more grip pad(s) 104.

(21) Remaining with FIG. 4, it is contemplated that in certain embodiments, for purposes of illustration and not of limitation, the present invention may provide for a shoulder, elbow, knee, wrist, or other shaped fabric as an alternate support element for one or more grip pad(s) 104, and such alternate embodiments may also provide for an elastomeric band member 401 in an alternate configuration, although such an element is not required in such alternate embodiments.

(22) It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments are merely examples of possible implementations. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the principles of the present disclosure. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure and protected by the following claims.

(23) Moreover, embodiments and limitations disclosed herein are not dedicated to the public under the doctrine of dedication if the embodiments and/or limitations: (1) are not expressly claimed in the claims; and (2) are or are potentially equivalents of express elements and/or limitations in the claims under the doctrine of equivalents.

CONCLUSIONS, RAMIFICATIONS, AND SCOPE

(24) While certain embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, various modifications are contemplated and can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the invention not be limited, except as by the appended claim(s).

(25) The teachings disclosed herein may be applied to other systems, and may not necessarily be limited to any described herein. The elements and acts of the various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. All of the above patents and applications and other references, including any that may be listed in accompanying filing papers, are incorporated herein by reference. Aspects of the invention can be modified, if necessary, to employ the systems, functions and concepts of the various references described above to provide yet further embodiments of the invention.

(26) Particular terminology used when describing certain features or aspects of the invention should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being refined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics, features, or aspects of the garment and method of using the same with which that terminology is associated. In general, the terms used in the following claims should not be constructed to limit the garment and method of using the same to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification unless the above description section explicitly define such terms. Accordingly, the actual scope encompasses not only the disclosed embodiments, but also all equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the disclosed garment and method of using the same. The above description of embodiments of the garment and method of using the same is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the precise form disclosed above or to a particular field of usage.

(27) While specific embodiments of, and examples for, the garment and method of using the same are described above for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible for which those skilled in the relevant art will recognize.

(28) While certain aspects of the garment and method of using the same are presented below in particular claim forms, various aspects of the garment and method of using the same are contemplated in any number of claim forms. Thus, the inventor reserves the right to add additional claims after filing the application to pursue such additional claim forms for other aspects of the garment and method of using the same.