Abstrict A bra to be worn by a woman during exercising includes front and
rear portions. A plurality of pockets are disposed in the front
and rear portions of the bra. A plurality of weights may be disposed
in the pockets. Any one of the weights may be connected in any one
of a plurality of locations relative to the bra.
Claims Having described the invention, the following is claimed:
1. A bra to be worn by a woman during exercise, said bra comprising:
a front portion which is designed to provide support for the woman's
breasts. a rear portion which is connected with the front portion
and is designed to extend across a portion of the woman's back,
said rear portion including at least one pocket, first and second
strap portions which are connected with said front and rear portions
and are designed to extend across the woman's shoulders, an exercise
weight releasably attached within the pocket to provide resistance
which must be overcome by the woman during exercise, and a releasable
fastener which secures said exercise weight inside a pouch portion
of the pocket, said releasable fastener including a first fastener
portion connected to said exercise weight and a second fastener
portion which is disposed in the pocket and is connected to said
rear portion of said bra, said first and second fastener portions
being engageable to connect said exercise weight to said rear portion
of said bra with said exercise weight in the pocket, said first
and second fastener portions being separable to disconnect said
exercise weight from said rear portion of said bra.
2. A bra as set forth in claim 1 wherein said rear portion of said
bra includes an outer panel which extends across a portion of the
woman's back and an inner panel which extends along said outer panel
and is disposed between said outer panel and the woman's back, said
inner and outer panels cooperating to at least partially define
the pocket.
3. A bra as set forth in claim 1 wherein said exercise weight has
a first size and the pocket has second size which is larger than
the first size to enable said exercise weight to be located at any
one of a plurality of positions in the pocket, and said first fastener
portion is engageable with said second fastener portion when said
exercise weight is in any one of a plurality of locations in the
pocket to connect said exercise weight to said rear portion of said
bra at a selected one of the plurality of locations.
4. A bra as set forth in claim 1 wherein said rear portion of said
bra includes an upper edge portion which extends between said first
and second strap portions, a lower edge portion which extends between
opposite edge portions of said front portion, and an opening which
extends between said upper and lower edge portions and provides
access to the pocket, the opening extends between a central portion
of said upper edge portion and a central portion of said lower edge
portion and the pocket extends in opposite directions from the opening.
5. A bra as set forth in claim 1 further including a second exercise
weight disposed in a second pocket in said front portion of said
bra.
6. A bra as set forth in claim 1 wherein said front portion of
said bra includes an upper edge portion which extends between said
first and second strap portions, a lower edge portion which extends
between opposite edge portions of said front portion, a first side
portion which extends between said upper and lower edge portions
and which overlies and is designed to provide support for a first
one of the woman's breasts, a second side portion which extends
between said upper and lower edge portions and which overlies and
is designed to provide support for a second one of the woman's breasts,
a second pocket disposed in the first side portion, a third pocket
disposed in the second side portion, and a second exercise weight
disposed in said second pocket, and a third exercise weight disposed
in said third pocket.
7. A bra as set forth in claim 6 further including a closure device
interconnecting the first and second side portions to facilitate
putting on and taking off of the bra.
8. A bra as set forth in claim 6 further including a first releasable
fastener which secures said second exercise weight inside the second
pocket, said first releasable fastener including a first-fastener
portion connected to said second exercise weight and a second fastener
portion which is disposed inside the second pocket and is connected
to said first side portion, and a second releasable fastener which
secures said third exercise weight inside said third pocket, said
second releasable fastener including a third fastener portion connected
to said exercise weight and a fourth fastener portion which is disposed
inside the third pocket and is connected to said second side portion,
said first and second fastener portions being engageable to connect
said second exercise weight to said first side portion of said bra
with said second exercise weight in the second pocket, said first
and second fastener portions being separable to disconnect said
second exercise weight from said first side portion of said bra,
said third and fourth fastener portions being engageable to connect
said third exercise weight to said second side portion of said bra
with said third exercise weight in the third pocket, said third
and fourth fastener portions being separable to disconnect said
third exercise weight from said second side portion of said bra.
9. A bra as set forth in claim 1 further including a second exercise
weight disposed in said pocket, said exercise weights being interconnected
by a releasable fastener, said releasable fastener including a first
fastener portion connected to one of said exercise weights and a
second fastener portion connected to another of said exercise weights,
said first and second fastener portions being engageable to interconnect
said exercise weights, said first and second fastener portions being
separable to disconnect said exercise weights.
10. A bra as set forth in claim 1 further including a band which
is designed to firmly grip the woman's torso and a pair of cup portions
which are designed to at least partially enclose the woman's breasts,
said cup portions being disposed between said band and said straps.
11. A bra as set forth in claim 1 further including a cold pack
disposed in the pocket.
12. A bra as set forth in claim 1 further including a cold pack,
a first releasable fastener which secures said weight inside the
pocket, and a second releasable fastener which secures said cold
pack inside the pocket, said first releasable fastener includes
a first fastener portion connected to said weight and a second fastener
portion which is disposed in the pocket and is connected to said
rear portion of said bra, said first and second fastener portions
being engageable to connect said weight to said rear portion of
said bra, said first and second fastener portions being separable
to disconnect said weight from said rear portion of said bra, said
second releasable fastener including a third fastener portion connected
to said cold pack and a fourth fastener portion which is disposed
in the pocket and is connected to said rear portion of said bra,
said third and fourth fastener portions being engageable to connect
said cold pack to said rear portion of said bra, said third and
fourth fastener portions being separable to disconnect said cold
pack from said rear portion of said bra.
13. A bra to be worn by a woman during exercise, said bra comprising:
a front portion which is designed to provide support for a woman's
breasts, a rear portion which is connected with the front portion
and is designed to extend across a portion of the woman's back,
at least one of said front and rear portions including at least
a portion of at least one pocket, first and second strap portions
which are connected with said front and rear portions and are designed
to extend across the woman's shoulders, an exercise weight disposed
in the pocket to provide resistance which must be overcome by the
woman during exercise, and a releasable fastener which secures said
exercise weight inside a pouch portion of the pocket, said releasable
fastener including a first fastener portion connected to said exercise
weight and a second fastener portion disposed in the pocket and
connected to at least one of said front and rear portions of said
bra, said first and second fastener portions being engageable to
connect said exercise weight to said bra with said exercise weight
in the pocket, said first and second fastener portions being separable
to disconnect said exercise weight from said bra.
14. A bra as set forth in claim 13 wherein said rear portion of
said bra includes at least a portion of the pocket.
15. A bra as set forth in claim 13 wherein said front portion of
said bra includes at least a portion of the pocket.
16. A bra as set forth in claim 13 wherein said rear portion of
said bra includes an outer panel which extends across a portion
of the woman's back and an inner panel which extends along the outer
panel and is disposed between said outer panel and the woman's back,
said inner and outer panels cooperating to at least partially define
the pocket.
17. A bra as set forth in claim 13 wherein said front portion of
said bra includes an outer panel which extends across at least a
portion of the woman's breasts and an inner panel which extends
along the outer panel and is disposed between said outer panel and
at least a portion of the woman's breasts, said inner and outer
panels cooperating to at least partially define the pocket.
18. A bra as set forth in claim 13 wherein said exercise weight
has a first size and the pocket has a second size which is larger
than the first size to enable said exercise weight to be located
at any one of a plurality of positions in the pocket, said first
fastener portion being engageable with said second fastener portion
when said exercise weight is in any one of a plurality of locations
in the pocket to connect said exercise weight to said bra at a selected
one of the plurality of locations.
19. A bra to be worn by a woman during exercise, said bra comprising:
a front portion which is designed to provide support for a woman's
breasts, a rear portion which is connected with the front portion
and is designed to extend across the woman's back, at least one
of said front and rear portions including at least a portion of
at least one pocket, first and second strap portions which are connected
with said front and rear portions and are designed to extend across
the woman's shoulders, a plurality of exercise weights which are
disposed in a pouch portion of the pocket to provide resistance
which must be overcome by the woman during exercise, a plurality
of first fastener portions each of which is connected to one of
said exercise weights of said plurality of exercise weights, a second
fastener portion disposed in the pocket and connected to said bra,
said first and second fastener portions being engageable to connect
said plurality of exercise weights to said bra with said plurality
of exercise weights in the pocket, said first and second fastener
portions being separable to disconnect said plurality of exercise
weights from said bra.
20. A bra as set forth in claim 19 wherein said second fastener
portion includes a plurality of sections which are connected to
said bra, each of said exercise weights of said plurality of exercise
weights being connectable with any one of said sections of said
second fastener portion.
21. A bra as set forth in claim 19 wherein said second fastener
portion includes a section which is connected to said bra, each
of said exercise weights of said plurality of exercise weights being
connectable with said section of said fastener portion.
22. A bra as set forth in claim 19 wherein said rear portion of
said bra includes at least a portion of the pocket.
23. A bra as set forth in claim 19 wherein said front portion of
said bra includes at least a portion of the pocket.
24. A bra as set forth in claim 19 wherein each fastener portion
of said plurality of first fastener portions is connectable with
said second fastener portion at a plurality of different locations
to enable each of said exercise weights to be positioned at a selected
one of the plurality of different locations.
25. A bra as set forth in claim 19 further including a third fastener
portion connected to a first one of said exercise weights of said
plurality of exercise weights, said first fastener portion connected
to a second one of said exercise weights of said plurality of exercise
weights being engageable with said third fastener portion connected
to said first one of said exercise weights to interconnect said
first and second exercise weights.
Description BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a bra which is worn by a woman
during exercise and has one or more weights to provide resistance
which must be overcome during exercise.
It has previously been suggested that weights may be secured to
a vest and worn during various types of exercise, for example, during
aerobic exercises, running, or the playing of sports. The weighted
vest may include weights which are held in pockets. One known weighted
vest is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6081924. Generally speaking,
known weighted vests are designed to be worn by men.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a new and improved bra which is
to be worn by a woman during exercise, such as the playing of games,
aerobic exercises, or jogging. The bra includes a front portion
which is designed to provide support for the woman's breasts during
exercise. The bra also includes a rear portion which is designed
to extend across the woman's back.
One or more pockets may be formed in the front and/or rear portion
of the bra. One or more weights may be disposed in the pocket or
pockets to provide resistance which must be overcome by the woman
during exercise.
A releasable fastener may be utilized to connect the weight or
weights with the bra. The fastener may include a first portion which
is connected with the weight or weights and a second portion which
is disposed in the pocket in the bra. The first and second fastener
portions are engageable to connect a weight in the pocket with the
bra. A weight or weights may-be connected with the bra at any one
of a plurality of locations in the pocket or pockets. Fastener portions
may be provided to connect the weights with each other.
It should be understood that the present invention provides a plurality
of different features. These features may be utilized together in
the manner disclosed herein. Alternatively, the features may be
utilized separately or in combination with features from the prior
art. It should be understood that the invention is not to be limited
to the specific embodiment of the invention described herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The foregoing and other features of the invention will become more
apparent upon consideration of the following description taken in
connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:
FIG. 1. is a schematic pictorial illustration depicting the wearing
of a bra constructed in accordance with the present invention by
a woman;
FIG. 2. is a schematic front plan view of the bra worn by the woman
in FIG. 1;
FIG. 3. is a schematic inside plan view of the bra of FIG. 2 in
an open or laid out condition;
FIG. 4. is a plan view of a weight which may be disposed in a pocket
in the bra of FIGS. 1 3 and;
FIG. 5. is a fragmentary schematic sectional view, taken generally
along the line 5--5 of FIG. 3 illustrating the manner in which
the weight of FIG. 4 is connected with the bra of FIGS. 1 3 with
the weight disposed in a pocket formed in the bra.
DESCRIPTION OF ONE SPECIFIC PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION
An improved weighted sports bra 10 (FIG. 1) is worn by a woman
12 during exercise. The sports bra 10 includes a front portion 14
which is designed to provide support for the breasts of the woman
12 during exercise. A rear portion 16 (FIGS. 2 and 3) is connected
with the front portion 14 and is designed to extend across the back
of the woman 12. A pair of strap portions 18 and 20 are designed
to extend across the shoulders of the woman 12. The sports bra 10
may be worn by the woman 12 during exercising. For example, the
sports bra 10 may be worn during body movement which may occur when
participating in sports or during body movement which may occur
during repetitive exercises to develop and/or maintain physical
fitness.
In accordance with a feature of the present invention, the sports
bra 10 is provided with a plurality of pockets 24 26 28 and 30
(FIG. 3). The pockets 24 and 30 are disposed in the front portion
of the sports bra 10. The pockets 26 and 28 are disposed in the
rear portion 16 of the sports bra.
In the illustrated embodiment of the sports bra 10 the pockets
24 26 28 and 30 are formed as one continuous pocket and which
extends around the woman 12. Thus, the pockets 24 and 30 in the
front portion 14 are formed as continuations of the pockets 26 and
28 in the rear portion 16. Similarly, the pocket 26 is a continuation
of the pocket 28. However, it should be understood that one or more
of the pockets 24 30 may be separate from the other pockets. Thus,
seams may be sewn into the sports bra 10 to separate the front pockets
24 and 30 from the rear pockets 26 and 28. If desired, seams could
be provided in the rear pockets 26 and 28 to separate them from
each other.
One or more weights 36 (FIG. 3) may be provided in the pockets
24 30. In FIG. 3 weights 36 have been illustrated in dashed lines
as being disposed in each of the pockets 24 30. However, a single
weight may be provided in one of the pockets and the other pockets
may be empty. Alternatively, a plurality of weights 36 may be provided
in some of the pockets while the other pockets contain a single
weight or are empty.
For example, a weight 36 may be disposed in each of the rear pockets
26 and 28 and a third weight may be positioned at the intersection
between the rear two pockets, in the manner illustrated in FIG.
3. The front pockets 24 and 30 may be empty so that weights 36 are
disposed only the rear pockets 26 and 28. Alternatively, weights
36 may be provided in just the front pockets 24 and 30. Of course,
weights may be provided in all four pockets in the manner illustrated
in FIG. 3. Although five weights 36 have been illustrated in FIG.
3 as being disposed in the pockets 24 30 a greater or lesser number
of weights may be provided in the pockets.
The weights 36 are inserted into and removed from the pockets 24
30 through openings 40 42 and 44 (FIG. 3). The openings 40 and
44 are formed as slits which extend between a band 48 at a lower
edge portion of the sports bra 10 and arm openings 50 and 52. The
opening 40 provides access to the front pocket 24 and the rear pocket
26. Similarly, the opening 44 provides access to the front pocket
30 and the rear pocket 28.
The opening 42 is formed as a slit which extends from the band
48 to an upper edge portion 56 of the rear portion 16 of the sports
bra 10. The openings or slits 40 42 and 44 are left open. However,
if desired, fasteners may be provided to close the openings 40 44
once the weights 36 have been inserted into the pockets 24 30.
The weights 36 provide resistance which must be overcome by the
woman 12 during exercise. The weights may be of different magnitudes
and different sizes. However, it is believed that the weights 36
should have a magnitude of at least four ounces or more. Although
the weights 36 have been illustrated in FIG. 3 as having a generally
rectangular configuration, it is contemplated that the weights 36
may have a different configuration, such as a circular configuration.
If desired, the weights 36 may be formed as sheets having configurations
conforming to configurations of portions of the pockets 24 30.
The weight 36 has generally rectangular front and rear major side
surfaces 62 and 64 (FIG. 5). The front and rear side surfaces 62
and 64 of the generally rectangular weight 36 extend parallel to
each other. The corners and minor side surfaces of the weight 36
are rounded (FIGS. 4 and 5) to minimize the possibility of discomfort
to the woman 12 during the wearing of the sports bra 10.
Although the weights 36 may have many different magnitudes, in
one specific embodiment, each of the weights 36 had a magnitude
of approximately eight ounces. In this specific embodiment, each
of the weights 36 was formed of metal encased by a layer of a suitable
polymeric material. Each of the weights 36 had front and rear major
side surfaces 62 and 64 with a height (as viewed in FIGS. 4 and
5) of approximately three inches and a width of approximately one
and a half inches.
It should be understood that the foregoing specific dimensions
and magnitudes of each of the weights 36 have been set forth herein
for purposes of clarity of description and not for purposes of limiting
the invention. It is contemplated that the weights 36 may have many
other magnitudes and configurations. Rather than all being of the
same magnitude, some of the weights 36 may be heavier than other
weights.
The weight 36 is connected with the sports bra 10 by a releasable
fastener system 70 (FIG. 5). The releasable fastener system 70 is
effective to hold the weights against movement in the pockets 24
30 during movement of the woman 12 while she exercises. In the specific
embodiment of the releasable fastener system 70 illustrated in FIG.
5 the fastener system is of the well known hook and loop type which
is commercially available under the trademark VELCRO. Of course,
other known releasable fastener systems may be utilized if desired.
These fastener systems may be of the well known mechanical type.
Alternatively, a recloseable fastener such as "dual lock"
(trademark) may be used.
The specific releasable fastener system 70 illustrated in FIG.
5 includes a layer 74 of loop material which is secured to a rear
panel 76 of the sports bra 10. A layer 78 of hook material is provided
on the rear major side surface 64 of the weight 36. To connect the
weight 36 with the sports bra 10 the layer 78 of the hook material
and the layer 74 of the loop material are pressed against each other.
If desired the weights 36 may be utilized to cool the woman 12
during exercise. This may be accomplished by placing the weights
36 in a refrigerator or freezer before connecting them with the
sports bra. The relatively cold weights 36 will absorb heat and
cool the woman 10 as she exercises.
To further promote cooling, one or more cold packs may be substituted
for one or more of the weights 36. The cold packs may have a rigid
construction or a pliable construction. A fastener system having
the same construction as the fastener system 70 may be utilized
in association with the cold pack. Thus, a layer of hook material,
corresponding to the layer 78 of FIG. 5 may be connected with cold
pack. This layer of hook material would be pressed against the layer
74 of loop material secured to the sports bra 10 to fasten the cold
pack to the sports bra.
The cold pack may be any one of many commercially available cold
packs. The cold pack may have a construction similar to "blue
ice" cold packs used in association with food packs. Alternatively,
the cold pack may have any one of the constructions disclosed in
or referred to in U.S. Pat. No. 5650090.
In accordance with one of the features of the present invention,
the weight 36 may be positioned at any one of many different locations
within in the pocket 28. Thus, the layer 78 of hook material on
the rear major side surface 64 of the weight 36 may be pressed against
the layer 74 of loop material at any desired location in the pocket
28. This enables the weight 36 to be positioned relatively close
to the band 48 (as illustrated in FIG. 3). Alternatively, the weight
36 may be connected with the rear panel 76 at a location adjacent
to the upper edge portion 56.
In accordance with another feature of the invention, a layer 82
of loop material is provided on the front major side surface 62
of the weight 36. This enables a second weight to be attached to
the weight 36 of FIG. 5. Thus, a stack of two or more weights may
be formed by positioning the layer 78 of hook material on one of
the weights 36 in engagement with the layer 82 of loop material
on another one of the weights. In addition, the layer 82 of loop
material provides a cushion on the front major side surface 62 of
the weight to enhance the comfort of the woman 12 wearing the sports
bra 10.
The front portion 14 of the illustrated sports bra 10 includes
a pair of cup portions 86 and 88 which enclose and support the breasts
of the woman 12. The band 48 securely grips the torso of the woman
12 to hold the cup portions 86 and 88 in place. The cup portions
86 and 88 are also held in place by the strap portions 18 and 20.
A zipper 92 closes a front opening in the sports bra 10. The presence
of the zipper 92 facilitates the putting on and taking off of the
sports bra 10.
The layer 74 (FIG. 5) of loop material extends from one side of
the zipper 92 at the front portion 14 of the sports bra 10 across
the rear portion 16 of the sports bra, to the front portion of the
sports bra disposed adjacent to the opposite side of the zipper.
By having a continuous layer of loop material 76 extend throughout
the outer sides of the pockets 24 26 28 and 30 the weights 36
can be located at any desired position in the pockets 24 30. In
addition, the smooth continuous layer of loop material 74 provides
the sports bra with a smooth appearing exterior surface. This enables
the woman 12 to wear the sports bra 10 with a plurality of weights
36 without having the weights visible to a casual viewer of the
sports bra.
The illustrated layer 74 (FIG. 5) of loop material forms a continuous
lining for the inner sides of the outer panels of the pockets 24
30. However, the layer 74 of loop material may be separated into
segments or strips. It is believed that it may be desired to form
the layer 74 of loop material as a plurality of segments if the
pockets 24 30 are separated from each other by seams. When the layer
74 of loop material in segmented, either a single segment or a plurality
of segments of the layer 74 of loop material may be provided in
each of the pockets 24 30.
The inside of the sports bra 10 is lined with a smooth soft polymeric
material which absorbs perspiration. In one specific instance, an
inner lining 96 (FIG. 5) of the sports bra 10 was formed of a breathable
material sold under the trademark COOLMAX. Of course, the inner
lining 96 may be formed of other materials if desired. The inner
lining 96 cooperates with the outer layer 98 of the sports bra 10
to form the pockets 24 30.
Inserts of spandex, that is, a manufactured fiber in which the
fiber-forming substance is a long-chain synthetic polymer comprised
of at least 85% of a segmented polyurethane, are provided in the
outer layer 98 to impart elasticity to the sports bra 10. Of course,
other known materials can be utilized to impart elasticity to the
sports bra 10.
In the illustrated embodiment of the sports bra 10 the lining
96 (FIG. 5) extends along the entire inside of the outer layer 98.
However, it is believed that it may be desired to have the shoulders
18 and 20 (FIG. 1) be formed without a COOLMAX (trademark) lining.
This would result in the shoulders being formed by the material
of the outer layer 98. If desired, the portion of the outer layer
98 forming the shoulders 18 and 20 may be formed of a material having
a high degree of elasticity, such as spandex. Alternatively, material
having a high degree of elasticity may be used to form the portion
of the lining 906 which extends across the shoulders 18 and 20 of
the sports bra 10.
In the illustrated embodiment of the sports bra 10 the releasable
fastener system 70 has been a hook and loop type fastener. However,
it is contemplated that other known releasable fasteners may be
utilized. For example, mechanical snaps, hooks, and/or buttons may
be utilized to connect the weights 36 with the sports bra 10. If
a mechanical snap or hook type retainer is utilized to connect the
weights 36 with the sports bra, a plurality of separate portions
of the fasteners may be provided on the sports bra at locations
where it is believed that the woman 12 will desire to position the
weights 36.
CONCLUSION
In view of the foregoing description, it is apparent that the invention
relates to a new and improved sports bra 10 which is to be worn
by a woman during exercise, such as the playing of games, aerobic
exercises, or jogging. The bra 10 includes a front portion 14 which
is designed to provide support for the woman's breasts during exercise.
The bra also includes a rear portion 16 which is designed to extend
across the woman's back.
One or more pockets 24 30 may be formed in the front and/or rear
portion of the bra. One or more weights 36 may be disposed in the
pocket or pockets to provide resistance which must be overcome by
the woman during exercise.
A releasable fastener 70 may be utilized to connect the weight
or weights 36 with the bra 10. The fastener 70 may include a first
portion 78 which is connected with the weight or weights 36 and
a second portion 74 which is disposed in the pocket 24 26 28
and/or 30 in the bra 10. The first and second fastener portions
78 and 74 are engageable to connect a weight 36 in the pocket 24
26 28 and/or 30 with the bra 10. A weight or weights 36 may be
connected with the bra 10 at any one of a plurality of locations
in the pocket or pockets 24 26 28 and/or 30. Fastener portions
78 and 82 may be provided to connect the weights 36 with each other.
It should be understood that the present invention provides a plurality
of different features. These features may be utilized together in
the manner disclosed herein. Alternatively, the features may be
utilized separately or in combination with features from the prior
art. It should be understood that the invention is not to be limited
to the specific embodiment of the invention described herein.
|